NatureBridge's environmental science educators lead interactive online sessions designed to introduce the unique ecosystems, cultural features and natural history of Prince William Forest Park, the largest protected natural area in the D.C. metropolitan area.
Two NatureBridge educators lead each 40 to 60 minute session as presenter and host using a video conference platform such as Zoom. Attending teachers participate as chaperones who observe and assist students as needed. Interactive technology tools may include Prezi, Jamboards, Google Earth, breakout sessions and participant polls. NatureBridge educators provide teachers with information to share with students who are unable to attend.
Session 1: Community Building and Intro to Prince William Forest Park 40-60 minute live session
Students will meet NatureBridge Educators and work as a group to establish community norms and guidelines. Students will engage in team-building activities that help to create a fun and safe learning space to share and interact for future lessons. Educators will then introduce a variety of Prince William Forest’s abiotic, biotic and cultural features. From spies to salamanders, students virtually explore the trails of this Piedmont forest with Google Earth and investigate what makes the park unique.
Session 2: Create a National Park 40-60 minute live session
Students practice their observation skills in their ecosystem by identifying abiotic, biotic and cultural factors in their own backyard. Educators challenge students to create their own national park, incorporating their choice of abiotic, biotic, and cultural features from Prince William Forest. Students participate in activities that allow them to feel mindful and think like a scientist in their own community.
Session 3: Solutions for the Future 40-60 minute live session
Students come together to envision how they would adapt their park in response to environmental and social problems like climate change and inaccessibility, and discuss how green spaces can be part of the climate solution.
Students will be able to:
Virginia Standards of Learning
LS2 - 4: Explore how changes in abiotic and biotic factors impact ecosystems
LS.5: Abiotic and Biotic factors and their interactions in a larger ecosystem
NGSS Standards
MS-LS2-2. Construct an explanation that predicts patterns of interactions among organisms across multiple ecosystems.
MS-LS2-3.Develop a model to describe the cycling of matter and flow of energy among living and nonliving parts of an ecosystem.
Access to a computer, tablet or other online learning compatible device. Building materials (from inside or out) to create a model of their own National Park and paper/pencil.
At least one teacher will be present throughout each live online session. Other adults may attend by invitation from the teacher or group coordinator. All attending adults must complete NatureBridge’s Participant Registration Form in advance of the session.
It is the responsibility of attending adults to support student learning and safety during large group instruction and small breakout sessions by following the expectations listed below.
We successfully piloted our first season of Distance Learning programs this fall and will resume programming in February 2021. If you would like more information about a Distance Learning program for your class, please fill out the form below and our outreach team will be in touch with you in January to discuss your interest in more detail.
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