Eco Explorers

Cleveland Metroparks is the area's leader in outdoor education making nearly 440,000 contacts annually with families, students and visitors both outdoors and in the classroom. Eco Explorers, a new program on wheels, provides environmental education to children 3 to 6 years old.

This two-prong program provides a supplemental tool to the preschool curriculum governed by the Ohio Department of Education's Early Learning Content Standards. Utilizing a 24-foot vehicle, colorfully wrapped in engaging graphics and outfitted with a computer-powered 50-inch touch LCD monitor loaded with custom-created, interactive information, Eco Explorers brings the mission of Cleveland Metroparks to urban areas.

Targeting preschool children from under-represented communities, the Eco Explorers vehicle will visit classrooms providing one of four diffferent environmentally-based, fascinating and fun lessons. Each visit is filled with activities that promote the students' school readiness in the following areas of skills: Nature and Science, Creative Arts, Fine Motor, Gross Motor, Problem Solving and Listening, and Speaking.

The Eco Explorers vehicle also promotes sustainability awareness and respect for the environment to families, with a special focus on preschoolers, at special events. Hands-on activities that encourage reycling, water and energy conservation, and crafts that support wildlife are all part of an Eco Explorers program.

This program was made possible by PNC Grow Up Great, a 10-year, $100 million program dedicated to early childhood education. For more information, please visit PNC Grow Up Great.

For more information or to schedule a visit by the Eco Explorers, call 216-341-1707, or email.