As schools are closed for the time being, teachers and parents alike are looking for ways to keep kids interested in science. Something different than the screen time they've been seeing. Well one local naturalist has just the thing.
Larry Wade is a retired teacher who is creating ways for kids to get in a bit of science education with everything that's going on and even get them exploring if they're able.
Larry’s goal? Get outside, turn off the technology for a while and start connecting back to nature.
He's designing "research projects" and encouraging kids to create a nature notebook where they can write down, draw, and put in photos of their discoveries.
Larry is excited about sharing with kids some of nature’s riches that may not seem interesting at first:
"One of my activities is to explore a rotten log. That sounds sort of boring, but they've got to feel it, smell it, what animals might live in this rotten log and then why are rotten logs important. That kind of thing."
For parents and teachers there are handouts and guides to help you assist in your kid’s exploration on his website. And if you live in the city and not the wilderness, Larry has you covered:
"Here in Minnetonka there's tremendous parks, but maybe in Minneapolis, just a few trees or something. Well that's something! That's what they can do."
Just remember: While getting fresh air and exploring the parks, trails, and nature where you live is a great thing, don't forget to keep practicing social-distancing.
Larry Wade's website: www.oldnaturalist.com