Students in Mrs. DelToro’s Hands-On Geography class recently completed their Seven Continent Study by focusing on the United States of America. This final unit, titled “Who Owns the Wilderness?”, explored America’s National Parks and their significance in U.S. history.
This two-week project ran from December 3rd through December 16th and challenged students to think critically about land ownership, conservation, and public responsibility.
Throughout the unit, students learned that National Parks are public lands owned by the American people. The class discussed how these lands are managed by the U.S. National Park Service, a federal agency responsible for protecting natural and cultural resources while also allowing public access and enjoyment. Students explored how the National Park Service balances conservation with recreation—a responsibility that is both important and complex.
As part of the project, students created detailed National Park dioramas to demonstrate their understanding of the topic. These dioramas will be on display in the RVMS Library beginning in January when students return from Winter Break. The display will remain up through Student-Led Conferences in February, giving families the opportunity to view the students’ hard work.
