The Nature of Learning Bring the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge Into Your Classroom.

The Norwalk Islands Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge Norwalk Islands unit Sheffield, Chimon, Goose & Peach Islands Peach Island Goose Island

The Nature of Learning Mission To Connect Kids with Nature by providing educational opportunities that teach the the environmental, recreational, and cultural significance of the Norwalk Islands. And to build awareness of the National Wildlife Refuge System.

Our Partner: The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - right in our back ‘yard.’

Objectives Use the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge as an outdoor classroom to promote a greater understanding of local conservation issues; Connect classroom lessons with real world issues through field experiences and student-led stewardship projects; Encourage an interdisciplinary approach to learning that seeks to enhance student academic achievement.

Expected Outcomes Enhance critical thinking skills and prepare students as future conservation leaders; Create long-lasting relationships among teachers, local businesses, community leaders and refuge personnel; Develop and nurture a strong sense of stewardship and civic pride using the refuge and community as outdoor classrooms.

How will we accomplish this? By providing a series of enrichment programs  The Wow! Express - an interactive traveling exhibit about the Connecticut River Watershed will be available for enrichment programs in local schools. Schedule subject to change. Please call (203)  The Nature of Learning Program - 3 classroom based lessons for grades 4 & 6 culminating in a field trip to the Norwalk Islands for field based lessons and a stewardship activity.  Nature Photography Workshop - combining Nature study with technology education. Appropriate for in school enrichment or after school programs

WOW Express Exhibit Trailer The Wow! Express – The Connecticut River Watershed on Wheels Exhibit Trailer Brought to you by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service The “Watershed of Wheels” is a traveling exhibit designed to engage students of all ages in the beauty and wonder of the Connecticut River Watershed.

WOW!Express Trailer The WoW! Express includes two engaging components: 1. A walk-through exhibit enclosed in a 28-foot trailer depicting the wildlife of our region. Featuring the diverse sights and sounds of the watershed, simulates a walk in the New England Forest and is designed to introduce students to the diversity of natural resources in our area.

WOW! Express Kiosks Topics of biodiversity, wetlands, bald eagles migratory birds, endangered species, migratory fish, food webs, and invasive species. Seven electronic kiosks employ Interactive Panels Games Computer Screens An interactive watershed table uses push buttons and lights to inform students on the many facets of the Connecticut River Watershed.

The Wow! Express Funded by a grant from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service And sponsored by: The Friends of the Norwalk Islands, Inc. The Trailer will be available to visit Norwalk schools: TBD – please call (203) The Exhibit Trailer will come to each School. It needs a flat area to park, close to the school building An area within the school with electrical connections for the kiosks. No Charge to the School

The Nature of Learning 4 th Grade Program 1.Three Classroom visits (60 to 90 minutes each). 2.One field trip - A discovery adventure to the Norwalk Islands as the culmination experience. Students will make natural observations and participate in activities designed to enhance understanding and learning. All lessons and activities are based on the National Science Standards and adapted to the Connecticut State curriculum for Science, Social Studies and Language Arts

The Nature of Learning Funded by a grant from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service And sponsored by The Friends of the Norwalk Islands, Inc. We provide: Educators to conduct classes; All the classroom materials; Transportation to the islands. No Charge to the school!

The Nature of Learning Classroom Lesson 1 Introduction to the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge minutes Introduction to the Norwalk Islands using maps and charts. Introduction to water birds, shore birds and wildlife that call the islands ‘home.’

The Nature of Learning Classroom Lesson 2 Habitats minutes Identify different island habitats Introduce native plant species and identify their function Invasive plants Animal adaptations activities

The Nature of Learning Classroom Lesson 3 Living in the Wild minutes How do plants and animals coexist? Food Chain Activities Erosion Safety discussion Selection of Stewardship Project

The Nature of Learning Lesson 4 – Field Trip The Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge Norwalk Islands Unit  Activities will include experiencing different habitats on the island, salt marsh, rocky intertidal, sandy beach and open water.  Students will record their observations.  Students will identify native birds, plants and animals.  Students will participate in a Stewardship project designed to build an understanding of conservation issues and benefit the refuge.

OBJECTIVES & OUTCOMES:  Locate the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, Norwalk Islands unit on a map or a chart.  Identify various landforms on the chart of Norwalk Harbor.  Identify local shore birds, water birds and nesting birds.  Point out identifying characteristics of the birds as well as their nesting and migration patterns. The Nature of Learning

 Identify native fish and wildlife living in the Refuge.  Describe animals’ habitats and adaptations.  Identify native plant species, their habitat and invasive species in the refuge.  Explain the effect of erosion and the role barrier islands play in protecting the harbor from the damaging effects of weather.  Build an understanding of conservation issues and tasks that will put their awareness into action and benefit their community.  Assessment: Students will produce a written, oral or visual text to express their thoughts and ideas about the experience.

Nature Photography This science and technology program can be adapted to the classroom or as an after school enrichment program. Conducted at your school Digital cameras will be provided Experience nature outside your school Students keep their pictures Photo by Lauren Lamb

Nature Photography Fee: $20 per student. Two sessions - each 2 ½ hours. Limit of 10 students per session

For more information please call: Marilice Serrano, Education Manager (203)