Open OutDoors for Kids

Connecting students, classrooms, and families to the history of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park.

Funded by the National Park Foundation

Exploring Hometown History at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park

Through NPP’s Open OutDoors for Kids program, CCNMP engaged close to 8,000 elementary school students last year in their field trip program, “Exploring Chattanooga's History Through the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park.” Incorporating the history of the park and its role in the Civil War, the project also emphasizes themes like women’s history, indigenous perspectives, and inclusive narratives.  

Read the National Park Foundation's feature on NPP + CCNMP!

CCNMP in Virtual Reality

Visit your favorite app store to download the free XPLORE AR by Timelooper app. Search “Chattanooga” to explore the history of the region and beyond. Explore all six National Park Service sites — Chickamauga Battlefield, Lookout Mountain Battlefield, Moccasin Bend National Archeological District, Signal Point, Orchard Knob Reservation, and Missionary Ridge — from your classroom or living room.

Augmented reality quilts together existing media in a virtual, digital, platform. This free app allows users to explore sites virtually with 3D maps and digital content on computers and handheld devices.

DOWNLOAD FREE & EXPLORE THE WORLD!

Lesson Plans & Standards

These 40-minute lesson plans are available for in-school presentations, after-school presentations and NPS field trips. Lessons are free and bus stipends are available to Hamilton, Catoosa, and Walker County Title I Schools. Register your 4th grade classroom or club today for these unique Chattanooga experiences. Contact Jennifer@nppcha.org for additional information.

  • This 40-minute lesson takes a lightning-fast look at the 12,000 years of history present in Chattanooga and the Moccasin Bend National Archeological District.

  • This 40-minute lesson plan addresses the following standards:

    4.18 [C, E, G, H, P, T]

  • This 40-minute lesson addresses the following standards:

    4.01 [C, G, H, P]

    4.19 - 4.24 [C, E, G, H, P, T]

  • This 40-minute lesson addresses the following standards:

    4.12 [C, E, G, H, P]

  • This 40-minute lesson addresses the following standards:

    4.25, 4.26 & 4.29 [C, E, G, H, P, T]

  • This 40-minute lesson plan addresses the following standards:

    4.30, 4.32, 4.33 & 4.34

    [C, G, H, P]

  • During this 40-minute lesson students learn about the women and men who helped make Chattanooga a critical part of American history.

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Primary & Secondary Sources

Students in grades 3-5 should achieve an understanding of the difference between primary and secondary sources and the importance of trusted sources. Below are several trusted sources we recommend for students and families searching local history.

SSP.01 - SSP.03

Lesson plans and resources guide students in gaining mastery to gather information from trusted sources and develop historical and geographic awareness.

  • Choose Historic Photo Collection in the dropdown menu to search the archives.

  • Also, visit the NPS YouTube accounts as well as educational videos.

  • The NPP website and blog are great places to stay connected with events, community outreach and blogs and stories connected to our NPS history.

  • This database allows users to search historic newspapers from around the country.

  • Curated by local historian Sam Hall, this resource includes historic photographs and glass slides, offering a unique glimpse into what Chattanooga’s past looked like.