Introduction
    The mission of the National Park Service is as set forth by an Act of
Congress in 1916 is "...to promote and regulate the use of the...national
parks...which purpose is to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic
objects and the  wildlife therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same
in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the
enjoyment of future generations."   The National Park System has grown
from its first park, Yellowstone National Park, designated in 1872, to its
current size encompassing approximately 83.6 million acres.

    Focusing on the vast United States National Park System students will
learn about  history, geography, and the environment centering around their
National Parks.  They will explore the social studies theme  “Man’s Use of
and Impact on the Environment.”, a Sunshine State Standard.  Students will
become aware of the special problems we have in south Florida regarding our
water supply, and that the decisions they make today will have an impact on
our environment for years to come.

The objectives of this project are:
 1. Students will learn what is a National Park and discuss why they are
        Your Parks.
 2. Students will focus on Everglades National Park using it as a model
        to learn about other National Parks.
 3. Students will research and report upon an assigned National Park.
 4. Students will give a Ranger Talk about their Park.

As a result of participating in this project the students will
 1. Gain knowledge of history, geography, biology, and the
        environment of the United States.
 2. Develop an appreciation of their National Parks.
 3. Become aware of various environmental issues.
 4. Develop and improve research and report writing skills.
 5. Develop oral speaking skills by participating in discussions and
        presenting a Ranger Talk.