Purpose of the Curriculum Guide

Through the Eyes of John Muir

by Janice Kelley

This curriculum guide provides a series of interdisciplinary activities to learn about John Muir, field studies to conduct at either the ranch site or other farm site or nature area as an outdoor classroom, and concludes with lessons and practices to help students became stewards of the environment and "champions" in their own community.

The National Park Service interprets the life of John Muir by applying the following three themes: John Muir: A Historical Perspective, John Muir: The Scientist, and John Muir: The Activist. All programming included in this guide for the classroom and the historic site falls within the context of these three themes.

The natural and cultural resources of the historic site present a wealth of opportunities for students to learn and apply new skills as they participate in site-based workshops and investigations. Classroom and field assignments require students to read, research, compare, contrast, synthesize, problem solve, work independently and collaboratively.

Learning activities apply both oral presentation and writing skills. Throughout this experience, students participate in a variety of learning opportunities to develop and refine the critical skills they need to be successful in school and make a positive contribution to their communities. Students can engage in activities that prompt individual and collective reflection on controversial topics that stir debate often based on ideology and personal backgrounds. They will learn to look at the HOW of an issue in addition to the WHAT of an issue. These skills can help students engage in thoughtful debates that lead to informed decisions about a shared future on earth.

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© Copyright 2015 by Janice Kelley. Permission to reprint for school purposes is granted to all public and private school teachers. All other rights reserved.
Through the Eyes of John Muir

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