NO CHILD LEFT INDOORS
Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods, states, "At the very moment that the bond is breaking between the young and the natural world, a growing body of research links our mental, physical, and spiritual health directly to our association with nature in positive ways."
The last two years The Arboretum has provided outdoor education to the students in the Clinton Community Schools. This education has taken the form of four instructional periods that teach first, second, third and fourth grade student experiences on the grounds of the Arb. The sessions include hands-on instruction that is an integral part of the science curriculum for the students. Arboretum volunteers, most of whom are retired teachers, have created and delivered the instruction based on the school district's science benchmarks and objectives.
The response of the students and teachers has been very favorable and enthusiastic.
How better to learn about the processes of seed dispersal, leaf function, and conservation than in an authentic environment. The students have been very interested and excited to
learn here at the Arboretum; they really enjoy the activities.
- “I know that seeds travel four ways by water, wind, air and heat. I think you guys are really nice. It is a fun place.”
- “Mostly I like the heart shaped leaves because I like to draw hearts. It was most fun when I got to be the teacher and ask kids to answer the questions.”
- “I had no idea leaves were interesting. There is feathered, branches, toothed, oval and heart shaped. That is a lot of different leaves.”
- “ I enjoyed seeing the slug. I liked putting leaves in my bag. I did not put the slug in the bag.”
In 2010 we will host every first and fourth grader in the Clinton Community School District in the Spring and the second and third graders again in the Fall. For more information about supporting the project with a donation to fund the busing of the students from school to the Arboretum, or to volunteer teach some of the 1300 students expected in Spring and Fall, call the arboretum.
The 2009 NCLI staff met for lunch to evaluate the Fall sessions.
2008 included planting seeds.
2008 seed project.
2008 seed project.