Nature in the Classroom
What Teachers Are Saying...
"Thought you'd like to know that not only the kids are fascinated by the birds lesson, but so are my fellow staff members. As I was teaching one group on Wednesday, every staff member who walked by came in to see the lesson. They were amazed by the birds. Thanks again for sharing this fabulous resource with us!" -Colette Babson, 5th grade, Reed Elementary
Nature in the Classroom is a multidisciplinary science-based curriculum for 4th and 5th graders in the Puget Sound region. The curriculum brings the rich diversity of Puget Sound's natural history into the classroom using teaching specimens from the Slater Museum of Natural History, University of Puget Sound. Students will gain an appreciation for and familiarity with the natural world as they practice observation skills and study structure, function, adaptations and interactions among species. The lessons were designed in consultation with the Tacoma School District to ensure they meet 4th and 5th grade science standards.
About the Nature in the Classroom Kits
Lesson 1: Wild Things Nature Journals — Naturalists-in-Training
Lesson 2: Urban Bird Diversity — Birdiversity!
Lesson 3: Tooth Sleuth — Tacoma Mammal Puzzler
Beyond the Classroom: Continued Science Learning at Home and Beyond
Washington State Science Standards Emphasized in "Nature in the Classroom"
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Biodiversity |
Scientific Thinking Skills |
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4-5 LS 1A: Plants and animals 4-5 LS1B: Each animal has different structures and behaviors that serve different functions. 4-5 LS1D: Plants and animals have structures and behaviors
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4-5 INQA: Scientific investigations involve asking and answering questions and comparing the answers with evidence from the real world. 4-5 INQD: Investigations involve systematic collection and recording of relevant observations and data. 4-5 INQH: Scientists communicate the results of their investigations verbally and in writing. They review and ask questions about the results of other scientists' work. |
CONTACT INFORMATION
Mary Krauszer
Education and Outreach Coordinator
slatermuseum@pugetsound.edu
253.879.3356 (museum)
253.381.0423 (cell)
Robert Niese
Education and Outreach Specialist
rniese@pugetsound.edu
253.879.3356 (museum)
925.212.6750 (cell)
Dr. Peter Wimberger, Director
Slater Museum of Natural History
pwimberger@pugetsound.edu
253.879.2784
253.879.3352 (fax)
