Park Expedition Project Guide Field Research & Writing Expedition
National Park Project Guide
Informational Essay
Explorer Name ________________________
Date & Period ________________________
Selected National Park ________________________
Your Expedition Mission
America's National Parks protect some of the most extraordinary landscapes and ecosystems on Earth. Your mission is to step into the role of an investigative park ranger. You will select one U.S. National Park, research its unique environmental profile, and synthesize your discoveries into a formal, vivid informational essay.
The Four Research Pillars You Must Investigate
1. Geographic Location
Exact state(s), geographic coordinates or region, total acreage, boundaries, and how people journey to this remote or protected sanctuary.
2. Distinct Landforms
Iconic geological structures (canyons, glaciers, peaks, caves, geysers, or dunes) and the forces that carved them over millenia.
3. Native Wildlife
Key keystone fauna and flora, intricate food web interactions, endangered inhabitants, and specialized wilderness survival adaptations.
4. Climate & Weather
Seasonal weather patterns, temperature extremes, annual snowfall or precipitation levels, and how severe weather shapes life in the park.
Park Selection Menu (Choose 1 or Propose Your Own) 63 National Parks available
Peaks & Ice
• Glacier (MT)
• Denali (AK)
• Rocky Mountain (CO)
• Grand Teton (WY)
Desert & Rock
• Grand Canyon (AZ)
• Zion (UT)
• Arches (UT)
• Death Valley (CA)
Water & Wetland
• Everglades (FL)
• Acadia (ME)
• Olympic (WA)
• Biscayne (FL)
Wonders & Caves
• Yellowstone (WY/MT)
• Hawaii Volcanoes (HI)
• Mammoth Cave (KY)
• Crater Lake (OR)
EXPEDITION GUIDE • PAGE 1 OF 2 National Park Research & Writing Unit
Workflow & Organization
Expedition Roadmap & Essay Blueprint
Milestone Tracker
Project Milestones & Checklist
Phase 1
Field Research
Gather factual notes on all 4 core pillars using NPS.gov and credible books.
Target: Day 2
Phase 2
Essay Outline
Map out hook, thesis statement, topic sentences, and supporting facts.
Target: Day 3
Phase 3
Rough Draft
Write the full 5-paragraph draft with rich transitions and descriptive verbs.
Target: Day 4
Phase 4
Polish & Final
Peer review, edit for grammar and flow, then finalize published essay.
Target: Day 5
Essay Structural Blueprint (5 Paragraphs)
PARAGRAPH 1
Introduction & Park Invitation
Attention Hook: A captivating sensory image, surprising park statistic, or intriguing fact.
Background: Establish the park’s name, state, and geographic identity.
Thesis Statement: Identify why this park is ecologically and geologically extraordinary.
PARAGRAPH 2
Body Paragraph 1: Location & Landforms
Detail the park's precise geographical setting, boundaries, and spectacular terrain. Explain the geological origins of at least two landmark features (e.g., glaciers, volcanic activity, tectonic uplift, or river erosion).
PARAGRAPH 3
Body Paragraph 2: Wildlife & Living Ecosystems
Introduce keystone plant and animal species that inhabit the park. Describe specialized adaptations that allow these organisms to flourish, as well as any protected or endangered wildlife under conservation care.
PARAGRAPH 4
Body Paragraph 3: Climate Patterns & Environmental Dynamics
Analyze seasonal climate shifts, temperature swings, and precipitation. Explain how weather extremes affect park visitors, landforms, and the seasonal behaviors of local wildlife (e.g., migration, hibernation, blooms).
PARAGRAPH 5
Conclusion & Conservation Call to Action
Synthesize your main ideas without repeating verbatim. Reflect on why preserving this wilderness matters for future generations, and leave the reader with a lasting impression or inspiring takeaway.
Ranger Research Standard: Use reputable sources such as the official National Park Service website (nps.gov ), nature encyclopedias, and non-fiction library books. Always record your source titles and URLs on your planning pages!
EXPEDITION GUIDE • PAGE 2 OF 2 National Park Research & Writing Unit
Park Expedition Planning Pages Field Research Log • Part 1
Location & Landforms Investigation
Research Notes
Student Name ______________________
Date ______________________
Park Chosen ______________________
Section A: Geographic Location & Setting
State(s) and Geographic Region:
Total Acreage / Size & Year Established:
Geographic Boundaries, Nearest Cities, or Major Bodies of Water:
What makes this location geographically unique or isolated?
Section B: Distinct Landforms & Geology
List 3 Major Landforms found in the park (e.g., canyons, arches, glaciers, peaks, caves):
Geological Forces: How were these landforms shaped over time? (volcanoes, glaciers, water/wind erosion, tectonic plates)
Spotlight Feature: Choose 1 famous geological landmark in the park to describe with vivid sensory details:
FIELD PLANNING PAGES • PAGE 1 OF 3 National Park Research & Writing Unit
Field Research Log • Part 2
Wildlife & Climate Investigation
Ecosystem Notes
Section C: Wildlife & Living Ecosystems
Prominent Flora (Key plants & trees):
Prominent Fauna (Key animal species):
Wild Adaptations: How have species adapted to thrive in this specific habitat?
Conservation Spotlight: Are there endangered species, invasive threats, or protected animals?
Section D: Climate, Weather & Seasons
Overall Biome / Climate Classification:
Average Annual Precipitation (Rain/Snow):
Summer Conditions (Temps & Weather):
Winter Conditions (Temps & Weather):
Severe Weather & Seasonal Impact: How does climate affect animals and visitors?
Field Sources Log (Cite 2+ credible sources)
FIELD PLANNING PAGES • PAGE 2 OF 3 National Park Research & Writing Unit
Drafting Architecture
Five-Paragraph Essay Outline
Pre-Writing Blueprint
Paragraph 1: Introduction
Hook (Sensory detail, dramatic quote, or stunning fact):
Thesis Statement (Park identity + overview of its landforms, wildlife, and climate):
Paragraph 2: Location & Landforms
Topic Sentence (Setting & geological majesty):
Supporting Evidence & Geological Explanations:
Paragraph 3: Wildlife & Ecosystems
Topic Sentence (Flora, fauna, and biological adaptations):
Supporting Species Examples & Ecosystem Connections:
Paragraph 4: Climate & Weather Dynamics
Topic Sentence (Seasonal weather patterns and environmental conditions):
Supporting Weather Facts & Seasonal Impacts:
Paragraph 5: Conclusion & Conservation Call
Restated Thesis & Summary of Park’s Wonder:
Final Thought / Why Protecting This Park Matters:
FIELD PLANNING PAGES • PAGE 3 OF 3 National Park Research & Writing Unit
Park Expedition Writing Rubric Evaluation & Feedback Guide
National Park Essay Rubric
Total Points: / 20
Explorer Name ___________________
Date ___________________
National Park ___________________
Reviewer ___________________
Investigation Criterion
4 • Exemplary
3 • Proficient
2 • Developing
1 • Beginning
1. Location & Setting Geography, boundaries, acreage
Precise state(s), geographic region, boundaries, and size thoroughly and vividly detailed.
Accurately identifies state, region, and general location with clear geographic context.
States basic location, but lacks details on boundaries, size, or regional setting.
Location is vague, incomplete, or contains inaccurate geographical facts.
2. Landforms & Geology Features & physical forces
Examines landmark features in depth; clearly explains geological forces (erosion, volcanism, tectonics).
Describes major landforms accurately and explains the primary geological forces shaping them.
Lists park landforms with superficial or unclear explanations of how they formed.
Little to no mention of distinctive landforms; geological processes omitted.
3. Wildlife & Ecosystem Flora, fauna, adaptations
Rich portrait of native flora and fauna; thoroughly explains specialized adaptations and ecology.
Identifies key plants and animals and describes notable adaptations and living habitats.
Lists species with brief notes; lacks explanation of adaptations or ecological roles.
Mentions generic animals without specific park relevance or ecosystem context.
4. Climate & Weather Seasons, precip, impact
Comprehensive breakdown of seasonal temperatures, precipitation, and environmental impacts.
Details seasonal weather patterns and precipitation clearly with good accuracy.
General weather mentioned, but lacks seasonal data, temperatures, or precipitation facts.
Weather/climate information is inaccurate, oversimplified, or absent.
5. Structure & Conventions Organization, voice, grammar
Cohesive 5-paragraph structure, strong thesis, seamless transitions, and error-free mechanics.
Clear intro, body, and conclusion with effective transitions and minor grammatical errors.
Structure is somewhat loose; transitions are repetitive; noticeable errors in spelling/grammar.
Disorganized paragraphing; frequent mechanical errors impede reader comprehension.
Score Calculation
Student Self-Evaluation Score: ____ / 20 pts
Ranger / Teacher Final Score: ____ / 20 pts
Performance Band: 18-20: Advanced | 15-17: Proficient | 12-14: Basic | <12: Novice
Evaluator Feedback
Expedition Strengths (Glow):
Growth Opportunities (Grow):
EVALUATION RUBRIC • PAGE 1 OF 1 National Park Research & Writing Unit
Park Expedition Launch Slides Junior Ranger Field Unit
Informational Writing Project
The Great National Park Expedition
Investigate America’s protected wilderness: discover unique landforms, observe wildlife, analyze climate, and craft a compelling essay.
MISSION OBJECTIVE: RESEARCH & ESSAY 4 KEY PILLARS OF DISCOVERY
Your Expedition Mission
Overview
1
Select a Park
Choose 1 of America’s 63 National Parks to research in depth.
2
Gather Field Data
Record facts on location, landforms, wildlife, and seasonal climate.
3
Write Your Essay
Synthesize your discoveries into a formal 5-paragraph informational essay.
GOAL: CELEBRATE & DEFEND AMERICA’S NATURAL HERITAGE
The Four Research Pillars
What to Investigate
1. Geographic Location
State(s), region, total acreage, boundaries, and how visitors reach its borders.
2. Distinct Landforms
Canyons, peaks, caves, or glaciers and the geological forces that formed them.
3. Native Wildlife
Keystone animal species, native plants, food webs, and wilderness adaptations.
4. Climate & Weather
Seasonal temperatures, precipitation patterns, and impact on park wildlife.
EVERY ESSAY MUST ADDRESS ALL FOUR INVESTIGATION PILLARS
Diverse Ecosystems to Explore
Inspiration
Peaks & Ice
Glacier, Denali, Rocky Mountain, Grand Teton
Canyons & Sand
Grand Canyon, Zion, Arches, Death Valley
Water & Coast
Everglades, Olympic, Acadia, Biscayne
Volcanic & Caves
Yellowstone, Hawaii Volcanoes, Mammoth Cave
TIP: PICK A PARK THAT SPARKS YOUR CURIOSITY
Field Research Standards
Evidence
Recommended Sources
• NPS.gov: Official National Park Service portal
• USGS.gov: Geological survey reports & maps
• Library non-fiction books & field guide manuals
Note-Taking Habits
• Record exact facts, numbers, and species names
• Paraphrase into your own words—no copying
• Cite at least 2 credible sources in your log
ACCURATE SCIENCE & GEOGRAPHY FORM THE BACKBONE OF YOUR ESSAY
The 5-Paragraph Architecture
Roadmap
Paragraph 1: Introduction Attention Hook + Park Identity + Clear Thesis
Paragraph 2: Setting & Landforms Location, Boundaries + Geological Forces Shaping Features
Paragraph 3: Wildlife & Ecosystems Native Flora & Fauna + Specialized Adaptations
Paragraph 4: Climate & Weather Seasonal Patterns, Temperatures, and Environmental Impacts
Paragraph 5: Conclusion Restate Thesis + Call to Preserve This Wilderness
CHECK YOUR WRITING RUBRIC AT EVERY STAGE OF DRAFTING!