Virtual NatureHoods Program

 

Our popular NatureHoods program has been adapted into a virtual experience for the 2020-2021 school year.  This is a free program available to Kindergarten to 2nd grade classes in Central Oregon. The programs will feature:

  • 3 live virtual lessons into your virtual or in-person classroom
  • 3 nature journaling activities
  • Student kits including a nature journal, dropped off with your class
  • Classroom kit (on loan)

To schedule a program fill out a Google Form HERE or reach out to Amanda Odell, NatureHoods Coordinator, at [email protected].

 

The themes for each grade level are:

 

Kindergarten

Seasonal Surprises:  How Seasonal Changes Affect Our Environment

K-ESS2-1 Use and share observations of local weather conditions to describe patterns over time.

K-ESS3-1 Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants and animals (including humans) and the places they live.

  • Students will explore the changes that come along with every season.
  • Students will learn skills that naturalists use, including how to make and record observations in their very own nature journals.
  • Students will observe patterns in weather and animal behavior that allow us to make predictions about our environment.
  • Students will learn that anyone can be a naturalist, and also hear about indigenous perspectives about seasons.

1st Grade

Roots and Tails: How Plants and Animals Use Their Structure to Survive

K-LS1-1 Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.

1-LS1-1 Use materials to design a solution to a human problem by mimicking how plants and/or animals use their external parts to help them survive, grow, and meet their needs.

2-LS4-1 Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats.

  • To understand how plants and animals use their external parts and adaptations to help them survive, grow, and meet their basic needs; to practice making observations and drawing conclusions.
  • Learn about the 5 senses and their importance to animal survival; understand that both humans and animals have senses, but may experience them in different ways
  • Explore the diversity of adaptations in the animal kingdom; understand how adaptations help animals to survive; explore predator-prey relationships and how adaptations play into it

2nd Grade

Plants and Pollinators: Spreading the Seeds of Diversity

2-LS2-2 Develop a simple model that mimics the function of an animal in dispersing seeds or pollinating plants.

2-LS4-1 Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats.

  • Explore the diversity of adaptations in the animal kingdom; understand how adaptations help animals to survive; explore predator-prey relationships and how adaptations play into it
  • Learn about the diversity of habitats in Central Oregon and the local animals that live there. Understand the importance of a habitat for an animal’s survival (access to basic needs) and realize the negative impacts of habitat destruction/fragmentation.
  • Understand the process of pollination, including the parts of a flower, the function of pollinators, and its importance to the natural world; model pollination by playing a game
  • Understand the function of seed dispersal and its importance for a plant’s life cycle; explore the diversity of seed dispersal methods and observe real seeds to determine their method of dispersal


NatureHoods Videos

 

We have created these short, educational videos provide science content and activities that kids can do in school or at home.  Videos are grouped by grade level-specific science standards (NGSS), but all videos are appropriate and educational for K-2 students.

 

Kindergarten: Bear Necessities | What Plants and Animals Need to Survive

 

Habitats (6:42 min): Learn all about where animals live! This lesson explores the different types of habitats in Central Oregon and some interesting animals that live there, plus a fun activity for you to do at home.

  • K-LS1-1. Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.
  • K-ESS3-1. Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants or animals (including humans) and the places they live.
  • Habitat Investigation: Printable habitat investigation worksheet to explore a habitat near you.
  • Mi Investigación de Hábitat: En Español

Changing the Environment (7:56 min): Learn about how plants, animals, and humans can change the environment to meet their needs. You will introduced to an animal who is a master engineer in its habitat! Plus a fun activity for you to do at home.

  • K-ESS2-2. Construct an argument supported by evidence for how plants and animals (including humans) can change the environment to meet their needs.
  • Beaver Habitat Coloring Page: Color in this beaver habitat! Beaver dams provide habitat for many animals. How many animals can you count?
  • Colorea un Hábitat de la Babera: En Español

1st Grade: Roots and Tails | Plant and Animals Use Their Structures to Survive

 

Biomimicry (8:33 min): Learn about how humans mimic the external parts of plants and animals to design solutions to human problems. Plus, learn how to create your own biomimicry invention at home!

  • 1-LS1-1. Use materials to design a solution to a human problem by mimicking how plants and/or animals use their external parts to help them survive, grow, and meet their needs.
  • For help coming up with plant/animal inspiration for your biomimicry design, check out Biomimicry Inspiration (Biomimetica en Casa en Español).

Camouflage (5:47 min): Learn how different animals use camouflage! This lesson explores the different types of camouflage, local animals that use camouflage in Central Oregon, plus fun activities that you can do at home.

  • Animal Cutouts: Printable animal cut outs to color and camouflage at home.

2nd Grade: Plants and Pollinators | Spreading the Seeds of Diversity

 

Seed Dispersal (7:24 min): Learn how seeds can travel! This lesson explores the different strategies for seed dispersal, plus fun activities that you can do at home. For extra help making a paper air plane, watch this video.

  • 2-LS2-2. Develop a simple model that mimics the function of an animal in dispersing seeds or pollinating plants.

Pollination (7:23 min): Learn all about pollination! How does pollination work? What are the parts of a flower? What is a pollinator and what role do they play? Why are pollinators visiting flowers? Plus a fun craft that you can do at home.