Habitats & Maps field trip
Explore the different communities of Grand Teton, and the diversity of wildlife that call them home, using larger-than-life maps and activities. Students will compare and contrast types of maps. They will use those maps to understand where to find habitats, recreational opportunities, roads, etc. in the park. Activities include Animal Olympics, giant park map “twister,” an exploration of the 3-D relief map, and map-drawing exercises.
Cross-cutting Concepts: Cause and effect relationships are routinely identified and used to explain change. Patterns can be used as evidence to support an explanation.
Vocabulary: habitat, adaptation, community, compass rose, topographic map, relief map, sagebrush, alpine, forest, wetland
*Please inquire for more details on COVID-19 mitigations*
Science Standards This Program Meets
2-LS4-1 Biological Unity and Diversity
- Grade: 2nd Grade
- Discipline: Life Science
Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats.
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3-LS4-3 Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity
- Grade: 3rd Grade
- Discipline: Life Science
Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular habitat some organisms can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot survive at all.
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4-ESS2-2 Earth’s Systems
- Grade: 4th Grade
- Discipline: Earth & Space Science
Analyze and interpret data from maps to describe patterns of Earth’s features.
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K-2-ETS1-2 Engineering, Technology, & Applications of Science
- Grade: Kindergarten
- Discipline: Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science
Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem.
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About Grand Teton National Park
Turn Grand Teton National Park into your classroom! We offer programs year-round including field trips with hands-on exploration, rangers visiting your classroom with park resources, or even opportunities to connect to rangers digitally. Topics range from “taking a walk on the wild side” with ecology, “rocking the Tetons” with geology, or learning that "every snowflake counts" from rangers sitting at a desk made of snow. If you don't see a program here that meets your needs, please contact park educators to explore options for a customized program.
View All Programs Visit Website| Who | Park rangers (GRTE_Education@nps.gov) |
| What | Field trips and classroom visits about ecology, geology, history, ranger careers, and outdoor leadership |
| When | All year |
| Where | In your national park or your classroom |
| Why | Because learning sticks when you experience the real thing! |