SCHOOL PROGRAMS UPDATECoastal Maine Botanical Gardens

February 16, 2012 Bosarge Family Education Center

OVERVIEW

• Cultivating curiosity

• Neonaturalists

CULTIVATING CURIOSITY

• Writing standards based units

• Revamping the website

• Policies

NEONATURALISTS

• Writing standards based units in four content areas

• Website research and development

• Funding

• Recruiting teachers

TEACHERS• Combining this type of place based education with technology taps into two very strong motivations for this age level. Additionally, this initiative appears to focus on bringing parts of Maine history alive. This is content that is traditionally not easy to engage students in a hands on manner and the opportunity to work with an array of educators in order to design such a unit is compelling. AR Kennebec Region

• A blend of outdoors and learning and technology sounds really good!!! BW Penquis Region

• Our librarian suggested that your initiative may be a good fit with what we try to do with our students in the 7th grade. My teammates and I have always tried to give our students as many real-life experiences as possible. SK Aroostook County Region

• I am a team player, and a good organizer. I bring an open mind and an ability to work with others in the creative process. WM Mid-coast Region

• The most intriguing part of this initiative is its collaborative nature; I love the idea of students being in contact with other students from other schools, and sharing their findings. This is a vital part of the conduct of science, and it is something we do not always have the opportunity to pursue. DB Western Maine Region