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Winter Challenge Field Trip

Students use their own observations to understand animal behaviors and adaptations while snowshoeing in the footprints of GTNP wildlife. Students will compare and contrast wildlife and human “adaptations” to winter. Students will create their own imaginary winter animal and present it to the class.

Snowshoes can be provided.

Cross Disciplinary Concepts: The shape and stability of structures of natural and designed objects are related to their function(s). Patterns in the natural world can be observed. The shape and stability of structures of natural and designed objects
are related to their function(s).

Vocabulary:  Migrate, hibernate, adapt, survive, camouflage, subnivean, foot load

Science Standards This Program Meets

1-LS1-1 From Molecules to Organisms: Structures & Processes

  • Grade: 1st Grade
  • Discipline: Life Science
Requirements:
Use materials to design a solution to a human problem by mimicking how plants and/or animals use their external parts to help them survive, grow, and meet their needs.
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2-ESS2-3 Earth’s Systems

  • Grade: 2nd Grade
  • Discipline: Earth & Space Science
Requirements:
Obtain information to identify where water is found on Earth and that it can be solid, liquid, or gas.
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2-LS4-1 Biological Unity and Diversity

  • Grade: 2nd Grade
  • Discipline: Life Science
Requirements:
Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats.
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2-PS1-3 Matter and Its Interactions

  • Grade: 2nd Grade
  • Discipline: Physical Science
Requirements:
Make observations to construct an evidence based account of how an object made of a small set of pieces can be disassembled and made into a new object.
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K-2-ETS1-2 Engineering, Technology, & Applications of Science

  • Grade: Kindergarten
  • Discipline: Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science
Requirements:
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!