Unleashed Workshop for Kellybrook Elementary

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 training introduces teachers to the free teacher and student materials as well as the MDC Teacher Portal and other resources. It prepares participants to teach the lessons and address considerations 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 annual travel reimbursement grant up to $7/student for field experience, covering actual bus transportation costs.