Learning From Experience Ecology of an Island. One summer a group of teachers from across North Carolina gathered to discover about the ecology of North Carolina's barrier islands and to learn about experiential education; that you understand by doing and reflecting on what you did. You can bring experiential education into your classroom or backyard by using this video and its companion teaching guide written by Mary Ann Brittain, director of education for North Carolina's prestigious State Museum of Natural Sciences. Click here to return to the table of contents

Nature Neighborhood This three program video features three outdoor learning centers: Butterfly gardens; Bird Observation Stations; and Mini-Ponds. The programs illustrate the step-by-stepconstruction of a nature neighborhood and highlight some of the animals that might be attracted to a schoolyard habitat.

Teaching Guide descreption:
Based on a National Science Foundation-funded project developed by the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, this comprehensive teaching guide helps teachers expand the walls of their classroom by demonstrating how to turn their school grounds into a “nature neighborhood.” Designed for learning experiences, the “neighborhoods” provide the basic elements all wildlife needs: food, water, shelter and places to raise young. The guide also suggests mini field trips and activities that can be coordinated in existing school grounds and offers “how-to” chapters that provide detailed instruction in creating and using a mini-pond, bird observation station and butterfly garden. A resource and reference section points to teaching resources, field guides and sources for supplies, animals and plants.

Table of Contents
Getting Started
Butterfly Gardens
Bird Observation Stations
Mini-ponds
Getting to Know your Neighbors
Resources and References
Project Suggestions
Bird Feeders and Butterfly Cages

Nature Neighborhood Guide (72-page manual) Based on a National Science Foundation-funded project developed by the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, this comprehensive teaching guide helps teachers expand the walls of their classroom by demonstrating how to turn their school grounds into a “nature neighborhood.” Designed for learning experiences, the “neighborhoods” provide the basic elements all wildlife needs: food, water, shelter and places to raise young. The guide also suggests mini field trips and activities that can be coordinated in existing school grounds and offers “how-to”chapters that provide detailed instruction in creating and using a mini-pond, bird observation station and butterfly garden. A resource and reference section points to teaching resources, field guides and sources for supplies, animals and plants.

Table of Contents
Getting Started
Butterfly Gardens
Bird Observation Stations
Mini-ponds
Getting to Know your Neighbors
Resources and References
Project Suggestions
Bird Feeders and Butterfly Cages