America's Largest Classroom: What We Learn from Our National Parks - Paperback

Educational Resource for National Parks Learning Programs

Over the past 100 years, visitor learning at America's national parks has grown and evolved. Today, there are over 400 National Park Service (NPS) sites, representing over eighty million acres. Sites exist in every US state and territory and are located on land, at sea, in remote areas, and in major urban centers. Every year, more than 300 million people visit national parks, and several million of them are children engaged in one of many educational programs hosted by the NPS.

Practical Guidance for Educators and Interpreters

America's Largest Classrooms offers insight and practical advice for improving educational outreach at national parks as well as suggestions for classroom educators on how to meaningfully incorporate parks into their curricula. Via a wide collection of case studies--ranging from addressing inclusivity at parks and public lands to teaching about science and social issues--this book illustrates innovations and solutions that will be of interest to nature interpreters, outdoor educators, and policy makers, as well as professors in the sciences writ large.

Comprehensive Case Studies and Applications

This resource covers critical topics including inclusivity initiatives at public lands, science education methodologies, and approaches to teaching social issues through park programs. The case study format provides actionable examples for implementing effective educational strategies across diverse National Park Service locations.

Target Audience

Designed for nature interpreters working at park sites, outdoor education specialists, classroom teachers integrating environmental content, policy makers shaping park education programs, and university professors teaching environmental and science education courses.