Environmental Science Ideas - March 2009

Greetings from kindergarten-lessons.com,

After a long winter, spring is peeking around the corner and it is a perfect time to teach environmental education, so I have added some new pages on this topic to the site. Without a doubt, teaching environmental science is one of my very favorite activities. Children are full of wonder and curiosity about things you bring into the classroom, whether they are butterfly eggs or sow bugs or celery sticks in a glass of food coloring.

Young children need to learn about nature through direct interactions with it and learn many environmental concepts from studying one small part of it. Rather than discussing abstract concepts, teach from the real thing as much as possible. Environmental education keeps children motivated and excited and it is a springboard for teaching math and literacy and other subject activities.

Page one covers the "how do I teach it?" question. As a long time user of large gallon jars and aquariums full of critters crawling around, I offer some advice on the practical side of of having spiders or tadpoles as members of the classroom. Organizational tips are included.

Learn to model care and respect around spiders and bugs. Young children become curious about how you treat them and quickly model your behaviors.

Page two offers "Recycling for kids" ideas that can be scheduled during snack and/or lunch times and integrate math and language arts skills. It also suggests a Buddy activity.

Not sure what environmental education skills to teach? Go to page three to find out. In BC Canada, they use the acronym CARE to teach environmental science. These skills are listed by subject. Page four suggests topics to teach and to introduce to the classroom all year long. The last page offers free worksheets for students to record their observations and knowledge.

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Great book for environmental science -