Last updated: February 15, 2022
Lesson Plan
Lumber, The Green Book, and Grand Canyon
- Grade Level:
- High School: Ninth Grade through Twelfth Grade
- Subject:
- Social Studies
- Lesson Duration:
- 60 Minutes
- State Standards:
- HS.H1.4, HS.H3.5, HS.H4.1, HS.H4.4, HS.G2.3, HS.G2.4
Essential Question
How does National Park history shape visitation today?
Objective
Students will:
Learn about the history of lumber in Northern Arizona
Learn about The Green Book and The Grand Canyon
Discuss the importance of making visitors of color feel welcome in National Parks
Preparation
- The Articles and videos
- Writing materials
Materials
Lesson Hook/Preview
Have students watch this video on the development of the rail system in the United States. Ask students if they can find the train line that goes past the Grand Canyon on the map.
Procedure
Engage:
Have students very briefly explore this webpage on early explorers in the Grand Canyon. Have students discuss the following questions:
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Who is represented on this page? Whose stories are being told?
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Whose stories are missing from this page?
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What does the word representation mean? Why do we talk about this concept?
Explore and Explain:
Have students read the Grand Canyon and the Green Book article.
Have students watch this video about The Green Book
If student are interested in learning more about African American Lumber History in Northern Arizona have them read “I Wanted To Get Up and Move” The Arizona Lumber Industry and the Great Migration.
Elaborate:
Have students detail the connection between lumber, railroad and labor at the great canyon through the “life” of a tree in a Northern Arizona forest.
Have students watch this video on Attracting more Visitors of Color. Ask if when they think of Yosemite and the parks in the Bay Area, if they think of the stories told in that video. Ask students if Black history came to mind when they thought of the Grand Canyon before this lesson.
Have students break up into small groups to discuss the video and the content that they learned. Have students share out at least one thing they discussed to the whole group.