Audubon On Call (in Irvington, NJ)
The goal of Audubon On Call is to increase students'
love and respect for the natural world of which they are a
part. According to a recent report by the National Science
Foundation, “children without an adequate foundation in
mathematics and science by the sixth grade are not positioned to
take the classes necessary to prepare for college.”
Elementary-age students need to be actively engaged in their
learning and respond well to hands-on experiences. New research
also shows that sustained contact with children has more impact
on the lives and decisions that these children make than a
single experience. Audubon on Call has two objectives: 1)
to provide professional development for teachers so that they
are comfortable teaching about natural history concepts on their
school grounds and at local parks, and 2) to interact with the
same students on an ongoing basis so that a relationship is
developed between the NJ Audubon teacher/naturalist and the
students.
During the 2006 / 2007 school year, NJAS program director,
Mike Anderson accompanied students and teachers from Grove
Street School in Irvington on a variety of field experiences to
local parks. Each trip had a different focus, but all were
designed to increase opportunities for children from urban
neighborhoods to experience nature in their own communities.
With additional funding from an anonymous donor, NJAS has been
able to continue our relationship with the Grove Street School.
During the 2007 - 2008 school year we will continue working with
the teachers and students to provide field trips and classroom
presentation to expose these urban children to the habitats
within their communities.
Students' keep track of the Sun's movement
(2006-2007) - Once a month, on the same date, students would
observe the position of the sun from their schoolyard.
This "real-life" experience taught the children observation
skills - while charting the sun's position the students would
also note leaf cover, temperature and weather.
September 2007
- Field Trip to South Mountain Reservation
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Students explore the edge of a small
pond. They are looking for tadpoles, water
striders and other aquatic animals. Note the
basalt rock face in the photo on the left.
This formation is part of the Watchung Mountains. |
For additional information, call, write or email
NJAS Department
of Education
Center for Research and Education
600 Route 47 North
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
(609) 861-0700
New Jersey Audubon Society (NJAS) is a statewide, not-for-profit, membership
organization committed to preserving New Jersey’s habitats and species
biodiversity. We invite your support through
membership and participation
in our programs.
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