National parks turn into classrooms for a new generation

Students from Pennycook Elementary visit the Redwood Forest, experiencing nature firsthand. The National Park Service provides educational programs to enhance learning through sensory experiences. Despite challenges like budget cuts and declining young visitors, these programs aim to foster a new generation of park enthusiasts. The initiative highlights the importance of experiential learning and the role of parks in education.

What is unique about the students' visit to the Redwood Forest?

• They are attending a virtual reality session.

• They are experiencing a sensory learning environment.

• They are participating in a science fair.

• They are visiting a local zoo.

What teaching method does Teacher Darlene Wong emphasize?

• Traditional textbook learning

• Experiential learning

• Lecture-based learning

• Online learning

How many children does the National Park Service's educational programs serve annually?

• 3 million

• 7 million

• 1 million

• 5 million

What is a major challenge currently facing the National Park Service?

• Budget cuts and reduced staff

• Increasing visitor numbers

• Lack of interest from adults

• Too many educational programs

Why is it important to engage young people of color with national parks?

• To reduce park maintenance costs

• To promote international tourism

• To ensure future celebrations of the National Park Service

• To increase park revenue

What demographic currently makes up the largest percentage of park visitors?

• Young children

• Teenagers

• Aging baby boomers

• College students

What is the ultimate goal of using parks as classrooms according to the Park Service director?

• To contribute to American education and lifelong learning

• To promote park merchandise

• To replace traditional schools

• To increase park entry fees