Studies have shown that the more students get outside and explore the forests and wetlands the more respect for the natural surroundings they keep, build upon, and share. Building environmental stewards is important to me, and I believe in starting with younger, more impressionable youth.
Some students are able to share their knowledge and excitement on this adventure, while learning new information, and others learn via peers, guide books, and this first-hand experience. Mixing the younger children with older students allows for the building of leadership skills and mutual respect.
The children will listen to and discuss nonfiction stories about Vernal Pool animals, and the Field Guide to Vernal Pool Animals the week of the hike. They will hike to the Vernal Pool at the Mercer Ranger Station, dip nets, turn nets inside out into a box of pool water, look at and what animals are in the water with an older student or chaperone. The selection of animals will be on display in the classroom will be on display for a week. During this week the children will draw things they saw, heard, smelled, or felt while on their hike, and write corresponding statements, in their Vernal Pool book. During the week, the children will have access to the tank of animals, along with magnifying glasses, to encourage verbal observations, excitement, and discussions. The purpose of this lesson is to demonstrate to the children what lives in the Vernal Pool, and why these animals are important to us and other animals.
About my class
Studies have shown that the more students get outside and explore the forests and wetlands the more respect for the natural surroundings they keep, build upon, and share. Building environmental stewards is important to me, and I believe in starting with younger, more impressionable youth.
Some students are able to share their knowledge and excitement on this adventure, while learning new information, and others learn via peers, guide books, and this first-hand experience. Mixing the younger children with older students allows for the building of leadership skills and mutual respect.
The children will listen to and discuss nonfiction stories about Vernal Pool animals, and the Field Guide to Vernal Pool Animals the week of the hike. They will hike to the Vernal Pool at the Mercer Ranger Station, dip nets, turn nets inside out into a box of pool water, look at and what animals are in the water with an older student or chaperone. The selection of animals will be on display in the classroom will be on display for a week. During this week the children will draw things they saw, heard, smelled, or felt while on their hike, and write corresponding statements, in their Vernal Pool book. During the week, the children will have access to the tank of animals, along with magnifying glasses, to encourage verbal observations, excitement, and discussions. The purpose of this lesson is to demonstrate to the children what lives in the Vernal Pool, and why these animals are important to us and other animals.
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