|
It is now time for the student's third adventure here at River Bend Nature Center. During this visit, the students will use their senses to explore the wonders of spring and visit their special places to see how they have changed. They will recognize the importance of non-living things in nature, learn the ways we stay safe and respectful on the trail, and gain confidence in their ability to learn in an outdoor setting.
This unit is specifically designed to meet appropriate AAAS Project 2061 benchmarks as well as address Kindergarten Minnesota Academic proposed Science Standards 0.1.1.2.1; 0.1.3.1.1; 0.3.2.2.1; 0.4.1.1.1; 0.4.1.1.2; 0.4.2.1.1; 0.4.2.1.2. E-mail us for more information.
|
Before your visit, please review with your students:
- The five senses
- The four seasons
- The importance of non-living things in nature (air, water, sunlight, rocks, etc.)
- A photo tour, either the one below or the full tour
- Behavior expectations
At River Bend:
- During the introduction we will review the above material.
- We will divide each class in half with a maximum of 4 groups; assuming normal size classes.
- If this is a return visit assign your students in groups to the same special Kinderspot they visited in fall and winter. Groups and class pairs should stay the same each season.
- Each group will proceed onto the trails, where they will use their senses to first explore their special Kinderspot noting changes from the winter and fall and then spend some time at the other various locations including Turtle Pond.
- The students may participate in a mini-game or activity of the leader's choice.
- During the outside time students will practice identifying living and non-living aspects of the natural world.
In the closing we will:
- Inquire about discoveries on the trail including living vs. non-living components
- Encourage continued sensory exploration of the natural world
- Remind the students of their next visit as First Graders
- Talk of upcoming events at River Bend
- Invite the students to return on their own with family and friends
Back in the classroom:
- Have students record their observations with an art piece depicting the kinderspot they just visited to compare with subsequent visits and observe change over time.
- Encourage the students to share their experiences, especially their kinderspots, through words or art.
- Monitor this web page for the kinderspot photo updates posted each month. Print and post the photos so the students can monitor their kinderspot between visits.
- Select a kinderspot of your own near the school to observe as well; submit photos back to River Bend for posting.
|
|
|
People have five senses that can be used to explore the world around them. We can use these to learn about nature.
- Our eyes to see - We can use our eyes to see color, shape, movement, size
- Our ears to hear - We can use our ears to hear bird songs, animal noises (frogs, squirrels, insects, etc.) leaves crunching under our feet, wind in the trees.
- Our nose to smell - We can use our noses to smell things. Everything has its own smell, including flowers, seeds, leaves, dirt, wood, and skunks.
- Our hands to touch - We can touch with our hands, but also with our cheeks, elbows, feet, noses, etc. Some things feel soft, smooth, hard, or prickly.
- Our mouth to taste - We can use our mouths to taste things that an adult says is safe to taste.
Everything that lives will eventually die, but there are also many things in nature that are never alive but are still very important.
- Air: for plant and animals to breathe; also carries flying animals, seeds, dirt, sand, and other things to new places.
- Water: for plants and animals to drink, also to carry swimming animals, floating plants, small rocks, sand, mud and other things to new places.
- Sunlight: provides warmth and energy for things to grow; heat and cold can break up rocks and other materials into smaller pieces.
- Rocks: Help provide homes for animals and helps plants and animals to grow.
- The more quietly you go, the more you will see and hear.
- Wear a name tag to help us get to know you.
- Listen to your leader or whomever's turn it is to talk.
- Raise your hand if you have something to say.
- Leave things growing unless your leader says you can pick something
- Stay with your group.
- Nature needs all that is here - what lives here, grows here, dies here, stays here.
- Be nice to nature - and to each other!
View below or click on a month for a printable version Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb March Apr May
View below or click on a month for a printable version Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb March Apr May
View below or click on a month for a printable version Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb March Apr May
View below or click on a month for a printable version Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb March Apr May
Teachers: submit photos of your own to be posted here by emailing them to us. Graphics files only, please.
Along with monitoring the area above for seasonal photos and other ideas described above, here are a few more suggestions. If you have ideas we should add to this list, please email them to us!
- Have your students take a "blind walk." Partners take turns blindfolding each other and leading them to different areas to explore without the use of sight. Or, put a blindfold on every student and lead them through different areas as they hold onto a rope. In either case, ask the students to relate what they experienced.
- Make "feely bags" by placing various objects in a bag or box. Have the students reach their hand in and by their sense of touch try and figure out what it is. Can also be done as "smelly bags."
- If desired, ask your school librarian for related resource materials. The following materials are recommended:
- Is it Alive?
- The Four Seasons
- See, Hear, Touch, Smell
|
