Devils Postpile National Monument

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Monday, March 26 Devils Postpile National Monument By Meg Leonard Devils* Postpile is in California. It used to be part of Yosemite National Park. In 1911, it became its own national monument.

1 Monday, March 26 Devils Postpile National Monument By Meg Leonard Devils* Postpile is in California. It used to be part of Yosemite National Park. In 1911, it became its own national monument. It is called Devils Postpile National Monument. The Postpile area is unique. It looks like many fence posts lined up together. That is how this area got its name. However, the posts are made of basalt. There is a beautiful waterfall. It is called Rainbow Falls. It is 2 miles away from the Postpile formation. Its name comes from the rainbows that appear in the mist of the falls. The Postpiles are made from basalt. This is a type of rock that forms from a volcano. It forms from lava that cools quickly. As the lava cools, it shrinks. This makes it crack. When the cracks form vertically, the rocks look like columns. They are 60 feet high. They have unusual symmetry. Devils Postpile is in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Its annual snowfall total is 400 inches! Many people come to ski and snowshoe. Because of the extreme weather, the park closes during the winter. You can hike here. There are three national parks in the area. Anglers can come to fish in the San Joaquin River and nearby lakes and streams. There are lots of ways to enjoy nature. Visitors to Devils Postpile must ride the shuttle bus. You can't drive your own car on these roads. They made this rule in There are only 200 parking spaces here. Before the buses, there were many traffic jams. The buses stop this problem. There aren't any car accidents anymore. The buses also reduce the damage to natural resources. The buses will help keep the Postpile formation and Rainbow Falls beautiful for many years to come. *Footnote: The US Board on Geographic Names recommended against the use of apostrophes in names, so officially Devil's Postpile does not include an apostrophe. Devils Postpile National Monument Questions 1. Where is Devils Postpile National Monument? A. Washington B. Alaska C. California D. Oregon 2. What type of rock makes up the posts? A. basalt B. granite C. metamorphic D. sedimentary 3. What is the name of the waterfall at Devils Postpile? A. Rainbow Falls B. Niagara Falls C. Angel Falls D. Devil Falls

2 Monday, March How can visitors tour Devils Postpile? A. motorcycle B. shuttle bus C. car D. snowmobile 5. Which national park used to contain Devils Postpile? A. Yellowstone B. Yosemite C. Glacier Bay D. Grand Canyon 6. What causes the vertical cracks in the rock? Do you agree with the rule that all visitors must ride the shuttle bus? Why or why not?

3 Monday, March 26 Transcript of Act Establishing Yellowstone National Park (1872) Forty-Second Congress of the United States of America; At the Second Session, Begun and held at the City of Washington, on Monday, the Fourth day of December, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-one. AN ACT to set apart a certain tract of land lying near the headwaters of the Yellowstone River as a public park. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the tract of land in the Territories of Montana and Wyoming, lying near the headwaters of the Yellowstone River, and described as follows, to wit, commencing at the junction of Gardiner's river with the Yellowstone river, and running east to the meridian passing ten miles to the eastward of the most eastern point of Yellowstone lake; thence south along said meridian to the parallel of latitude passing ten miles south of the most southern point of Yellowstone lake; thence west along said parallel to the meridian passing fifteen miles west of the most western point of Madison lake; thence north along said meridian to the latitude of the junction of Yellowstone and Gardiner's rivers; thence east to the place of beginning, is hereby reserved and withdrawn from settlement, occupancy, or sale under the laws of the United States, and dedicated and set apart as a public park or pleasuring-ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people; and all persons who shall locate or settle upon or occupy the same, or any part thereof, except as hereinafter provided, shall be considered trespassers and removed therefrom. SEC 2. That said public park shall be under the exclusive control of the Secretary of the Interior, whose duty it shall be, as soon as practicable, to make and publish such rules and regulations as he may deem necessary or proper for the care and management of the same. Such regulations shall provide for the preservation, from injury or spoliation, of all timber, mineral deposits, natural curiosities, or wonders within said park, and their retention in their natural condition. The Secretary may in his discretion, grant leases for building purposes for terms not exceeding ten years, of small parcels of ground, at such places in said park as shall require the erection of buildings for the accommodation of visitors; all of the proceeds of said leases, and all other revenues that may be derived from any source connected with said park, to be expended under his direction in the management of the same, and the construction of roads and bridle-paths therein. He shall provide against the wanton destruction of the fish and game found within said park, and against their capture or destruction for the purposes of merchandise or profit. He shall also cause all persons trespassing upon the same after the passage of this act to be removed therefrom, and generally shall be authorized to take all such measures as shall be necessary or proper to fully carry out the objects and purposes of this act. Document Caption: Transcription courtesy of the National Park Service. National Archives. 1. What was the purpose of this Act? A. To establish a public park. B. To establish an amusement park. C. To eliminate national parks. D. To visit the park. 2. According to the Act, what cannot be done at Yellowstone National Park? A. settlement B. occupancy C. sale of land D. all of the above 3. Which statement best describes the Act's dictates regarding fish and game? A. They can become domesticated pets. B. They can be eaten. C. They can be hunted and fished. D. They cannot be destroyed.

4 Monday, March Who passed the Act? A. the president B. Congress C. Supreme Court D. none of the above 5. Which word best describes the action of someone who is not supposed to be in the park, as referenced in section 2 of the Act? A. trespassing B. measuring C. walking D. shopping 6. In what year was the Act ultimately passed? A B C D Based on this document and your knowledge of social studies, explain the importance of national parks.

5 Monday, March How did the creators of the national park protect land for the future?

6 Monday, March Do you agree or disagree with this kind of Act? Explain your opinion.

Tuesday, March 27 Voyageurs National Park By Meg Leonard A unique national park is found in northern Minnesota. It is called Voyageurs National Park.

7 Tuesday, March 27 Voyageurs National Park By Meg Leonard A unique national park is found in northern Minnesota. It is called Voyageurs National Park. It is on the border of the United States and Canada. The best way to explore this park is by boat. Almost half the park is water. There are four major lakes. Twenty-six more lakes can be found inside the park. There are more than five hundred islands. This area has an interesting history. What is a voyageur? The word voyageur means "to travel" in French. During the Fur Trade, the word was used to describe a man who worked trading furs. Many of the voyageurs were French. They also came from other countries. This fur trade happened in the 1700s and 1800s. It was hard work. The voyageurs had to work for 14 hours each day. They collected beaver furs. They had to be able to carry heavy packs of fur between the many rivers and lakes. The packs were almost 100 hundred pounds each! They used canoes to transport the furs to the East. Beaver furs were used to make hats. At this time, beaver fur hats were very popular. The voyageurs knew they could make money trading the furs. They also loved adventure. They had the help of the Ojibwa Indians who lived in the area. Beavers almost became extinct because of the fur trade. Today this park is home to a lot of wildlife. You can see birds such as common loons, great blue herons, and white pelicans. You can see animals, such as black bear, white-tailed deer, moose, and red squirrel. Wolves also roam in the park. Many visitors see these animals from their boats or canoes. You can camp at Voyageurs National Park. You cannot get to any of the campsites in the park without using a boat or canoe. Summers are short here, so visitors must be prepared for cold weather all year long. When the lakes freeze over, the ice can be two feet thick! Many people like to ice fish on the lakes. If you love water, then this would be the national park for you! Voyageurs National Park Questions 1. Where is Voyageurs National Park? A. South Dakota B. North Dakota C. Minnesota D. Missouri 2. What is unique about this park? A. The park is entirely underwater. B. Almost half of the park is water. C. There is no water. D. It is a rainforest. 3. What is a voyageur? A. a boater B. a tour guide C. a salesman D. a fur trader

8 Tuesday, March Who helped the voyageurs? A. Sioux Indians B. Lakota Indians C. Ojibwa Indians D. Seminole Indians 5. How do you get to all the campsites within Voyageurs National Park? A. bus B. car C. bike D. boat 6. Name some of the animals found at Voyageurs National Park. Write a story about a voyageur. What would be the hardest part of your job?

Wednesday, March 28 Yosemite National Park By Meg Leonard Yosemite National Park is in California. It was one of the first wilderness parks. It was formed to preserve the wilderness in this area.

9 Wednesday, March 28 Yosemite National Park By Meg Leonard Yosemite National Park is in California. It was one of the first wilderness parks. It was formed to preserve the wilderness in this area. Almost the entire park is wilderness. The term "wilderness" is a special label granted by Congress. It means that the land is protected from development. This means that nothing can be built in the area that would take away from its natural beauty. This includes roads and buildings. The land must remain in its natural state. Many animals live at Yosemite. One of the more famous is the American black bear. In the 1950s, rangers fed the bears. This allowed people to watch the bears more closely. Unfortunately, this was not good for the bears. The bears became unafraid of people. They also liked the food. Because of these two things, many bears became very bold when looking for food. Sometimes, they attacked people. Many bears were killed to keep humans safe. Today, the attitude towards bears at Yosemite has changed. You are no longer supposed to feed the bears. If you see a bear, you should try to frighten it away. Campers must put all food in special storage containers. This is to prevent the bears from getting used to eating human foods. There are an endless number of activities at Yosemite. There are things to do for all activity levels, too. You can take shuttle bus tours of the park. You can hike on easy paved trails. There are also difficult hikes for experienced hikers. There are beautiful waterfalls. You can see Bridalveil Falls or Yosemite Falls. You can watch birds and other animals. You can go fishing. Rock climbing is another activity here. A visit to Yosemite National Park will stay in your memory for many years. Yosemite National Park Questions 1. Where is Yosemite National Park? A. California B. Utah C. Colorado D. Arizona 2. What is a wilderness? A. a large field B. an area where the natural beauty cannot be changed C. any place that doesn't have a store D. anything in nature 3. Who grants the label "wilderness"? A. the president B. the mayor C. the governor D. Congress

10 Wednesday, March What animal has a famous history at Yosemite? A. American black bears B. grizzly bears C. polar bears D. koala bears 5. Which of the following is NOT an activity at Yosemite? A. camping B. hiking C. snorkeling D. fishing 6. Why can't you feed the bears at Yosemite? Why do you think the bears were fed in the 1950s? Do you think it is good that you can't feed the bears anymore? Why or why not?

Thursday, March 29 Congaree National Park By Meg Leonard Congaree National Park is in South Carolina. This area became a park in 2003.

11 Thursday, March 29 Congaree National Park By Meg Leonard Congaree National Park is in South Carolina. This area became a park in Before this time, the area was known as Congaree Swamp National Monument. This park protects the largest remnant of old-growth floodplain forest in North America. A floodplain is a low lying area near a river. It is covered by water from time to time. A swamp is a low lying area that is covered by water all the time. Water from the Congaree and Wateree Rivers pass over the floodplain in the park. The waters carry nutrients and sediments. These renew a unique ecosystem. There are forested wetlands and oxbow lakes. There are slow moving creeks and sloughs. These all provide habitats for the many organisms that live here. Congaree has one of the tallest temperate deciduous forests in the world. The average canopy height is over 100 feet tall. In the park, you can find the National Champion Loblolly Pine. It is 167 feet tall. It is 15 feet in circumference. The best way to see this park is by canoe. Watercrafts are not allowed. You also cannot take motorized vehicles through the park. There are twenty miles of hiking trails. There is a boardwalk loop trail that is 2.4 miles in length. This trail allows all visitors to enjoy the park. If you are looking for a unique experience in the southeastern part of our country, you might want to visit Congaree National Park. Congaree National Park Questions 1. Where is Congaree National Park? A. North Carolina B. South Carolina C. Georgia D. Virginia 2. What is a floodplain? A. land high above sea level that sometimes floods B. low lying land that is rarely covered in water C. low lying land covered by water all the time D. low lying land that is covered by water at times 3. Which rivers flow through the floodplain at Congaree? A. Mississippi and Ohio B. Congaree and Mississippi C. Wateree and Mississippi D. Congaree and Wateree

12 Thursday, March What is the average height of the forest canopy? A. 10 feet B. 200 feet C. 100 feet D. 50 feet 5. What is the best way to see the park? A. canoe B. jet ski C. motorcycle D. speedboat 6. Why do you think watercraft and motorized vehicles are not allowed in the park? Write a story about floating down a river in a canoe.

Thursday, March 29 Dear, 855 Grigsby Av. Detroit, MI 48233 April 11, 2012 We just returned from a trip to San Francisco. We visited many sites. One of my favorites was Alcatraz Island.

13 Thursday, March 29 Dear, 855 Grigsby Av. Detroit, MI April 11, 2012 We just returned from a trip to San Francisco. We visited many sites. One of my favorites was Alcatraz Island. It was a strange and interesting place. Most people think of it as a former prison (which it was), but did you know it was also the first place on the West Coast to have something we often see by oceans? Can you guess what it is? (I'll give you a hint--it has something to do with light!) I think my favorite part of the island was actually not the island itself. It was the boat ride out to the island. For part of the ride, we went under the Golden Gate Bridge. It was amazing to see it from below! The water was choppy, and the wind was blowing hard. It made for an exciting ride. Would you enjoy a ride like that? Do you prefer calmer boat rides? When is the last time you went on a boat? I look forward to hearing what you think of boat rides and if you've ever been to Alcatraz. Sincerely, Priscilla

14 Thursday, March 29

15 Friday, March 30 The Badlands By Kathleen W. Redman What are the Badlands? Are the Badlands really bad? Where are the Badlands? Many years ago, French trappers - crossing areas where it seemed nothing grew - said that they were "bad lands to cross." The Lakota, a tribe of the Sioux Nation, called them "mako sica," which means "bad lands." Today the Badlands are explored by tourists instead of by trappers. When someone speaks of the badlands, most people think of the Badlands in South Dakota. That is not the only place lands like that exist, though. Badlands are found in prairie areas of the United States and Canada. In badlands areas, there are steep slopes made of clay and loose soil. What you won't find are grass, plants, and trees. When it rains, the clay and loose soil erode. Erosion in the Badlands has shaped some very odd terrain. Some people think the Badlands look like the surface of the moon. Geologists have named some of the Badlands' strange formations. Canyons, gullies ravines, and hoodoos are some of the names they have used to describe the shapes of the Badlands. Because of the erosion, fossil beds have been discovered in many of the Badlands. Fossils of early horses, dinosaurs, and rhinoceroses have been found. Today bison, bighorn sheep, ferrets, and foxes live in the Badlands of the United States. In the United States, badlands can be found in the Theodore Roosevelt National Monument in North Dakota, Toadstool Geologic Park in Nebraska, and in the Badlands National Park in South Dakota. Imagine you are in the Badlands National Park on the hottest day of the summer. Each step is like trying to walk on hot marbles. There is no water. There are no animals that you can see. There are no flowers. The land is made up of very strange-looking shapes. There are very narrow passages between the odd shapes. The only sound you hear is the wind. You are completely alone in this place. Do you think the badlands are bad? Or, are they just very different? The Badlands Questions 1. Badlands can be found in the prairies of the United States and. A. Canada B. Chile C. China D. Russia 2. trappers said these areas were "bad lands to cross." A. French B. Navaho C. Lakota D. Irish

16 Friday, March What Native American tribe named these lands "mako sica"? A. Lakota B. Seminole C. Huron D. Cherokee 4. What causes the gullies and oddly shaped formations? A. erosion B. pressure C. volcanoes D. hot weather 5. The badlands are known for their general lack of. A. cold weather B. rain C. plants D. hot weather 6. What three American states contain areas of badlands? A. North Carolina, South Carolina, Nebraska B. North Dakota, Texas, Nebraska C. North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska D. North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas 7. Erosion in badlands areas has resulted in many being found. A. fossils B. rubies C. cave drawings D. minerals 8. In what state is the Badlands National Park located? A. South Dakota B. North Dakota C. Oklahoma D. Texas

17 Saturday, March 31 Grand Teton National Park By Meg Leonard Caption: photo by Ansel Adams "The Tetons and the Snake River" (1942) Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. National Archives and Records Administration, Records of the National Park Service. Wyoming is home to America's first national park. It is called Yellowstone National Park. It is in northwestern Wyoming. Another national park is south of Yellowstone. It is called Grand Teton National Park. The two parks are connected by a special roadway. It is called the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway. Grand Teton has an interesting history. The first part of Grand Teton National Park was formed in It was much smaller than today's park. It included the Teton Range. It also included six glacial lakes. The lakes are at the base of the mountains. In 1943, a neighboring area was preserved. The entire area was named Jackson Hole National Monument. It included the Jackson Hole Valley. The Teton National Forest was included. Jackson Lake was a part of this area, too. More land was given by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. He donated 35,000 acres. This area was one of the last parts of the United States to be settled. The settlers used the natural resources of the area to survive. In time, they grew to appreciate the area's beauty. They knew the land must be preserved. In 1950, the two parts were united. They became known together as Grand Teton National Park. The climate of this area is extreme. It is very cold in winter. In summer, the temperature may rise into the 70s or 80s during the day. It may still be in the 40s at night. The climate made it difficult for settlers to live here. If you are willing to brave this climate, you can find many things to do. Visitors can hike and camp. They may watch many animals in their habitats. They can also combine a visit to Grand Teton with a visit to Yellowstone. Grand Teton National Park Questions 1. Where is Grand Teton National Park? A. California B. Idaho C. Washington D. Wyoming 2. What other national park is north of Grand Teton? A. Olympic B. Yosemite C. Glacier D. Yellowstone 3. What valley is part of Grand Teton National Park? A. Jackson Hole Valley B. Death Valley C. Red River Valley D. Grand Canyon

18 Saturday, March When was the first park formed? A B C D Who donated some land to make Jackson Hole National Monument? A. John Adams B. Johnny Appleseed C. John F. Kennedy D. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. 6. What was united to make the present day Grand Teton National Park? What would you need to pack for a trip to Grand Teton National Park? Why?

19 Sunday, April 1 White Sands National Monument By Meg Leonard There is a large area of white sand in New Mexico. It is called White Sands National Monument. The white sand is caused by gypsum. Gypsum is a very common soft mineral. It is often found with sedimentary rocks. Gypsum usually dissolves in water. It is rare to find gypsum sand. However, here you will find 275 square miles of white gypsum sand. That is why this area is protected as a national monument. The world's largest gypsum dune field is found at White Sands National Monument. A dune is a large hill of sand created by wind. There are four different types of dunes at White Sands National Monument. Plants and animals who live here have adapted to this environment. There is almost no fresh water here. Animals must get most of their water from the food they eat. Another adaptation by some animals is their color. Many animals that live here are white. This is so they blend with the sand. However, not all animals are white. Many desert animals are nocturnal. They come out when the temperature is cooler. Visitors can look for different animal tracks in the sand. There are many ways to explore the dunes. One way is by car. There is an 8-mile road through the dunes. You can also ride your bike on the road. Visitors are encouraged to stop at the visitor's center before they begin. There are several trails that you can take to walk through the dunes. Sledding is a unique activity at White Sands National Monument. You can sled downhill on the sand dunes. The sand dunes are a great place for stargazing. A park ranger can guide you through the different constellations. Day or night, the white sand dunes provide lots of enjoyment! White Sands National Monument Questions 1. Where is White Sands National Monument? A. in Egypt B. in Arizona C. in Utah D. in New Mexico 2. What makes the sand white? A. diamonds B. gypsum C. salt D. mica 3. Which of the following can you do at White Sands National Monument? A. ski B. sled C. snowshoe D. snowboard 4. How is a dune created? A. by wind B. by a tornado C. by water erosion D. by a hurricane

20 Sunday, April 1 5. How large is White Sands National Monument? A. 50 square miles B. 75 square miles C. 275 square miles D. 175 square miles 6. How have some animals at White Sands National Monument adapted? Plan a trip to White Sands National Monument. What would you do? What would you need to pack? What things might you need to pack if you were planning ahead (example: bringing extra water in the desert)?

BOOK SETS, Wilbooks Guided Reading Level= GR Developmental Reading Assessment= DRA

BOOK SETS, Wilbooks Guided Reading Level= GR Developmental Reading Assessment= DRA 6 Things That Swim A 1 6 I Like Fruit A 1 6 More Food for People A 1 6 Who Eats Grass? A 1 6 More Pets A 1 6 Swamp Things A 1 6 Spiders A 1 6 I Have a Pet A 1 6 Baby Farm Animals A 1 6 Animal Babies A