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The National Park Classroom

@npclassroom.bsky.social

80 followers 11 following 130 posts

Promoting stewardship of our shared historic, cultural, and natural heritage through curriculum and partnerships between parks and teachers. Find out more at nationalparkclassroom.com -=- https://thenationalparkclassroom.substack.com/

thenationalparkclassroom.substack.com

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The National Park Classroom @npclassroom.bsky.social · Mar 5

NEW RELEASE - Are you a #teacher who loves our #publiclands and #nationalparks ? Then check out this new title from ISTE titled The National Park Classroom - Available on 3/18! Preorder now on Amazon - www.amazon.com/National-Par...

The National Park Classroom: A Guide to Designing Project-Based Learning Adventures

Amazon.com: The National Park Classroom: A Guide to Designing Project-Based Learning Adventures: 9798888370384: Fester, James: Books

www.amazon.com

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The National Park Classroom @npclassroom.bsky.social · Oct 2

New Substack - What happens when the biggest losers in the government shut down are our national parks? open.substack.com/pub/thenatio...

The National Park Classroom @npclassroom.bsky.social · Sep 25

Thanks friends! It was a pleasure getting to reconnect with you all again! Happy exploring!

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The National Park Classroom @npclassroom.bsky.social · Sep 25

Q10. Complete the following fill-in-the-blank; “An unexpected or unplannable park experience that I hope to someday spontaneously have is ___________”? #ParkChat

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The National Park Classroom @npclassroom.bsky.social · Sep 25

Q9. I know we’re sharing, but do you more often keep unexpected moments to yourself OR share/post about them so others can learn from your discoveries? #ParkChat

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The National Park Classroom @npclassroom.bsky.social · Sep 25

True story - I was in a Ranger program at a battlefield once where someone literally asked, “why didn’t Grant just ambush Lee? I mean he just kept following the tour route so it would have been easy to catch him…?”

The National Park Classroom @npclassroom.bsky.social · Sep 25

What?!? Are you saying that you can’t always trust what’s on social media???

an elderly woman is sitting in a chair with her hands on her hips .

ALT: an elderly woman is sitting in a chair with her hands on her hips .

media.tenor.com

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The National Park Classroom @npclassroom.bsky.social · Sep 25

Q8. What often-overlooked activities (like night hikes, visitor center exhibits, or a park specific activity) that you’d recommend that the uniformed might skip? #ParkChat

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The National Park Classroom @npclassroom.bsky.social · Sep 25

Whoops, thanks!

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The National Park Classroom @npclassroom.bsky.social · Sep 25

Q7. How can visitors use maps, apps, or park brochures creatively to discover “hidden” parts of a park? What method or tool is the best for discovering the unknown#ParkChat

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The National Park Classroom @npclassroom.bsky.social · Sep 25

Q6. What’s your strategy for using and not losing time due to a weather delay, a bison in the road, a trail closure, or some other “unforseen” surprise? #ParkChat (this pics for you Black Hill Association!)

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The National Park Classroom @npclassroom.bsky.social · Sep 25

Halfway through! Q5. How do you encourage kids (or friends obsessed with getting that one Insta-worthy snap) to explore beyond the obvious attractions in a park? #ParkChat

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The National Park Classroom @npclassroom.bsky.social · Sep 25

That’s it alright! Well done!

The National Park Classroom @npclassroom.bsky.social · Sep 25

Q4. When you think of “unexpected park moments” you've had, what stories come to mind? #ParkChat (this photo of the Pando Tree is for all the aspen lovers out there)

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The National Park Classroom @npclassroom.bsky.social · Sep 25

Q3. How can pre-trip planning help you spot opportunities for learning and enjoyment you might otherwise miss? #ParkChat

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The National Park Classroom @npclassroom.bsky.social · Sep 25

Q2. What are some hidden gems you’ve stumbled upon in a national park that aren't "well known" or iconic spots? #ParkChat

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The National Park Classroom @npclassroom.bsky.social · Sep 25

Tonight we discuss the unexpected/surprising side of our parks Q1. When visiting a national park, how do you balance seeing the “must-sees” with leaving room for unexpected discoveries? #ParkChat

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The National Park Classroom @npclassroom.bsky.social · Sep 25

Hello friends & welcome to #parkchat ! This is your host James Fester - park volunteer, and author of the The National Park Classroom - available at fine online bookstores AND at 11 national park bookstores (except Yosemite where roof collapsed and closed store) Where we all coming from tonight?

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The National Park Classroom @npclassroom.bsky.social · Sep 25

We're less than an hour from #parkchat so grab yourself a snack and bring your best "national park surprise" stories and experiences! We're going to have a ball and you are invited! #nationalparks #findyourpark #publiclands

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The National Park Classroom @npclassroom.bsky.social · Sep 24

Hey there #parkchat friends! I'm looking forward to hosting tonight's chat where we'll share tips/tricks/and strategies that help find and deal with the unexpected and surprising opportunities that make our parks incredible places to visit. You won't want to miss it!

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The National Park Classroom @npclassroom.bsky.social · Aug 28

New Substack Post - Discover how teachers can bring national parks, outdoor learning, and place-based education into back-to-school season for deeper student engagement - thenationalparkclassroom.substack.com/p/dwelling-v... #edchat #parkchat #FindYourPark #elemchat #teachersoftwitter

Dwelling vs. Visiting

Encouraging deeper learning through deeper interactions

thenationalparkclassroom.substack.com

The National Park Classroom @npclassroom.bsky.social · Aug 27

Proud to have contributed and been quoted in this New York Times article which details the impact of the current administrations cuts to our national parks, especially their educational offerings! www.nytimes.com/2025/08/27/u... #edchat #nationalparks

Reposted by The National Park Classroom

seecantrill.bsky.social @seecantrill.bsky.social · Aug 13

Woot! We are so excited to collaborate on this handbook. Check it out and get writing outside #writeout @writingproject.bsky.social

The National Park Classroom @npclassroom.bsky.social · Aug 13

Ready for #WriteOut ? Check out this free handbook for ideas about how to get your students outside and inspired to write! writeout.nwp.org/wp-content/u... #edchat #sschat #elachat #writing #WriteOut2025

writeout.nwp.org

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The National Park Classroom @npclassroom.bsky.social · Aug 13

writeout.nwp.org

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The National Park Classroom @npclassroom.bsky.social · Jul 20

EARLY ACCESS Link to 7/21 Substack Post - Stories on the Landscape: How to integrate the power of stories into your lessons to make them more engaging, impactful, and meaningful! open.substack.com/pub/thenatio... #edchat #sschat #elachat #pblchat #education #K12 #scichat

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The National Park Classroom @npclassroom.bsky.social · Jun 22

Free Professional Learning for teachers using my new book - Check out all the awesome ideas you can uncover with Book Creator - read.bookcreator.com/library/-OKg... #dbcincbooks #tlap #EduSky #EduSkyAI #aiedu #GoogleEDU

Bright Ideas: James Fester

Learn from James Fester, reflect on your growth, and remix this book with your Bright Ideas.

read.bookcreator.com

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