National Park Research & Design: 5E Project (Plan a trip!) | 4th Grade STEM Trailblazers

National Park Research & Design: 5E Project (Plan a trip!) | STEM Trailblazers

Students begin by exploring the history and purpose of the National Park System and observing different parks to consider what makes a National Park special and visitor-friendly. They then select a National Park to research, learning about its natural features, attractions, activities, and visitor experience. Using their research, students plan a trip to their chosen park before taking on an engineering design challenge: designing and building the NEXT National Park.

Students apply what they have learned to create a park that includes engaging visitor activities, important natural features, a park sign, and a park patch. The project concludes with students presenting their research and design models and explaining how their new National Park provides a meaningful and enjoyable experience for visitors.

This lesson sequence is designed as an introductory or end-of-unit project for students in grades 4–6 studying National Parks.

This challenge follows the 5E Science Learning Model. Click to learn more: NGSS, Edutopia, & Vivify STEM

• ENGAGE: National Park Introduction

• EXPLORE: Learn about National Parks and what makes a National Park safe and enjoyable for visitors.

• EXPLAIN: Research a National Park, plan a trip, and present a research report.

• ELABORATE: Design the NEXT National Park.

• EVALUATE: Assess Student Learning with Final Presentation and Reflections  

STEM Trailblazers Storyline (Adaptable for Grades 4 - 6)

History’s Explorers: Throughout history, there have been trailblazers—people who dared to explore, discover, and protect the natural world. From early navigators who mapped volcanoes and rivers, to today’s scientists who use satellites to track climate change, these trailblazers show us how curiosity and courage can change the future.

Modern Innovators: You will walk in their footsteps, face the challenges of Earth’s systems, including land, water, air, and life, and design solutions for a sustainable tomorrow.

Included in this product:

• Aligned to NGSS

• Complete Teacher Guide following the 5E STEM guidelines

• Materials list and activity suggestions

• Editable teaching slides

• Editable student handouts for each phase of the process, including science background, STEM career connection, and more!

• Two versions of student badges for completing the mission: pre-colored or a black and white option for students to color themselves to celebrate!

Materials Needed for Unit:

• Markers

• Hot glue guns/ glue sticks

• 16 sheets foam core board, 11x14”

• 1 pack construction paper

• Twigs, leaves, sand, stones (can be collected from outside)

• Recycled materials (cardboard, egg cartons, milk cartons, boxes, plastic cups)

• Twine or string

• Popsicle sticks

• Model magic clay

• Pencils

• Scissors

• Liquid glue or glue sticks

• 1 roll of duct tape and masking tape each

• Aluminum foil

• X-acto knives

• Small animal figurines

• Small model trees or plants

• Brown/green sheets felt