Monthly Archives: July 2014

Externship and Curriculum: A Scary Experience

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While at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden, I have had numerous opportunities to learn and grow as an educator. The garden has an excellent and extremely knowledgeable staff. My externship responsibilities have included lesson planning, grant writing, and assisting with camps/field trips. Although, many of the field trip lessons I’ve been working on are geared toward the lower elementary students, there are some that can be modified to make it rigorous and relevant for my 6th graders.

I especially enjoy working with the the Nature Tales programs. Last week I was asked to teach two programs titled, “Noisy Insects”. Ms. Shiela, from the local library, read aloud to the children and I was responsible for the lesson and craft project. It was exciting until told that I would be introducing the guest of honor…a Madagascar Hissing Cockroach!  At first I thought to myself, “No Problem.” I began by mentally preparing for the hissing sound as I slowly started putting my hand into the tank. I immediately realized, while jumping 3 feet backwards, that the hissing sound I was expecting, sounded more like loud shaking maracas! It was so scary that it took some time before I could muster up enough courage to pick up “Sam” the cockroach. I am happy to report however, that I have faced my fears and enjoyed working with the cockroaches. Also, the children enjoyed Sam. Some of the children although initially fearful, challenged themselves by petting him. I was very proud. One of the children got overly excited and pressed hard while petting him and Sam stuck me with his prickly legs. My fingers were sore for a couple of hours. In spite of all of this, however, I enjoyed learning about and working with the cockroaches.

Hissing Cockroach

These experiences have enlightened me to the value of incorporating live animals and insects into my lessons. Seeing the children react to the cockroaches, reminded me of the importance of having engaging lessons. I explained to my mentor that I would like to include hissing cockroaches and millipedes in my classroom. She has decided to assist me in creating a habitats for both. Furthermore, we are including a vermicomposting bin. I’m certain my Principal will be pleased. Maybe not!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Week 2 at the Cape Fear Botanical Gardens

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The two weeks spent at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden in Fayetteville has been an amazing experience. The botanical garden is a privately owned, non-profit business that requires the generous support of volunteers and financial contributions from the community to sustain its viability. They have many volunteers that support the garden by assisting with tours, educational classes, and by maintaining the grounds along with a vegetable garden located in the Heritage Farm. Due to their countless hours of effort and expertise, the Cape Fear Botanical Gardens has been transformed into a breath-taking landscape that attracts many visitors. Also, students from the surrounding schools enjoy the Botanical Garden by attending field trips, day camps, and free educational programs geared toward the natural sciences.

St ann day camp 3-1   St ann day camp 4

My time spent these past weeks in the Botanical Garden have been extremely productive conducting activities such as, assisting with lessons, preparing for camps, and writing lesson plans. Furthermore, I have just completed writing a grant application for $20,000.00 in order to purchase a CO2 Laser Engraving System and Sign Materials for Arboretum. Once Adriana Quinones (Director of Horticulture) finalizes her portion of the application, we will submit it. The signage tool will have the capability of producing high quality laser engraved signs that offer technological advantages, as well as, same the organization a lot of money and time wasted ordering the signs from local businesses.

nature class 12 Cucumbers bring smiles to our faces!

I especially enjoy working with the children that are attending the summer programs. Sherry Carpenter (Naturalist and Educational Director) is extremely knowledgeable and prepares informative, active, and engaging lessons for her campers and the field trips. We have had an amazing time searching for frogs and toads, catching butterflies and insects, picking herbs, flowers, and vegetables from the garden, and taking the students hiking on the many trails. Next week, I will be responsible for the Nature Tales program. The Botanical Gardens has partnered with the Cumberland County Library to provide children ages 2-6 years-olds with free “Nature Tales” experiences. The children explore the natural sciences through a variety of themes, which includes stories and crafts. Lots of fun!