Discover Nature Schools

This Discover Nature School (DNS) program, Nature Unhooked, is for sixth through eighth grade. It includes engaging, hands-on outdoor learning that focuses on water properties, the water cycle, Missouri's aquatic habitats, food webs, interactions, and biodiversity. It has already been correlated to both the Missouri Learning Standards and the Next Generation Science Standards and are designed to work with teacher's needs and existing curriculums. Additionally, learning outdoors improves student physical and mental health and reduces behavioral issues.

During the training, teachers will become familiar with the teacher's guide, student guide, science note-booking, and the online Teacher Portal. Additionally, teachers will experience the activities and outdoor learning themselves. This will help prepare them to implement them and help with their comfort level. Teachers will also become certified to receive the DNS grant funds for learning materials, outdoor classroom materials, and field trips for their schools.

The program includes the following items:

• Full-color, illustrated student book

• Student science notebook

• Teacher guide with outdoor activities and lesson plans

• Non-competitive grants for field trips, exploration equipment, and building outdoor classrooms