This case study helps students better understand barriers to youth sport participation that low-income families face and then offer solutions to alleviate some barriers and create a more inclusive sport community. The case focuses on the struggle that many sport organizations face when trying to increase diversity and inclusiveness, regardless of…

For young children, a found acorn, stone, or lichen-covered branch can be a touchstone of an experience in nature. Children, however, should also be taught to "leave no trace." As the National Park Service advocates, visitors to natural areas should "Preserve the sense of discovery for others by leaving all natural and cultural…

This paper describes an environmental education initiative called Starting out Wild (SoW) designed for toddlers and their caretakers. The program, developed by staff and volunteers of a city parks department, engages children ages 1-3 and their parents and caretakers through outdoor learning experiences. We suggest that environmental education…

The "Project WET Curriculum and Activity Guide 2.0" continues Project WET's dedication to 21st-century, cutting-edge water education. Now in full color, Guide 2.0 offers new activities on topics such as National Parks and storm water, fully revised and updated activities from the original Guide and the very best activities gathered from all of…

Finding real-world examples for middle school algebra classes can be difficult but not impossible. As we strive to accomplish teaching our students how to solve and graph equations, we neglect to teach the big ideas of algebra. One of those big ideas is functions. This article gives three examples of functions that are found in Arches National…

This manual reflects the highlights of an urban park study developed and tested over a 6-year period at the Churchill School, an elementary school for children with learning disabilities. This book makes possible an integrated study that develops understandings in natural science and the social studies along with reading, writing, and language…

Follow the migration of monarch butterflies, explore Yellowstone National Park, find out about endangered species in the Everglades, or learn about the wildlife dependent upon a bog for existence. This article describes how students can learn these things and many more through the numerous resources available on the World Wide Web that feature…

One way to increase awareness of endangered national heritage is to teach youth the importance of the land through the study of selected works of art. This article describes a lesson, in which students will study the work of Thomas Moran and create a mountain range collage. A short biography of Thomas Moran is included.

The original buildings in San Diego's (California) Balboa Park, were planned for the 1915-1916 Panama-California Exposition. Loosely designed in the Spanish Colonial Revival Style, local builders and craftsmen added their own interpretation by using materials found locally in Southern California and freely applying traditional architectural…

Outlines specific guidelines and suggestions for developing preschools at community environmental education centers, and explains the rationale for doing so. Points to consider during planning include population served, developmentally appropriate curriculum, properly trained and consistent staff, scheduling, parent involvement, health and safety,…

Outlines the history of the educational role of the National Park Service under various leaders. Details the types of educational outreach programs that are thriving today and discusses their merits and successes. (DDR)

Briefly described is a sculpture project wherein all activities were related to Transportation Week. The Maplewood Community Services' Mobile Arts and Crafts Unit visited seven area playgrounds daily for eight weeks one summer, presenting new media, concepts, and experiences for children of all ages. (KC)

This teacher's guide is designed to prepare teachers and their students for a rewarding experience when visiting the Friendship Hill National Historic Site, the home of Albert Gallatin (1761-1849). Gallatin was a financier, entrepreneur, politician, diplomat, scholar, and colleague of Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe. The guide…

Offers reminders and tips for improving interpretive walks, including having a theme, drawing on basic teaching methods, drawing on all senses rather than just talking, being a role model to show how learning can be fun, using picture books, using tools of the trade to encourage visitors to learn for themselves, and playing games. (PVD)

Because it is sometimes difficult for teachers to arrange field trips to state parks, and difficult for naturalists to come to schools for presentations, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources has developed Portapark, an activity packet that teachers can use to bring an outdoor learning experience into their classrooms. most of the ideas and…