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KIDS IN THE PARK CONNECTS 4TH GRADE STUDENTS TO THE OUTDOORS LANSING--Although the calendar says spring is still
seven weeks away, Michigan's fourth-grade teachers can begin
scheduling educational field trips to state parks for the
remainder of the school year through the Department of
Natural Resources' Kids-in-the-Park program.
This innovative program offers free admission and
materials to fourth-grade teachers who would like to bring
their students on a fun visit to any Michigan State Park or
Recreation Area.
"Since a state park or recreation area is within one
hour of any school in Michigan, this program gives teachers
access to an outdoor classroom that helps students connect
with our state's natural resources," said Janet Canode,
program coordinator.
When teachers call the Kids-in-the-Park toll-free
number, 866-629-5437, to reserve a field trip, they get a
free classroom packet of specially-designed materials that
includes a complete teacher's guide, worksheets and a
colorful journal for each student. "Although the materials
are designed for the fourth-grade level, they can be used by
any school group planning a field trip to any Michigan State
Park," Canode said.
The Kids-in-the-Park program is designed so that
teachers can lead their own group during their visit to the
park. A special area for nature study is set aside at each
location to assist in learning.
Kids in the Park is a natural extension of the DNR's
supplemental fourth-grade Michigan L.A.P.'s curriculum. The
L.A.P.'s project, which stands for Learn from the past,
Appreciate the present and Preserve our outdoor heritage,
offers free, ready-to-use materials that integrate natural
resource messages into daily lesson plans for Michigan
history, science, social studies, math and language arts.
For more information on the Kids-in-the-Park program
or to make a reservation, teachers should call the DNR Parks
and Recreation Bureau at 866-629-5437.
Source: MDNR
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