APS: Natural & Renewable Resources
Weekly Newsletter: November 14th, 2016
CALWOOD EDITION
There is a sense of wonder that we as adults often lose over time. The daily grind can get us down and we have a tendency to think we have the answers to everything despite the fact that sometimes we are afraid to admit that we really don't know as much as we think we do.
Last week, fifth grade students at Montview Elementary gave me (and the other adult chaperones) a brief look at that sense of wonder and opportunities to inquire about things that are often taken for granted in our day to day learning.
Students used their five senses to create their own observations about nature. They deduced and debated, laughed and lollygagged. Surprisingly enough, every activity and lesson with CalWood guides were easily aligned to state standards and 5th grade curricula (and could be replicated in the classroom). From map reading to mathematical calculations, these ten year old students got to experience the great Rocky Mountains for the first time, not from a book or story, but through experiencing them first hand.
So without further adieu...
Over the river and through the woods to CalWood Education Center we go!
We hiked...
And hiked...
Teamwork and Collaboration
CalWood provided expert guides like Alyssa who led talks and inquiry-based lessons with the students.
Chasing Coyotes and Bears!
The nearest toilet could be 1/4 of a mile away...
You get the point.
Water Quality, Compass Training, Critical Thinking, Oh my!
Through the democratic process and sharpening existing skills, students shared their ideas, worked closely to piece together and understand intricate life systems, and learned about processes involved in the natural world.
Tree Species identification & the Fives Senses
"I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees." -Henry David Thoreau
Water Quality testing
If these bones could talk, what would they say?
From looking at these bones, what animal could this be?
What happened to it?
How long have the bones been here?
All of these questions and more were asked (and carefully thought about) by students.
"Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt." -John Muir
Map Reading & Compass Use 101
"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I might remember. Involve me and I learn. -Benjamin Franklin
Maybe it's worth it to ask yourself, "when was the last time you did something for the first time?"
I grew up in a mountain community here in Colorado, but I think I got a first look at the mountains through the eyes of our students on this trip and I don't know if I'll ever see them the same again.
Thank you to Montview Elementary and to CalWood staff for an unforgettable experience!
For more information about CalWood Education Center...
...and how your school could plan a trip please visit: www.calwood.org
Here's to another week of project based learning, environmental education, and going green at Aurora Public Schools!
Julie North
Natural & Renewable Resources Coordinator
Aurora Public Schools
ext. 28668
Mobile: 720-400-3148