DNS Nature Unleashed

The Discover Nature Schools (DNS) program, Nature Unleashed, is a curriculum of 8 units designed for 3rd-5th grade students to promote understanding of Missouri habitats by exploring food chains and the roles of producers and consumers as well as specialized structures and biotic and abiotic factors. The curriculum supports Missouri Learning Standards (MLS) in science, particularly life science. The hands-on, inquiry-focused lessons provide outdoor learning opportunities where students can explore their own schoolyard. Summative assessments are provided for each unit.  

This free training introduces teachers to the teacher and student materials as well as the MDC Teacher Portal and other resources. It prepares participants to teach the lessons and address concerns with structured outdoor activities. Participating teachers become certified to receive the DNS grant funding for classroom materials and field experiences.   

The Nature Unleashed curriculum includes the following free materials: 

• Fully colored, illustrated student books 

• Student science notebooks 

• Lesson plans that include outdoor exploration and summative assessments 

• An initial $1000 non-competitive school-wide grant for classroom materials and an annual travel reimbursement for field experience. A $500 non-competitive maintenance grant for classroom materials is available after every 3 years of participation in the Nature Unleashed program.  

• An annual travel reimbursement grant up to $7/student for field experience, covering actual bus transportation costs.