The Southwest is the home of many interesting places to visit, such as the Grand Canyon, the Carlsbad Caverns, and the Alamo. In this activity, students will create a postcard from a Southwest tourist attraction. The written part must include at least one fact about the attraction, and the picture must accurately depict the location.
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Due Date:
Objective: Create a postcard from a tourist attraction in the Southwest.
Student Instructions
Begin by introducing students to the concept of historical tourism and its importance in understanding how destinations have evolved over time. Discuss the value of historical context in travel experiences. Provide examples of famous historical tourist attractions and the role they play in preserving cultural heritage and history.
Assign students to research specific historical tourist attractions in the Southwest region. Encourage them to explore the historical significance, origins, and development of these attractions. Instruct students to gather historical photographs, documents, and stories related to these attractions to enhance their understanding.
Guide students in analyzing how historical tourist attractions have changed over time. Have them compare and contrast past and present states of the attractions, considering factors like architecture, visitor experiences, and cultural relevance. Encourage critical thinking by discussing how historical changes reflect broader social, cultural, and economic shifts in the region.
Have students present their findings about historical tourist attractions to the class. This can be done through written reports, presentations, or multimedia displays. Conclude with a reflective discussion about the importance of preserving and visiting historical attractions, as well as how understanding their historical context enhances the travel experience.
In the Southwest, some must-visit national parks include the Grand Canyon (known for its breathtaking vistas and hiking opportunities), Zion National Park (renowned for towering red rock formations and trails like Angels Landing), Bryce Canyon National Park (famous for its intricate hoodoos), Arches National Park (home to over 2,000 natural stone arches), and Joshua Tree National Park (known for its unique desert landscapes and stargazing).
Storyboard ideas can include visual depictions of iconic Southwest attractions like the Grand Canyon, Arches, and desert landscapes. Worksheets may involve activities such as creating travel itineraries, researching and presenting on specific attractions, calculating travel distances, and mapping scenic routes. Additionally, students can design posters or brochures to promote Southwest destinations, fostering creativity and engagement in their learning experience.
To create accurate and engaging storyboards of major national parks in the Southwest, focus on iconic parks like the Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, and Joshua Tree. Design key scenes that capture the parks' distinctive features, such as the Grand Canyon's vast expanse or Zion's towering red rock formations. Incorporate landmarks, depict popular activities like hiking and stargazing, and showcase the unique wildlife found in these parks. Include tourists to convey scale and the grandeur of the parks. Ensure the landscapes reflect characteristic terrain, like the red rocks in Arches or desert flora in Joshua Tree. Use accurate colors and labels for clarity, and provide context by illustrating the park's surroundings. This approach ensures that your storyboards serve as informative and engaging learning tools for students.