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Using Creeks to Bring Creeks naturally attract children of all ages. They are just about the right size body of water for easy exploration. With flowing water, wooded banks, a variety of wildlife - combined with a ready-made fascination - local creeks are an ideal resource for teaching science concepts. Using creeks as outdoor classrooms provides concrete associations between students and their natural world. Understanding how human activities alter our environment in positive and negative ways allows students to become informed participants in their own futures. According to the State of California Department of Education, "research shows that environment-based education improves students' academic performance and test scores, reduces discipline and attendance problems, and increases their ability to transfer knowledge to new contexts." Dipping into Creeks is a packet of material designed to provide the information and tools a teacher or youth leader needs to teach science concepts using creeks and creek habitat. The curriculum is full of projects and activities for grades 1-8, and correlates with the State of California Education Standards. Nature, science, biology, physical sciences, land use, ecology, conservation and natural resources are covered. Each packet includes:
Curriculum are available at the Effie Yeaw Nature Center, (916) 489-4918, or may be ordered from the Urban Creek Council in care of the Arcade Creek Recreation and Park District at 4855 Hamilton Street, Sacramento, CA 95841, or telephone (916) 482-8377. The cost is $20.00. Add $5.00 for shipping and handling.
Sacramento Urban Creeks Council |
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