USING NATIONAL PARKS FOR PROBLEM BASED LEARNING (PBL) IN AN INTRODUCTORY EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCE COURSE FOR NON-MAJORS

An Earth Systems Science approach is used to study the earth systems of National Parks and the impact of National Parks on the anthrosphere. The unit is part of an undergraduate non-majors course entitled Managing the Earth's Resources. Students are introduced to National Parks by a series of activities focused on Yellowstone National Park and discussion of National Parks as a national resource. Students, working in groups, then select a National Park to study and prepare a PowerPoint presentation to present their findings and a tri-fold brochure to promote the park. The research and presentation scenario is framed around NPS budget cuts and why their park must maintain or increase their current budget. The audience for the presentations is the NPS budget committee. Students must discuss park's unique aspects within each of the Earth's spheres and must include a socio-economic component.