Environment: My Home, My Community, My World

The My Home, My Community, My World program enlivens classroom science with tangible, hands-on learning that encourages students to continue their relationship with the environment on their own. Every class is matched with a YMCA naturalist, who works with them over the course of the entire school year. Naturalists work with teachers to establish lesson plans that reinforce and supplement classroom concepts. Activities are grade and age appropriate, developed in concert with California State Science Standards, and integrate multiple subjects other than just science—including physical education, mathematics, social studies, writing, and the arts!

# Sample Lessons: Primary grades use color-coded keys for a sensory treasure hunt of school-yard fauna and flora;
# Play bug bingo! Use viewfinders to investigate the differences among bugs found on the schoolyard;
# Hike the watershed surrounding the school, following a seasonal creek running through the schoolyard down to its end in the bay;
# Hike to a neighborhood park to examine the diversity of native and introduced plants, exploring nature with all of the senses;

# Learn about native birds, take a bird walk and then use field guides to make models of birds seen using plaster and newspaper;
# Work together to solve our series of challenges , ecologically-framed mental and physical "puzzles" that teach communication, cooperation, and team building skills.

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