My students need a class set of "How to Be an Explorer of the World" for environmental science. It is an exciting book that teaches and guides them how to observe the natural world around them.
Life is a scavenger hunt! One of the biggest challenges of teaching science is allowing the students to open their eyes to the world around them. This is a fun interactive book that teaches readers how to practice 'deep looking and listening' while recording observations in a variety a ways.
I have an amazing group of 12 and 13 year-old public school students who have chosen to take environmental science as their elective.
At least 3 of my students have a learning disability. All of them are eager and willing to step out of the typical self-absorbed pre-teen bubble to help make a difference in their community and the world.
Several of the students have previewed the book and were very excited about the concept. This book is a perfect tool to guide these young scientists to be worldly thinkers.
My Project
"How to Be an Explorer of the World" has fifty-six simple, but fun, explorations. The students are to explore the prompt and record the results in their journal. Most of the explorations can be done in or outside of school. I plan on allowing every class session to start with 5 minutes of an exploration, which they are to complete at home. The book provides the prompt along with a quick visual example followed by an inspiring quote from famous people.
Examples include:
Exploration #26: Sketch or document things that you use in your daily routine. "I have always loved things. Just things in the world. I love trying to find the shape of things." - Leonard Cohen.
Exploration #49: Document an overheard conversation.
My school is launching Common Core standards, yet we do not have materials or curriculum. This book will be the backbone of the first trimester of the year for environmental science.
Kids don't play like they used to.
It's a documented phenomenon. This will allow them to step outside and appreciate all the natural world has to offer. Plus, who doesn't want to do their homework outside?
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