2.++Building+Background+Knowledge

Next, consider helping students to develop questions to research that will help them to deepen their understanding build background knowledge about the National Park they are researching. In an effort to ensure that inquiry is at the forefront of learning, you might consider doing a "Brainstorm Cafe" around each topic. Below is a list of possible questions to pose at each table and the instructions for a "Brainstorm Cafe." Download a menu to use with your students: [|BrainCafe.doc]


 * Questions:**
 * What is the relationship between people and national parks?
 * Based on what you know, how would you explain “sustainability”?
 * What natural resources do National Parks preserve?
 * What natural processes can affect our National Parks?
 * What cultural resources do National Parks preserve?
 * What questions would you ask a National Park Ranger?


 * Brainstorm Cafe Instructions:**
 * 1) Place a piece of chart paper with one question written on it at six different stations.
 * 2) Divide the class or group evenly to sit at each station to begin.
 * 3) Ask for one volunteer at each station to remain at the table to host the group.
 * 4) Provide markers or writing utensils for each chart paper. Everyone records their ideas and questions about the topics.
 * 5) After about 3-5 minutes, ask everyone to rotate to the left, except the host.
 * 6) Once everyone is reseated at a new table topic, the host can share what occurred in the last session and participants add new thinking to the chart.
 * 7) Continue to rotate until all participant are back to their original seats
 * 8) Finally, the hosts share out the ideas on the charts.