Open OutDoors for Kids

This project, funded by the National Park Foundation, will connect students, classrooms, and families to the history of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park.

 

project overview & lesson plans

The Open OutDoors for Kids project will engage students and families in learning about the history of the Chattanooga and North Georgia region through in-school presentations, NPS-based field trips, after-school enrichment, and innovative community events and resources.

Register your classroom

In-school presentations are aligned with 4th grade social studies standards and connected to local landmarks and parks. Innovative resources are designed to take home and connect the whole family to learning in our Parks.

what is augmented reality?

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

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.

 

What is augmented reality?

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!

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 from your classroom or living room.

Download free & explore Chattanooga & the world!

Chickamauga Battlefield

Lookout Mountain Battlefield

Moccasin Bend National Archeological District

Signal Point

Orchard Knob Reservation

Missionary Ridge

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.

Spring Break Family Adventures April 3-8, 2023

Ross’s Landing, Chattanooga Green [Monday - saturday: 10 am, 1 pm & 3 pm]

Enjoy a family adventure through Chattanooga’s history. This experience lasts approximately 1.5 hours & includes a Chattanooga-centric snack. Participants will tour the Riverfront, engage in a unique app-based scavenger hunt and use a free augmented reality app to explore other parts of Chattanooga and their history.