Nature in the Middle (grades 6-8) Most middle schoolers have heard the warnings from their teachers about the perils of plagiarism; and for good reasons!� So listen to your teacher’s advice and practice ethical work habits; trust me, you’ll be glad that you did!� But, let me suggest that we do a little bit of […]
Environmental Education
Connections: A Blanding’s Turtle Story Walk
It’s almost time to start watching for turtles crossing the road. As turtles emerge from their winter brumation (the reptile and amphibian version of hibernation), they look for places to lay eggs. One way to learn about this is to read A Blanding’s Turtle Story, a picture book written by Melissa Kim and illustrated by […]
Family Fun Connections: Earth Day
As you could probably guess, I’m a big believer in acting like it’s Earth Day everyday. I try to be mindful of my impact on outdoor spaces I visit, use resources with care, and do what I can to create habitat all year, not just on April 22nd. But what to do when Earth Day […]
Elementary Connections: Spring Wildlife Tracking
What mammals and other wildlife are active this time of year near your home? What are they up to? Where might you find them or how might you know they’ve been there?� Spring is a great time of year to start looking down at the tracks our wildlife neighbors leave behind! Since tracks can look […]
Connections: Things to do on Earth Day 50
Nature in the Middle (grades 6-8) Happy Earth Day!� This holiday is now 50 years old and recognized as the planet’s largest civic event.� When it was launched in the United States back in 1970 about 10% of our total population took to the streets to demand a new way forward for our planet.� Wow, […]
Connections: What Bird Feeder Should I Use?
Last month we shared with you some great tips on what bird seed to use and why (CONNECTIONS: What Bird Seed Should I Use?) What we didn’t tell you is what type of bird feeders you should put that seed in! So, here are some helpful tips on the different types of feeders and the […]
Family Fun Connections: Spotting Differences
Have you ever had the experience of learning to recognize a new plant or bird species, only to realize that you’ve been crossing paths with it on a regular basis for years without realizing it? Getting to know our plant and animal neighbors is a lifelong endeavor, but it can begin with learning to look […]
Elementary Connections: Spring Amphibians
What amphibians can be seen and heard this time of year? Where can they be found? How does their life cycle begin? This fun video by Nat Wheelwright introduces us to the timeline of frogs calling and breeding in Maine, starting with the Wood Frogs and Spring Peepers that are currently out and about in […]
Connections: In Search of Bigfoot…
Nature In The Middle (grades 6-8)� This Week’s Topic:� In Search of Bigfoot� Ok, spoiler alert.� Bigfoot isn’t real; or at least I’ve not seen any credible scientific evidence to support its existence.� Sorry to be a party pooper! I’ll admit that the idea of a creature like Bigfoot existing in the wild is intriguing, […]