The National Park Classroom

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

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

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

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

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…?”

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 .

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

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

Whoops, thanks!

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

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!)

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

That’s it alright! Well done!

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)

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

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

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

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?

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

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!

Dwelling vs. Visiting Encouraging deeper learning through deeper interactions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Power of Proximity Adopting and Adapting Learning Resources: 5 Examples To Get You Started!

Looking for inspiring ideas for lessons and #pbl projects? Check out my latest Substack post which is full of ideas and resources coming straight from our public lands - open.substack.com/pub/thenatio... #edchat #pblchat #sschat #scichat #educhat #scichat #sschat

4 Things to Consider Before You Retire a PBL Unit Project-based learning is a great instructional tool, but it’s important to periodically assess whether units are still effective.

I want you to consider quitting #PBL (...but not really) We spend a lot of time talking about planning & revising projects, but how often do we consider the indicators that might suggest its time to move on to a new project - edut.to/43jkIC3 #edchat #pblchat

Hello Jenny! Your excitement makes me excited too! I wish I had an audiobook version to share. I think there is a way to get Kindle to read to you? And as far as a message board goes, I will think on that. Perhaps there is a way we can get you and everyone else who is interested connect?

Making Learning Matter National Park Week, podcasts, and ideas for creating opportunities for students to make an impact with their learning.

How do you create learning experiences that have impact and address real-world problems? Read all about how in my newest. Substack post - bit.ly/4lV8t5E #edchat #sschat #scichat #k12chat #elemchat #pblchat

4 Benefits of Using Podcasting as a PBL Project Relevant in any content area, podcasts present an engaging way for students to demonstrate their learning.

Podcasts are one of the most versatile #PBL projects you can facilitate with students and work for any subject and age group. Learn more about in my newest article published by @edutopia www.edutopia.org/article/usin... #edchat #pblchat #elemchat #k12