[RWebb]

for 6th grade, I'd start with a visit at the main Ranger Stn., watch the videos, and have a Ranger-Naturalist talk to her and get her started on the Jr. Ranger program, or whatever they have nowadays.

She can ask them about whatever her special interests are - don't neglect geology.

They will have a selection of books, field guides, etc. that she can buy.

Do the same thing in Grand Teton and any other National Parks.

some taxonomy:

Park Ranger-Naturalist - wears a big hat with a flat brim & uniform; specially chosen to be people-friendly; usually not a professional biologist; knowledgeable about natural history type stuff

Park Biologist - a scientist, usually has a PhD; no special clothing; may have a courtesy appt. at a univ. nearby (e.g. Univ. Wyo.); shleps around conducting research in the Park

Road Ranger - looks just like the Ranger-Naturalist, but usually wears a pistol and drives a cop car with radar; may have assault rifles in the trunk (esp. in SW); they can give tickets or arrest you; don't usually know much about biology etc.; this is the main path to becoming a Park Supt. or other "overhead" in NPS