Kindergarten ~ Discovering Nature through the Senses
Discovery Room – SKL1 a, SKL2 a & c, MGSEK.MD1
The instructor uses the wildlife puppet collection and questioning strategies to introduce students to various animal species found in Georgia. Students can compare puppets to taxidermied specimens and to existing knowledge of live animals and group animals according to similarities.
Longleaf Pine Trail – MGSEK.CC.1, MGSEK.CC.2, MGSEKG.1 SKL1a, SKL2a, ELAGSEKSL1 & ELAGSEKSL3, ELAGSEKRF2a
Following a brief orientation, the instructor lead students through a mature longleaf pine forest habitat where students practice observation, inquiry, data collection and counting skills as they search for hidden plastic “critters” in the foliage along the trail. Additionally, students can identify the parts of a gopher tortoise habitat and draw conclusions about camouflage and other wildlife adaptations.
Wigglers (Earthworms) – SKE2 , SKP2, MGSEK.MD.1 , MGSEK.MD.1
The instructor uses the flexcam to show students moving earthworms as students learn the habitat and characteristics of this beneficial creature. Students are then given a hand lens and their own live earthworms to observe. Students (who wish to do so) may also experience holding an earthworm.
Froggy Face –SKL2a, SKL2c, MGSEK.MD.2, VAK.CR.5 – The instructor uses models, displays, and live specimens (when available) to discuss life cycles and compare and contrast frogs and toads and determine why Georgia provides a good habitat for these creatures. Students then create a take-home frog-face model that actually “catches” bugs.
Seasonal Sticker Craft - VAK.CR.3, VAK.CR.5 The instructor will allow students to communicate observations about seasonal patterns through a seasonal sticker mini-poster. Fine motor skills, hand/eye coordination and color recognition are reinforced through this activity.
Wheel of Nature – (All levels. Questions are adapted to grade level.) Students participate in a game-style two-team activity. When it is his or her turn, a team-member spins a wheel to determine how much a question is worth. To obtain the points for his side, the student answers the given question. Questions are based on the MEEC curriculum and include habitat features, wildlife adaptations, and identification of animal pictures, pelts, sounds, offspring and tracks. Models and other audio visuals are used to bring questions to life. Team work is encouraged as rules allow students to confer on difficult questions.
Discovery Room – SKL1 a, SKL2 a & c, MGSEK.MD1
The instructor uses the wildlife puppet collection and questioning strategies to introduce students to various animal species found in Georgia. Students can compare puppets to taxidermied specimens and to existing knowledge of live animals and group animals according to similarities.
Longleaf Pine Trail – MGSEK.CC.1, MGSEK.CC.2, MGSEKG.1 SKL1a, SKL2a, ELAGSEKSL1 & ELAGSEKSL3, ELAGSEKRF2a
Following a brief orientation, the instructor lead students through a mature longleaf pine forest habitat where students practice observation, inquiry, data collection and counting skills as they search for hidden plastic “critters” in the foliage along the trail. Additionally, students can identify the parts of a gopher tortoise habitat and draw conclusions about camouflage and other wildlife adaptations.
Wigglers (Earthworms) – SKE2 , SKP2, MGSEK.MD.1 , MGSEK.MD.1
The instructor uses the flexcam to show students moving earthworms as students learn the habitat and characteristics of this beneficial creature. Students are then given a hand lens and their own live earthworms to observe. Students (who wish to do so) may also experience holding an earthworm.
Froggy Face –SKL2a, SKL2c, MGSEK.MD.2, VAK.CR.5 – The instructor uses models, displays, and live specimens (when available) to discuss life cycles and compare and contrast frogs and toads and determine why Georgia provides a good habitat for these creatures. Students then create a take-home frog-face model that actually “catches” bugs.
Seasonal Sticker Craft - VAK.CR.3, VAK.CR.5 The instructor will allow students to communicate observations about seasonal patterns through a seasonal sticker mini-poster. Fine motor skills, hand/eye coordination and color recognition are reinforced through this activity.
Wheel of Nature – (All levels. Questions are adapted to grade level.) Students participate in a game-style two-team activity. When it is his or her turn, a team-member spins a wheel to determine how much a question is worth. To obtain the points for his side, the student answers the given question. Questions are based on the MEEC curriculum and include habitat features, wildlife adaptations, and identification of animal pictures, pelts, sounds, offspring and tracks. Models and other audio visuals are used to bring questions to life. Team work is encouraged as rules allow students to confer on difficult questions.