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Looking Back at Yosemite National Park (p. 227)


Step 1. Questions

The Yosemite area did not always look the way it does now. It has been changed by geological and human forces over millions of years.

Write a summary about the history of Yosemite National Park. Research the events that led to Yosemite's present state. Here are some questions to guide your research:
  • What is the geological history of the Yosemite area?
  • What natural forces shaped the Yosemite area?
  • What is the human history of the Yosemite area?
  • What do you think will happen to the Yosemite area in the future?
Are you ready? Begin by visiting the Web sites listed in Step 2. Look for answers to the questions above, and write down what you learn in the note-taking boxes.

You may use search engines to research other Web sites. Or research the history of Yosemite in the library. When you are ready, follow Steps 3 and 4 to write your summary.


Step 2. Research

Research answers for the questions you were asked in Step 1. Visit these Web sites. Take notes about them on this page, too!


Toolbox Tip: Click here to learn how to use search engines to find information.


The Creation of Yosemite
Read this Web page for an overview of Yosemite's geological history. Look for information about the role of glaciers in shaping Yosemite's landforms. This Web page comes from the American Park Network.
Take Notes:



About Yosemite Valley
This page contains an explanation of how Yosemite Valley formed. Note the major geologic changes that occurred. This Web page comes from the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History.
Take Notes:



The People of Yosemite National Park
This Web page gives an outline of the human history of the Yosemite area. Keep track of the most important historical events for your summary. This page is part of a Web site run by the U.S. National Park Service.
Take Notes:



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