Lesson Plan: Be the Next Imagineer for Clark's Bears!

Subject Areas: Language Arts (Persuasive & Descriptive Writing), Art & Design, Business/Marketing

Time Allotment: 2-3 hours (can be broken into smaller sessions)

Materials Needed

• Computer or tablet with internet access (for research on the Clark's Bears website)
• Notebook or paper for brainstorming and writing
• Art supplies of your choice (e.g., markers, colored pencils, construction paper, clay, building blocks, or a digital design program)
• Optional: Cardboard box or shoebox for creating a diorama

1. Learning Objectives (The Goal!)

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Analyze the key features and "feel" of an existing theme park (Clark's Bears).
• Design a new, original attraction that fits the theme of the park.
• Use descriptive language to write a compelling description of your attraction.
• Create a simple marketing slogan to "sell" your idea to park visitors.

2. Introduction & Warm-Up: Park Explorer (15-20 minutes)

Your mission is to become an expert on Clark's Bears. Let's do some fun research!

1. Go to the Clark's Bears website.
2. Explore the "Things to Do" section. Look at the bear show, the train ride, and the other attractions.
3. As you explore, think like a designer. In your notebook, jot down answers to these questions:
   • What three words would you use to describe the feeling of Clark's Bears? (e.g., rustic, family-friendly, adventurous)
   • Who is the main audience for the park? (e.g., young kids, teens, whole families)
   • What is your favorite attraction that they already have? What makes it cool?

3. Main Activity: Design Your Dream Attraction! (90+ minutes)

Now that you're an expert, Clark's Bears has hired YOU to design their next big thing! It can be a ride, a show, a new animal habitat, a fun water feature—anything you can imagine that fits the park's theme.

Part A: Brainstorm & Blueprint (45 minutes)

1. Brainstorm: In your notebook, list at least 5 different ideas for a new attraction. Think big! A roller coaster through the woods? A "Be a Bear Trainer for a Day" experience? A splash pad shaped like a bear paw?
2. Choose Your Best Idea: Circle the one you are most excited about.
3. Create the Blueprint: Now, bring your idea to life visually. You have a choice in how you do this:
   • Draw it: Sketch a detailed picture of your attraction. Label the important parts.
   • Build it: Create a 3D model using clay, building blocks, or by making a diorama in a shoebox.
   • Design it Digitally: Use a simple drawing or design program on a computer or tablet.

Teacher Check-in: Let's look at your blueprint together. Tell me about the most exciting part of your design. What challenges did you think about? (e.g., safety, making it fun).

Part B: The Pitch (45 minutes)

A great design needs a great description to get people excited. Now you'll work on the written part of your project.

1. Give It a Name: Every great attraction needs a catchy name. What will you call yours? (e.g., "The Black Bear Plunge," "Merlin's Mystical Forest").
2. Write the Description: Write one or two paragraphs that will go on the Clark's Bears website to describe your new attraction. Use exciting, descriptive words! Guide your writing with these questions:
   • What do visitors see, hear, and feel on your attraction?
   • What is the story behind it?
   • Why is it a "must-do" at Clark's Bears?
3. Create a Slogan: A slogan is a short, memorable phrase used in advertising. Write a slogan for your attraction. (Example for a water ride: "The Bear Plunge: Get Ready for a Splash of Adventure!")

4. Lesson Wrap-Up: The Grand Reveal! (10 minutes)

Present your project! Show off your blueprint (your drawing or model) and read your attraction description and slogan aloud with energy and excitement, as if you were presenting it to the Clark family themselves.

Discussion Questions:

• What part of this project was your favorite?
• If you had an unlimited budget, what one thing would you add to your attraction?
• What skills do you think a real theme park designer (an "Imagineer") needs to have?

5. Assessment (How did we do?)

This project will be reviewed based on creativity, effort, and completion of all the parts:

• The Blueprint: Is the design creative and does it clearly show the idea? Does it fit the Clark's Bears theme?
• The Pitch: Is the name catchy? Does the description use exciting, descriptive language? Is the slogan memorable?
• Overall Presentation: Was the final presentation clear and enthusiastic?

6. Extension & Further Fun (Optional)

• Write a Radio Ad: Write and record a 30-second audio advertisement for your new attraction. Use sound effects!
• Budgeting Challenge: Research the cost of a simple playground slide or other small attraction. Try to create a simple budget for building your idea. How much would you charge for tickets?
• Park Map: Draw a new map of Clark's Bears that includes your attraction. Think carefully about where it would fit best.