About Nature Studies...

Nature Studies is a "Naturalist in Residence" program primarily for grades 3-5, spanning the year with seasonally appropriate lessons in forest and watershed ecology; wildlife studies (habitats, predator/prey relationships, tracking); resident and migratory birds; the intertidal zone; forest succession; and fungus, bacteria, and invertebrates, among other subjects.

For four hours each fall, winter, and spring, students learn natural science through direct experience with nature. The curriculum is aligned with the core content of state and school district curriculum requirements for the sciences, and also features safety training, team-building exercises, and role-play games -- activities depend on the grade and the season.

View photos from Harborview Nature Studies, Fall 2011:

[Third grade fall field trips: Focus on plants]

Day one, day two, day three

View sample Nature Studies curricula:

*Note that specific activities may vary by school/classroom

Fall Field Trips

• Third grade 
• Fourth grade 
• Fifth grade 

Winter Field Trips:

• Third grade 
• Fourth grade
• Fifth grade

Nature Studies depends on support from parent-teacher organizations, local residents, businesses, and private foundations. Sales of Discovery Southeast publications also support this unique program.

Thanks to all who participated in Nature Studies this year! We continue to realign the Nature Studies curricula with key concepts of the JSD science standards, and our naturalists work hard to tailor lessons to individual classrooms and teacher requests. Teachers, please complete and return this survey to let us know how we can improve.