Digital Field Trips to the Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is one of Arizona's most well-known tourist attractions. People from all over the world visit this natural wonder every year. It is also a popular field trip for students living close enough to make the journey. For some, though, visiting the Grand Canyon is not easy and is certainly not possible for a field trip. Students living hundreds of miles away may never have the opportunity to visit this world-class destination. That is, until recently. Due to a new program created by the National Park Service, students from all over the world are now able to experience the Grand Canyon. They visit the park through digital field trips.
In the past, programs at the park focused on those for physical visitors to the park. To improve access, the park has unveiled a permanent Virtual Studio for Kids to help them "visit" the park. Improvements in green-screen technology have allowed the park to make high quality videos. These videos make students feel like they are right there in the park. Though education programs have been limited for years, students are now able to connect with experts in the park. These experts include park rangers, scientists, geologists, and other experts. Students can now directly ask questions. They can now learn about the Grand Canyon by talking to the professionals that know it best.
A major reason that students from across America and the world have been unable to visit the Grand Canyon is the high cost of taking a field trip to Arizona. Teachers in states like New York would have to organize accommodation, travel, and food for students, resulting in an expensive field trip that many schools and students simply cannot afford. The National Park Service has thought of this too. It now offers five different, free interactive presentations for different age ranges. Teachers just need to sign up early in order to secure their spot for this digital field trip. Students can now visit the Grand Canyon from anywhere in the world.
To Herp, or Not to Herp?
Herping enthusiasts enjoy spending their days in nature, searching for amphibians and reptiles. While looking for snakes and frogs seems like an enjoyable pastime, many people who spend their time herping are actually completing important research. Much of this research has to do with declining amphibian and reptile populations. They also investigate the causes of these declining populations. One activist from Arizona, Leonardo Dolmage, has used his experiences to complete important research about the effects of human impacts on the environment.
Outdoor activities like herping are popular in Arizona. Herping is only one activity that adventurers enjoy. While outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and camping result in positive experiences for travelers, they can also have negative effects. Due to increasing human activity in the state of Arizona, many species have lost their habitats. When tourist companies set up locations, some species are forced to find new places to live. When species move, they can disrupt their new environments. Even herping can have negative consequences. Some herpers go to great lengths to find amphibians and reptiles. Sometimes, their searches lead to trampling on or polluting natural environments.
Many people who enjoy outdoor activities are responsible. However, others are not aware of how their activities impact the environment. Sometimes those enjoying outdoor activities leave garbage behind. Other times, they travel long distances to visit attractions, putting more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Recently, herpers have noticed low populations of some amphibians and reptiles in popular tourist areas. When one species becomes extinct, it can disrupt the entire ecosystem. It is important for humans to put nature first. Otherwise, their activities can destroy natural ecosystems. While herping and other activities are fun, if they disrupt a snake or frog's home, they are not worth it.