Two
second grade classes from Cleveland Metropolitian School District's
Almira Elementary School were the first students to experience Cleveland
Metroparks' exciting new 38-foot, technology-infused NatureTracks
mobile classroom. The brand new mobile classroom is part of Cleveland
Metroparks' continuing effort to bring the sights and sounds of nature
to schools, youth groups and recreation centers throughout Cuyahoga
County.
Surrounded
by interactive exhibits depicting a temperate forest habitat, students
stepping into NatureTracks are immediately immersed in nature.
SMARTboard and touch screen technology teach environmental lessons while
mounted native animal species and lab experiments provide hands-on
experiences that connect students to nature. NatureTracks staff
introduce students to little discoveries, such as models of mushrooms, a
weasel and an owl found in a model tree that help tell the story of a
tree and students can explore what lives in a stream by lifting a rock
in the stream exhibit. Students can also crawl through a hollow tree and
discover what animals live there.
NatureTracks
school programs are designed for children in grades K-5. All programs
are designed to supplement the Ohio Academic Content Standards in
science.
Reservations are taken up to three months
in advance and priority is given to organizations serving urban areas.
ADA accessible, NatureTracks can accommodate up to six classes per day
for a maximum of two school days.
Cleveland
Metroparks has been delivering mobile outreach education programs
connecting the urban community to nature-based, educational programs
through NatureTracks mobile classrooms since 1976. Designed
and built by Cleveland Metroparks Exhibits Team, the new vehicle is the
third NatureTracks vehicle and was made possible through generous
contributions from local foundations.
For more information on Cleveland Metroparks NatureTracks Mobile Outreach Vehicle, call 216-341-1707 or 216-635-3200.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
MARJORIE THOMAS - 216-635-3204
met@clevelandmetroparks.com
