Go to A New Day for Learning, Part Two 
NatureMapping Table of Contents
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Overview
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Lessons
- Overview: NatureMapping Lessons at a Glance
- How to Tell the Time and Date
- Using Guides and Animal Size to Teach Species Recognition
- Using Environmental Clues to Teach Species Recognition
- How to Estimate Animal Size and Numbers at a Distance
- Teaching Directions, Maps, and Coordinates
- A Lesson on Nature Note Taking
- How to Collect and Evaluate Observations in the Field
- A Glossary of Common NatureMapping Terms
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Videos and Tips
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Articles
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Contacts
Support for coverage of learning beyond the classroom is provided in part by
the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.
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Getting Started with NatureMapping
NatureMapping participants talk about the nuts and bolts of setting up a field science program and how it can be tailored to any curriculum needs; plus advice and links for starting your own program.
| Credits
Release Date: 01/15/09
Running Time: 06:45
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Getting-Started Tips
Want to start a full-time-learning model in your community? Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or community member, these tips will help you get going.
Do your research:
- View this site and others for ideas about what type of program you want to create, for which age groups, and during which hours.
- Review academic standards. Always make sure standards fold into the project.
- Talk with leaders from similar programs for background information.
- Document your needs and findings.
Recruit good people:
- Principals should play an active role.
- Recruit people with strong leadership skills and connections to the community.
- Ask colleagues, parents, and friends to help. Assign specific roles and tasks.
Develop a business plan:
- Highlight how the project benefits students.
- Refer to historically successful learning programs: Include essentials, such as the project goal, outline, funding ideas, resources, and directive.
Sell the project:
- Get the PTA and parent groups involved. Parents can participate directly (by becoming mentors) or indirectly (by recruiting their employers).
- Ask civic organizations and businesses for support.
Involve the students:
- Ask them to brainstorm their own full-time-learning programs.
- Encourage them to take part in the plan.
