MEET ME AT THE CORNER: Interview with a Park Ranger

1. This episode tells about Balboa Park. Describe Balboa Park.
2. Design a Venn diagram comparing and contrasting this park to another park you have visited.
3. When and why was Balboa Park built? Explain the connection of the park to the building of the Panama Canal.
4. Describe the unusual exhibit at the Panama/California Exhibition. Create (drawing or 3D) an unusual display that would be unique from your area. Write a brief paragraph describing your exhibit.
5. How did the San Diego zoo get started?
6. What are some of the unusual, or endangered, plants at the botanical park in San Diego? Are there any unusual or endangered plants in your area? Draw a pictures of them.
7. Make a list of a park ranger’s responsibilities. Would you like to be a park ranger? Explain your answer.
8. Tell about three places you would like to visit at Balboa Park. Why?

A. Challenge: Why was the completion of the Panama Canal so important to the city of San Diego? If you had been alive in 1915 would you have supported the building of Balboa Park or not? Write a letter to the newspaper supporting your decision. Remember, this park cost the taxpayers a lot of money!

B. Click on Other Fun Websites. Go to Webrangers. This is a terrific site to explore. There are a wide variety of activities ranging from easy to difficult in the following areas: parks, science, puzzles, nature, history, people, and animals.

C. The Smokeybear website also has a wide variety of activities. The Forest Links (bulletin board) has some excellent link. In addition, the story maker link (the books on the left side of the screen) is lots of fun - I loved it!