FREE: The Role of a Ranger

Length

30 - 45 minutes

Target Audience

Education: Grade(s) Kindergarten, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Homeschool/Family Public Library: Library Patrons

Minimum participants:

1

Maximum participants:

100

Primary Disciplines

Career & Technical Education (CTE), Leadership, Professional Development

Program Delivery Mode

Zoom

Booking Information

We are proud to offer this program at no cost, and we welcome schools, homeschool groups, and youth organizations from across Tennessee and beyond. Part of our mission to make environmental education, conservation literacy, and outdoor learning accessible to all students. By offering free programs, we strive to: reduce financial barriers for schools and educators, expand access to high-quality, standards-based science education, support teachers in delivering engaging, curriculum-aligned content, inspire stewardship, curiosity, and care for local ecosystems, and build connections between communities and Tennessee State Parks.

Book it!

For more information contact CILC by email info@cilc.org or by phone (507) 388-3672

Provider's Cancellation Policy

We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise and will always do our best to reschedule your program. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please provide at least 48 hours’ notice so we can adjust our schedule and make accommodations.

About This Provider

 

Booker T. Washington State Park

Chattanooga, Tennessee
United States

Spanning 353 acres along Chickamauga Lake near Chattanooga, Booker T. Washington State Park provides the public with opportunities to explore Tennessee’s natural beauty and rich history. Named in honor of educator and leader Booker T. Washington, the park carries forward his legacy of learning and perseverance.

Through distance learning, the park brings its trails, wildlife, and stories to classrooms and communities everywhere, connecting people with Tennessee’s landscapes and the enduring history of Booker T. Washington, no matter where they are.

Program Details

Format

The program begins by asking participants, “What do you think a park ranger does?” and exploring common ideas about the job.
1. Participants are introduced to the many roles of a Tennessee State Park Ranger, including conservation, interpretation, wildlife, public safety, resource management, and visitor services.
2. The presenter (ranger) shares real-world examples, photographs, and/or equipment to demonstrate what a ranger may encounter during a typical workday.
3. Participants work through short scenarios and consider “What would a ranger do?” to explore problem-solving and decision-making in the field.
4. The program concludes with a discussion of careers in parks and conservation, followed by time for questions and answers.

Objectives

1. Identify at least three responsibilities of a park ranger.
2. Understand how rangers help protect natural and cultural resources while serving the public.
3. Explore how skills such as communication, observation, teamwork, and problem-solving are used in ranger careers.
4. Recognize the variety of career pathways within parks, conservation, and natural resources.

Standards Alignment

National Standards

Standards (TN 2025–26): Elementary: Environmental Stewardship; Human Impacts on Ecosystems; Scientific Investigation • Middle School: Ecosystem Dynamics; Conservation & Resource Management • High School: Biodiversity; Sustainability; Human Impacts on Natural Resources

NGSS: K-ESS3-3: Communicate solutions that reduce human impacts; 3-LS4-4: Explain how environmental changes affect organisms; MS-LS2-5: Evaluate ecosystem interactions; HS-LS2-7: Design or evaluate solutions for maintaining biodiversity

Scouting Alignment: BSA – Nature, Environmental Science, Sustainability, Forestry Merit Badges; Girl Scouts – Eco Learner, Eco Friend, Eco Trekker