Nature Connections in your Schoolyardsdchildrenandnature.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2013/... ·...
Transcript of Nature Connections in your Schoolyardsdchildrenandnature.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2013/... ·...
Nature Connections in your Schoolyard Overview from San Diego Children and Nature Collaborative, March 14, 2015
What is nature-based learning and why is it so effective? Nature is an outdoor classroom where children experience science, math, language and group learning by observing, touching, listening, smelling, telling and doing. When children explore nature, they develop their curiosity and creativity, get a sense of place, and learn that they are part of something bigger than themselves. Through their experiences in nature, they become more passionate stewards of the natural world.
Where are the nature classrooms? Schoolyard gardens and habitats. Students can observe, learn about, and appreciate local nature every day, if it is part of the school campus. The new Schoolyard Habitat Project Guide outlines how to plan, design, install, maintain, and teach lessons in schoolyard habitats (132 pages, 2011), http://www.fws.gov/cno/pdf/HabitatGuideColor.pdf , and more local information about school gardens, schoolyard habitats, and lessons at http://www.mastergardenerssandiego.org/schools/schools.php .
Nearby nature. In San Diego, nature is adjacent to or near every school. Teachers, students and naturalist guides can walk ten minutes or less to their local canyons, parks and open spaces. Learn more from the Guidebook for Nearby Nature School Field Trips at http://sdchildrenandnature.org/attachments/SDCaN_NearbyNatureFieldTripGuide_18p_final_2011.pdf .
San Diego’s diverse natural areas. These schoolyard and “nearby” experiences complement field trips to the coast, lagoons, shrublands, mountains, desert, and sixth-grade outdoor school.
What lessons can be taught in nature? Outdoor Activities. Let’s Go Outside book. Animal Athletics pattern after bats, hawks, lizards, spiders, and more, at http://kidsinparks.com/sites/default/files/brochures/SDAnimAtheWeb1_5.pdf. Nature2Go activities http://sdchildrenandnature.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/IntoNature_Nature2GoExcerpts_OntarioCA_38p_2012.pdf
Science. Exploring San Diego’s Shrubland Habitats curriculum for fourth grade includes lessons on adaptation and non-native species, and color animal and plant cards for “food chain” activity. Exploring Our Urban Forests offers nature-based lessons to teach in the schoolyard, grades K-5. These and other local lessons and resources posted at http://sdchildrenandnature.org/educators.php.
Citizen Science. Students can participate with scientists and other observers in research projects by collecting and entering data about plants, birds, insects, weather, and astronomy. Learn more at http://sdchildrenandnature.org/wp/education/citizen-science/ .
Language Arts. From hands-on experiences, they develop vocabulary and concepts. Students can explore and gather evidence, then express their ideas and logic. Journaling and sketching activities at http://sdchildrenandnature.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/CNPS_NatureJournaling_JMuirLaws_96p_2012.pdf.
Invitation to work together with the San Diego Children and Nature Collaborative! Founded in 2009, the Collaborative brings educators, parents, ecologists, gardeners, landscape designers, health professionals, community leaders, and others together to increase opportunities for children to learn, play, and grow in nature in their everyday lives. Resources at website www.sdchildrenandnature.org .
For further information, contact Judie Lincer, Education Co-Chair, [email protected] Anne Fege, Ph.D., Program Manager, [email protected] , 858-472-1293
Nature Connections Presented at STEMpower Conference
March 14, 2015
Anne S. Fege, Leta Bender, and Judie Lincer San Diego Children and Nature Collaborative www.sdchildrenandnature.org 1
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Nature Connections
San Diego Children and Nature CollaborativeAnne Fege, Leta Bender, and Judie Lincer
Presented at STEMpower Conference in Out-of-School Time Programs, San Diego, March 14, 2015
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Today!
I. Children and Nature movementII. Why nature-based learning?III. Schoolyard habitats and gardens
(Leta Bender)IV. Nature-based activities (Judie Lincer)
Children are happier, healthier, and smarter when they learn in nature and play outdoors!
Why nature-based learning and play? What Research Says: The Benefits
Children are happier….• Nature play increases
self esteem, improves psychological health, and reduces stress
• Children learn self-discipline and are more cooperative
Nature Connections Presented at STEMpower Conference
March 14, 2015
Anne S. Fege, Leta Bender, and Judie Lincer San Diego Children and Nature Collaborative www.sdchildrenandnature.org 2
What Research Says: The Benefits
Children are smarter….• Nature play stimulates
creativity, imagination, and problem solving
• Students learn to care for nature, and get a sense of the world around them
What Research Says: The Benefits
Children are healthier….• Nature play improves
physical conditioning and reduces obesity
• Children developlifelong habits of fitness and recreation
“Sixty minutes of daily unstructured free play is essential to children’s physical and mental health.”
American Academy of Pediatrics, 2008
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The Nature Deficit
• Children are spending less time in nature• 40 to 60 hours weekly on
electronic media • Increased childhood obesity
from 4% in the 1960s to about 20% today
• Adult-directed activities• Replacing real with virtual
nature8
What if…?
“What would our lives be like, if our days and nights were as immersed in nature as they are today in electronics?” Richard Louv
Nature Connections Presented at STEMpower Conference
March 14, 2015
Anne S. Fege, Leta Bender, and Judie Lincer San Diego Children and Nature Collaborative www.sdchildrenandnature.org 3
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A Movement is born…
www.childrenandnature.org
Children & Nature Network Children and Nature Movement
Vision for children and nature:• A world in which all children play, learn,
and grow with nature in their everyday lives.
• Children are healthier, happier and smarter..... when they learn in nature and play outdoors.
SD Children and Nature Collaborative
• Nature educators and communitymembers work together to increaseopportunities for children to learn in nature and play outdoors!
Outdoor Learning Environments
3 = gardens + native plants + shade trees
Nature Connections Presented at STEMpower Conference
March 14, 2015
Anne S. Fege, Leta Bender, and Judie Lincer San Diego Children and Nature Collaborative www.sdchildrenandnature.org 4
Writing in Nature
• Daily journals• Letters• Poetry
• Five Senses• Haikus• Cinquains
• Instructions• How to…
Art in Nature
• Observing and noticing details
• Scientific illustration• Close up drawings
using magnifiers• Leaf veins, flowers,
insects• Bark and leaf
rubbingsNature journaling, 92 pages:www.cnps.org/cnps/education/curriculum/request/index.php
Art for Nature
• Telling the story• Imperial Beach ES• San Diego Audubon
Society• Protect Western snowy
plover shorebirds• Students’ art made into
signs at beaches
Roots and Shoots Clubs
Inspired and led by Jane Goodall, Ph.D.
www.rootsandshoots.org
Nature Connections Presented at STEMpower Conference
March 14, 2015
Anne S. Fege, Leta Bender, and Judie Lincer San Diego Children and Nature Collaborative www.sdchildrenandnature.org 5
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Loose Parts Nature Play
• Offers natural materials
• For children to engage in unstructured outdoor play
• At events or current program sites
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Nearby Nature School Field Trips
• Affordable, accessible and awesome!
School
Homes
Canyon
Activities for the Nearby Nature Trip
• Explore and discover!• Ask questions, let nature be the teacher• Some quiet times to listen and observe
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OutdoorExplore!
• Outdoors... canyons, parks and open spaces
• Fifteen minutes walk (think fitness)
Nature Connections Presented at STEMpower Conference
March 14, 2015
Anne S. Fege, Leta Bender, and Judie Lincer San Diego Children and Nature Collaborative www.sdchildrenandnature.org 6
Animal Athletes Resources for Outdoor Activities
• Animal Athletics pattern after bats, hawks, lizards, spiders, and more, at http://kidsinparks.com/sites/default/files/brochures/SDAnimAtheWeb1_5.pdf
• Nature2Go activities http://sdchildrenandnature.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/IntoNature_Nature2GoExcerpts_OntarioCA_38p_2012.pdf
• Exploring San Diego’s Shrubland Habitats, Exploring Our Urban Forests and other local lessons and resources posted at http://sdchildrenandnature.org/educators.php
• Citizen Science. Students can participate with scientists and other observers in research projects by collecting and entering data about plants, birds, insects, weather, and astronomy. Learn more at http://sdchildrenandnature.org/wp/education/citizen-science/
Resources for Outdoor Activities
Your earliest memory of nature?Your favorite memory of nature
during a school activity?
www.sdchildrenandnature.org
Leta Bender (gardens)Judie Lincer (walk-about)Anne Fege (introduction)
Resources for Outdoor Activities
School Gardens Program Master Gardens of San Diego County
March 14, 2015
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School Garden ProgramLeta Bender, School Garden Consultant
Presented on March 14, 2015
San Diego County Master Gardeners
School gardens enhance academics.
89% of elementary school principals gave academic instruction as their #1 reason for a school garden.
Teachers use gardens for these subjects:• Science (95%)• Environmental Studies (70%)• Nutrition (66%)• Math (59%)• Agricultural Studies (46%)
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School gardens promote health and nutrition.
Gardens can enhance preference for and increase consumption of fruits & vegetables… …and help students
understand how food gets from seed
… to table.
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Gardens encourage environmental stewardship
and connect Children with Nature.
Students who work in school gardens show• increased self-esteem and positive attitudes
toward school• improved social skills and behaviors
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Gardens create community.
Gardens promote teamwork …
and cooperation.What do school gardens look like?
They come in all shapes and sizes.
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Gardens may have in-ground beds…
…or raised beds
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Rectangles
…or hexagons
Some gardens may grow in containers.
Fixed in place…
…or movable
Accessible to all
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School gardens may have a variety
of features.
A place to gather
A place to prepare food
and eat
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Sink or hand-washing station
Wide paths
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A place for tools
A greenhouse
Signage — made by the professionals
…and by the other professionals
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Places to hide
Art and whimsy
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Compost areas
Worm bins
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Worm view boxes Root view
boxes
Weather stations
A human sundial
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Kinds of School Gardens Native Garden
Pizza Garden
Salsa Garden
Three Sisters
Salad Garden
Butterfly Garden
Hummingbird Garden
History Garden
Literature Garden
Plants of the World
Successful school gardens require
TEAMWORK!
What do Master Gardeners do?1. Consultants for starting and
maintaining school gardens
2. Offer workshops
3. Provide information for grants
4. School Garden Guide, Plant a Seed, Watch it Grow
5. Obtain and distribute seeds, plants, bulbs, handouts, etc.
6. Locate schools with gardens to visit
7. Share presentations
Click on School Program www.mastergardenerssandiego.org February 28, 2015 52
Go to www.mastergardenerssandiego.orgClick on School Program and choose Request a School Garden Consultant
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Request a Garden Consultant
Click on Request a Garden Consultant.
Click on Request a Garden Consultant Explore
Existing Gardens
Complete all fieldsClick
Submit.
You will receive a confirmation.
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Click to Explore Existing Gardens
Explore Existing Gardens
Click on Submit.
Select your criteria.
Click on school with asterisk to view photos.
Search results will be displayed.
What can After School Programs do to help?
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Gardens can ExpandStudent Learning
Instruction can fulfill NGSS curriculum and current common core
Hands on learning brings textbook learning to life
Outdoor lessons are an additional way to reinforce learning
Create Your Garden Team
StudentsTeachersPrincipalStaff Parents
For Outside Support, Make Your
Garden a School ProjectWhere Can You Get Support?
PTA/Foundation Master Gardeners Grants and other financial support Community groups
Kiwanis or RotaryEagle Scouts, Urban Core or otherHorticultural organizations
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Make a Plan Summary Academic advantage
Putting togetheryour team andsupport
Getting started students
grants
master gardeners
standardsprincipal
curriculum
parents
teacherscommunity
What can After School Programs do to help?
Offer to create and maintain the school garden. Ask teachers what they would like. Invite teachers to use it for curriculum.
Schedule when, who, and what lesson. Designate beds for classes or grade levels.
Plant, label, water, weed, manage pests, maintain with groundskeepers.
Communicate with teachers Learn how they will use it with their class. Ask how you might prepare for and/or expand the
lessons.