Have you noticed how late the sunset is getting? My three-year-old started calling dinner �the dark meal� over the winter and spring, so we have definitely been noticing and talking about the lengthening days lately. With the summer solstice coming up this weekend, let’s spend some time exploring day and night!� OUTSIDE: Use this upcoming […]
Connections
Elementary Connections: Ferns
What makes ferns different from other types of plants? Where do they grow? What can you notice about ferns to help you tell them apart? What Are Ferns? Ferns are unique among plant life because they don’t have flowers or seeds in the same way as most plants or trees.� They are still plants, with […]
A Fields Pond Mystery Solved:� �Libellule!�
A Fields Pond Mystery Solved:� �Libellule!� Since this past March, the Fields Pond Audubon Center has been engaging the public in a �mystery.�� Each week hikers find a new set of clues along one of the Sanctuary’s trails.� These clues are part of a �mystery animal trail� designed to engage and teach visitors a bit […]
Connections: Virtual field trip to Scarborough Marsh
This spring, schools were not able to take field trips to Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center. So the center’s director, Maine Audubon educator Linda Woodard, created a virtual field trip with the help of three third-grade students�from Wentworth School in Scarborough. Watch as they explore the marsh and�discover the wonders of this unique habitat and creatures […]
Family Fun Connections: Move like an animal
I don’t know if it’s the changing weather, a bit of cabin fever, or both, but lately my household has been feeling a serious need to move! If that’s true for your family, try taking a few minutes to slither, hop, and run along to this �Move Like an Animal� song in the video below: […]
Elementary Connections: All About Habitat
What is a habitat? What do habitats provide? What different habitats are located near your home? What different types of plants or animals could live there? What is a Habitat? A habitat is somewhere an organism (plant, animal, etc.) lives and finds what it needs to survive: food, water, shelter, space. Habitats are usually characterized […]
Connections: Living with Loons
Summer is almost here and school (as we’ve recently known it) will be done soon.� For many people, summer in Maine means spending time in or near water.� With over 6,000 lakes and ponds to choose from, perhaps you’ll be finding yourself in the habitat of one of Maine’s most iconic bird species: the Common […]
Connections: Guided nature explorations
Focusing your time outside helps provide practice in looking and seeing, and increases the fun!� Several examples of nature journaling and scavenger hunts have been offered here, on our Connections pages. They are a great way to share the wonders of the outdoors with others. Here are a few more ideas to guide your explorations.� […]
Family Fun Connections: Shapes and Symmetry
Nature provides so many great ways to explore math concepts, and shapes and symmetry are a perfect place to start. After all, complex forms and patterns have been present in nature much longer than people have been around to describe them!� Watch this week’s video for a symmetrical butterfly art tutorial, then read on for […]