This Discover Nature School (DNS) program, Nature Unfolds, is for Kindergarten through 2nd grade. It includes engaging, hands-on outdoor learning that focuses on season, weather, life cycles, and parent/offspring relationships. 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: See How the Turkey Grows
Student science notebook
Teacher guide with outdoor activities and lesson plans
Non-competitive grants for field trips, exploration equipment, and building outdoor classrooms