What are the purpose of national parks? Why do we need national parks? Objective Students will be able to: 1. Answer the question: Why do we need national parks? 2. Describe characteristics of a national park. 3. List three problems facing national parks. 4. Analyze the information learned and write a persuasive proposal for a national park designation. Background There are over 400 national park areas in the National Park System. They have been set aside by Congress to preserve and protect the best of our natural, recreational, and cultural resources for the use and enjoyment of all persons, Duration: 60 Minutes Additional Standards: NGSS 5-ESS3-1. Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment. Essential Question What are the purpose of national parks? Why do we need national parks? Objective Students will be ab.