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Children Discovering Nature is a two-session science
and nature education program in which students learn about local
flora, fauna, and habitats through hands-on activities in the classroom
and field. Topics mirror Durango School District 9-R FOSS unit
assessment topics by grade, and each program correlates to Colorado
and national science education standards.
First, a naturalist educator visits your classroom
with exciting science activities that complement your curriculum
and prepare students for a field trip. The following week, your
class visits the Durango Nature Center for a half-day educational
hike. Trained volunteer
naturalists guide small groups through a variety of habitats, engaging
students with activities, science games, and guided explorations.
. Classroom sessions are
approximately 60 minutes
. Classroom sessions are scheduled one (1) week before your
field trip
Each CDN program includes a classroom session to prepare students for
their field trip. The classroom visit introduces concepts and ideas to
your students that complement the field trip.
. Field sessions are 3
hours long, typically from about 9:00-12:00
. Schools often stay to enjoy their lunch at the Nature Center
You and your
students
should plan
to arrive
at the Nature
Center at
9:00
am on the
morning of
your field
trip. Some
classes arrive
a bit later
depending
on where
they are
coming from,
but
no classes
arrive past
9:30 due
mostly to
bus schedules.
Your exact
program time
will be listed
on your confirmation
form.
Your class will be met by a DNS Lead Educator
who will guide you and your students to the starting point of your
trip and introduce the volunteer naturalists for the day.
After your 3-hour field trip, you are invited
to enjoy a picnic lunch at the Nature Center under a piñon-juniper
canopy. Please plan to pack out your trash as we do not have trash
service onsite.
All CDN field sessions are lead by trained volunteers!
These are incredible people who have participated in a 18-hour
training program that includes age appropriate curriculum, natural
history, and child management techniques. Volunteers
generously donate several mornings throughout the season to
work with area school children. Letters, notes, and drawings
from your students are a great way to thank these incredible community
volunteers.
. No dogs are allowed at the Nature Center
. Cell phones younger siblings are distracting to the learning
experience of students
.
Please turn off cell phones,
and leave Fido and wee ones at home
We ask that you supply at least one adult chaperone (parent
or teacher) for each group. We will let you know how many groups
you will have, but plan on the students being split
into groups of about 10. Chaperones are there to assist volunteer
naturalists and make the experience as meaningful as possible.
CDN runs each fall and spring. Choose your season
and click on the button below.
Thanks so much! We look forward to working with
you and your students.
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