1. Determine the chronological order in which the Michaelson family visited the National Parks and Monuments.

2. Record the state next to the appropriate day.

3. Answer the student developed question about that state's National Parks or Monuments.

Take the National Park Online Tour! National Park Service

1. Read the clues about the Michaelson's travel plans. The clues are not in chronological order--the reader must piece together the information from the clues, the written description, and the Web site information to accurately determine on what day the Michaelson's arrived at the park or monument.

2. Read the paragraphs about the Parks and Monuments.

3. Consider the information on the Web sites for each National Park or Monument. Photos may give important clues about the weather, geography, plants, wildlife, supplies, and equipment.

4. Use the "Find" function to match a key word(s) from a clue to the same word in the park's description.

• Three days after leaving Arizona, the Michaelson's registered with the park ranger to do some rock climbing.

• After leaving White Sands National Monument, the Michaelson's purchased tweezers and flashlights, Band-Aids and a very precious item--one gallon per person. They had heard that these supplies might be helpful at the next stop. OUCH! At this stop they were able to snap pictures of an exceedingly rare plant that grows in the United States. Thank goodness they drive a four-wheel vehicle or they might miss seeing the abandoned gold and silver mines.

• The Michaelson's were anxious to visit the site that the astronauts could see from space. This is interesting because it is near the United States Missile Testing Range. They hoped that they would be in time to see a second park--the one that offers a lady bug hunt. That state was the second one they traveled to on their trip.

•After leaving Utah, the Michaelson's next visited a national monument that is celebrating a 75th anniversary in 1999. They hoped to arrive in time to see evening program at the campground amphitheater at 9:30 pm.

• On Wednesday, the Michaelson's wondered whether they would find large crowds at their next stop. No water recreation activities (swimming, boating, fishing etc) are allowed at this location because of its importance to Native Americans and other cultures.

• On the first day of their trip, the Michaelson's visited more than one national monument and they were able to see nearby Pike's Peak. Also, they were anxious to see the petrified sequoia stumps on the Walk Through Time and on the Petrified Forest trail. They checked to see whether the soles of their sandals were worn through--and stopped to have Mom's fixed at a shoe repair shop.

• Exploring for bats, going spelunking, and taking a long hike were part of their plans for the final day of their vacation.

Arizona

At the Organ Pipe National Monument, backpackers might carry a flashlight when walking after dark to avoid stepping on a rattlesnake. The desert is home to six varieties of rattlesnakes as well as gila monsters and scorpions. The heat can be unbearable here from May to October with temperatures over 100 degrees F. so most visitors come in February, March and April. Watch out for flash floods and road washouts during the thunderstorm seasons of August and September. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and protective clothing are necessary most of the year. Tweezers and combs are handy for removing cactus spines. Each hiker should also carry a gallon of water.

Question: From this brief description, Organ Pipe National Monument does not seem to be a pleasant vacation stop. Why do you think people visit this National Monument?

The Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument were formed millions of years ago when volcanic ash fell in this lovely mountain valley. Huge redwood trees were destroyed as well as other plants, insects, fish, and small animals. Today it is one of the world's richest fossil sites.

Some of the dunes at the Great Sand Dunes National Monument reach 700 feet, and rise at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. These are the highest sand dunes in North America. Don't think about walking across the dunes during the warmest days of the year--the sand can reach a temperature of 140 degrees F. The Medano Pass Primitive Road is unpaved and is primarily sand which can be deep and very soft. At times, crossing the creeks can be difficult because of high water.

Question: You have decided to drive the Medano Pass Primitive Road. What type of vehicle would you choose to drive? Describe or draw a vehicle that would allow visitors to safely view this magnificent Park.

The Craters of the Moon National Monument is home to 148 types of birds, 2,000 species of insects, and 44 types of mammals. Its dedication in 1924 preserved for us its unusual volcanic features. The lava field is 618 square miles--an enormous area. In order to preserve this unique "outdoor classroom" the public is not permitted to hike some of the trails.

Question: Imagine you are visiting Craters of the Moon National Monument. You must choose the family's first and last activity at the monument. Explain your choice of activities.

New Mexico

White Sands National Monument looks like a 275 square mile field of snow. Very few plants grow here. A few small animals live here and they have adapted a white color skin or fur so that they are hidden in the sand. This is the largest gypsum desert where the wind blows the white sand into sculptures that seem to never end. The sands were one of the last landmarks on Earth still visible to astronauts en route to the moon. Sometimes the park must be closed for visitor safety due to a nearby military base. Wheelchairs can move across some of the dunes; there are trails for hiking as well.

Question: Why would you visit the White Sands National Monument Visitor's Center? Write three questions about the Park facilities and programs you might ask the ranger stationed there.

At Jewel Cave National Monument, sparkling calcite crystals are the "jewels" of this 102 mile long cave in the Black Hills National Forest. Cavers are still exploring these wonderful holes in the rock.

The Badlands National Monument contains the site of the 1890's Ghost Dances, hides buried fossils, protects a delicate ecosystem and its endangered animals. The Park contains the world's richest Oligocene epoch fossil beds, which are 23 to 35 million years old. The development of the horse, sheep, rhinoceros and pig can be studied here. The black-footed ferret, the most endangered land mammal in North America, makes its home here.

Question: Could the Badlands be called the "Goodlands"? If so, why might it deserve that name?

Utah

The Natural Bridges National Monument is carved from sandstone by streams in two southeastern Utah canyons. The names of the bridges carry Hopi names: Sipapu, Kachina, and Owachomo. The Sipapu and Kachina are the second and third largest natural bridges. In ancient times, people lived in cliff dwellings in this area. It is fascinating to think about what it was like to live in this land hundreds of years ago. There are over 200 known archaeological sites in the park.

Question: What would happen if the number of park visitors to Rainbow Bridge National Monument would decrease by 50%? What might be the benefits to the area and what might be the problems?

Wyoming

Devils' Tower National Monument is a was known as Bears Lodge by several north plains Native American tribes. Several Plains Indian tribes consider this huge vertical rock to be sacred. The fluted sides of the tower can be climbed and is considered one of the most fantastic crack climbing areas in North America. However the climb is difficult and most visitors hike in the area, particularly the trail that circles the base of the tower. Climbers must register with a park ranger. Out of respect to American Indian beliefs, the tower is closed to climbers during June.

Lutyk, C. B. (1995). 30 of Nature's Best America's National Monuments, National Geographic Traveler 12 (2), 40--53.

Lutyk, C. B. (1996). Our National Monuments: 41 of History's Best, National Geographic Traveler 13 (1), 88--99.

National Park Service Home Page. (October 31, 1999). [On-Line]. Available: www.nps.gov/parklists/byname.htm.

Public Parks of Alamosa, Colorado. (November 5, 1999). [On-Line]. Available: www.alamosa.org/statnatparks.htm.