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The Nature of Learning. Bring the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge Into Your Classroom. The Norwalk Islands. Peach Island. Goose Island. Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge Norwalk Islands unit Sheffield, Chimon, Goose & Peach Islands. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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The Nature of Learning
Bring the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge
Into Your Classroom.
The Norwalk Islands
Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge Norwalk Islands unit
Sheffield, Chimon, Goose & Peach Islands
Peach Island
Goose Island
The Nature of Learning Mission
To Connect Kids with Nature by providing educational opportunities that teach the
the environmental, recreational, and cultural significanceof the Norwalk Islands.
And to build awareness of the National Wildlife Refuge System.
Our Partner:The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
- right in our back ‘yard.’
Objectives
•Use the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge as an outdoor classroom to promote a greater understanding of local conservation issues;
•Connect classroom lessons with real world issues through field experiences and student-led stewardship projects;
•Encourage an interdisciplinary approach to learning that seeks to enhance student academic achievement.
Expected Outcomes
• Enhance critical thinking skills and prepare students as future conservation leaders;• Create long-lasting relationships among teachers, local businesses, community leaders and refuge personnel;•Develop and nurture a strong sense of stewardship and civic pride using the refuge and community as outdoor classrooms.
How will we accomplish this?
By providing a series of enrichment programs
The Wow! Express - an interactive traveling exhibit about the Connecticut River Watershed will be available for enrichment programs in local schools. Schedule subject to change. Please call (203) 849-8341.
The Nature of Learning Program - 3 classroom based lessons for grades 4 & 6 culminating in a field trip to the Norwalk Islands for field based lessons and a stewardship activity.
Nature Photography Workshop - combining Nature study with technology education. Appropriate for in school enrichment or after school programs
WOW Express Exhibit Trailer
The Wow! Express – The Connecticut River Watershed on Wheels Exhibit Trailer
Brought to you by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife
Service
The “Watershed of Wheels” is a traveling exhibit designed to engage students of all ages in the beauty and wonder of the Connecticut River Watershed.
WOW!Express Trailer
The WoW! Express includes two engaging components:
1. A walk-through exhibit enclosed in a 28-foot trailer depicting the wildlife of our region. Featuring the diverse sights and sounds of the watershed, simulates a walk in the New England Forest and is designed to introduce students to the diversity of natural resources in our area.
WOW! Express Kiosks
Topics of biodiversity, wetlands, bald eaglesmigratory birds, endangered species, migratory fish, food webs, and invasive species.
Seven electronic kiosks employ • Interactive Panels• Games• Computer Screens
An interactive watershed table uses push buttons and lights to inform students on the many facets of the Connecticut River Watershed.
The Wow! Express
Funded by a grant from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
And sponsored by:The Friends of the Norwalk Islands, Inc.
• The Trailer will be available to visit Norwalk schools: TBD – please call (203) 849-8341.
• The Exhibit Trailer will come to each School. It needs a flat area to park, close to the school building
• An area within the school with electrical connections for the kiosks.
• No Charge to the School
The Nature of Learning
4th Grade Program
1.Three Classroom visits (60 to 90 minutes each).
2.One field trip - A discovery adventure to the Norwalk Islands as the culmination experience. Students will make natural observations and participate in activities designed to enhance understanding and learning.
All lessons and activities are based on the National Science Standards and adapted to the
Connecticut State curriculum for Science, Social Studies and Language Arts
The Nature of Learning
Funded by a grant from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
And sponsored by The Friends of the Norwalk Islands, Inc.
We provide:Educators to conduct classes;All the classroom materials;Transportation to the islands.
•No Charge to the school!
The Nature of Learning
Classroom Lesson 1 Introduction to the Stewart B. McKinney National
Wildlife Refuge 60-90 minutes
• Introduction to the Norwalk
Islands using maps and
charts.
• Introduction to water birds,
shore birds and wildlife that
call the islands ‘home.’
The Nature of Learning
Classroom Lesson 2 Habitats60-90 minutes
•Identify different island habitats
•Introduce native plant species and identify their function
•Invasive plants
•Animal adaptations activities
The Nature of Learning
Classroom Lesson 3Living in the Wild
60-90 minutes
•How do plants and animals coexist?
•Food Chain Activities
•Erosion
•Safety discussion
•Selection of Stewardship Project
The Nature of Learning
Lesson 4 – Field TripThe Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge
Norwalk Islands Unit Activities will include experiencing different habitats on the island, salt
marsh, rocky intertidal, sandy beach and open water. Students will record their observations. Students will identify native birds, plants and animals. Students will participate in a Stewardship project designed to build an
understanding of conservation issues and benefit the refuge.
OBJECTIVES & OUTCOMES:
Locate the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, Norwalk Islands unit on a map or a chart.
Identify various landforms on the chart of Norwalk Harbor.
Identify local shore birds, water birds and nesting birds.
Point out identifying characteristics of the birds as well as their nesting and migration patterns.
The Nature of Learning
The Nature of Learning
Identify native fish and wildlife living in the Refuge.
Describe animals’ habitats and adaptations.
Identify native plant species, their habitat and invasive species in the refuge.
Explain the effect of erosion and the role barrier islands play in protecting the harbor from the damaging effects of weather.
Build an understanding of conservation issues and tasks that will put their awareness into action and benefit their community.
Assessment: Students will produce a written, oral or visual text to express their thoughts and ideas about the experience.
Nature Photography
This science and technology program can be adapted to the classroom or as an after school enrichment
program.•Conducted at your school•Digital cameras will be provided •Experience nature outside your school•Students keep their pictures
Photo by Lauren Lamb
Nature Photography
•Fee: $20 per student.•Two sessions - each 2 ½ hours.•Limit of 10 students per session
