Program Goals

During the school year, Geauga fifth-graders are instructed by Geauga Park District Naturalists through a series of six interactive sessions, with five of those involving outdoor exploration. Nature Scopes concludes in May with a field day where students are awarded their own Bushnell binoculars and 4 Peterson Field Guides (Insects, Birds, Trees, Astronomy) for participating in the program. By making nature education local and personal, the year-long program is working to inspire a new generation of conservationists.

A. Enhance and supplement the school science and math curriculum by providing hands-on lessons matched to the Ohio Science and Math Standards for 5th grade.

B. To provide tools such as binoculars and field guides in order to increase student’s enthusiasm for and appreciation of the natural world.

C. Professional naturalists and trained volunteers provide experiential nature study in a wide variety of natural habitats in Geauga County.

Program Evaluations and Standards Met

Program evaluation results, averaged over 4 years, show significant increases in student knowledge of:

Trees 20% increase
Birds 24% increase
Insects 18% increase
Constellations 50% increase

Geauga Park District’s Nature Scopes program covers 5th Grade Ohio Academic Content Standards. Some of these include:

Science and Math in the areas of:
1. Scientific Ways of Knowing (ex. Nature of Science, Ethical Practices)
2. Physical Sciences (ex. the Nature of Energy)
3. Earth & Space Sciences (ex. The Universe)
4. Life Sciences (ex. Diversity & Interdependancy of Life)
5. Math (ex. Using Patterns, Relations, and Function)

Ecosystems
Students observe and record interdependency in nature.

Forests
Identifying 5 layers of the forest which serve as life zones for wildlife.

Ponds
Defining pond food webs and using binoculars as microscopes to identify aquatic creatures.

More importantly, 2009 post-program surveys show that we are indeed helping students connect with and learn more about the mysteries of the natural world. In fact:
     • 82% of Nature Scopes 5th graders are feeling more aware of and connected to nature.

     • 80% of students are more likely to explore outdoors in their spare time since participating in the program.

     • Participating teachers report that Nature Scopes is helping their students meet
Ohio’s Content Standards for Science education.

Program Goals & Objectives

During the school year, Geauga fifth-graders are instructed by Geauga Park District Naturalists through a series of six interactive sessions, with five of those involving outdoor exploration. Nature Scopes concludes in May with a field day where students are awarded their own Bushnell binoculars and 4 Peterson Field Guides (Insects, Birds, Trees, Astronomy) for participating in the program. By making nature education local and personal, the year-long program is working to inspire a new generation of conservationists.

A. Enhance and supplement the school science and math curriculum by providing hands-on lessons matched to the Ohio Science and Math Standards for 5th grade.

B. To provide tools such as binoculars and field guides in order to increase student’s enthusiasm for and appreciation of the natural world.

C. Professional naturalists and trained volunteers provide experiential nature study in a wide variety of natural habitats in Geauga County.

Instructional Objectives

Students will:
1. Learn proper use of field guides and binoculars to study and learn about nature.

2. Demonstrate increased knowledge of birds, insects, trees, and celestial objects.

3. Show increased enthusiasm for and understanding of the natural world.

Rationale & Description

Geauga Park District’s Nature Scopes binocular program was established in 2003 in response to research showing that close encounters with nature create a direct, personal involvement with the outdoors that cannot be matched by classroom discussion or viewing photos in textbooks. Children must connect with nature before they can be expected to preserve it. Environmental education begins close to home, encouraging learners to explore and understand their immediate surroundings (North American Association for Environmental Education, 2000).

Photos & Stories

Click here to access Bino Blitz photos

Click here to read Nature Scopes fan mail from local school children

"I really loved the Nature Scopes program when I was in the fifth grade at Lindsey Elementary. The most significant thing I gained is the ability to use the binoculars to observe different birds and other animals outside in my own backyard and when I go camping. When you can observe animals up close without interrupting them or scaring them away, you can learn more about their natural behaviors and have a better appreciation for the animals living around us in Geauga County. I learned how to use binoculars correctly by focusing the lenses, how to clean them, and how to take care of them properly. I also learned when and where to use the binoculars and I use my binoculars a lot. Thank you!"              ~ Mariah Wright, Junior, West Geauga High School

 

"Nature Scopes taught me to take a closer look at the world around me. When I was in 5th grade I got to participate in the Nature Scopes program.  It taught me to take a closer look at the world around me.  I remember there was a night dedicated to looking at the stars and the moon and I was fascinated by the intricate details I could see with the binoculars.  I learned about Geauga Park District programs, activities, and the scenery they have to offer.  I use my Nature Scopes binoculars all the time.  I recently went on an 8-day Ecology trip with the high school and we were outside the entire time so the binoculars were very useful.  I also take them every year when I go on vacation to look at things like bald eagles.  They really were a wonderful gift from Geauga Park District.   Now, my brother Jack is in the 5th grade and he is participating in the program this year so thanks in advance!   He can’t wait to get his own binoculars!" ~ Claire Slusarz, Junior Grade West Geauga High School

 

"As a teacher, I have participated in the Nature Scopes Binocular Program for several years. The students find it is “so cool” to witness the secrets of the natural world in person rather than just read about them in a book. The lessons provided by the program are very well thought out and align perfectly with the Science lessons I teach each year. This program is supported by a wonderful staff who are knowledgeable and absolutely love what they do. Thank you Geauga Park District!" ~ Darla, Hollowell - Teacher, St. Helen's School, Newbury

 

Dear Nature Scopes Supporter, I am a wife, mother, grandmother, and finish carpenter by profession. However, my current passion is for volunteering with Geauga Park District’s Nature Scopes program. Since the program began 7 years ago, I have been as lucky as the 5th graders as I have helped them make that amazing connection with Nature. The students are naturally bold and curious as they appreciate the discoveries that binoculars provide. The field guides help each student understand and respect what they see. Can there be anything more important than building awareness and a basic understanding of the natural world for future generations? Having committed to Nature Scopes, it is my fondest wish that an understanding and appreciation of this program will forever generate volunteers, as well as, the capital to keep the dream on course. Thank you for your support of this profound and magical program! Gratefully, Joan Francis “Like the hammer that encourages the nail into the wood, binoculars have proven to be the ’tool’ that encourages a young person’s sense of wonder.” ~ Joan Francis - Volunteer, Geauga Park District's Nature Scopes

Local Sponsors The Geauga Park District Foundation and Geauga Park District gratefully acknowledge the support of the following sponsors and benefactors who supported the Nature Scopes program from January 1 through December 31, 2009. Geauga Legacy Donors  $1000 and above Marguerite Wilson Charitable Foundation Kathy Keare Leavenworth John & Pat Leech Walk Through The Woods Event Park Protectors   $250 - 499 Blackbrook Audubon Society Mrs. Ruth Holm Dr. & Mrs. Barry Pearce Mr. & Mrs. John C. Steigerwald Park Supporters   $100-$249 Burroughs Nature Club Paul & Barbara Emch Janet E. Narten Mr. & Mrs. Todd Ray Mrs. Mary Russell Mr. & Mrs. Carl Speck Park Friends  $99 and under Mr. & Mrs. William Angstrom  Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Best Mary Bookman Mr. & Mrs. Larry Brobst Mr. Ian Cooper Mr. & Mrs. Brent Gardner Ms. Mary Lou Whitlam Garver Mr. Brian Gingerich Emilie Gottsegen Bob & Cindy Johnson Ladies Club of Troy Irene McMullen Tom & Jenica Mignogna Ms. Lisa Ramsey Valerie Slusarz & Peter George Cheryl Torsney and Eric Hansmann Mr. & Mrs. William Tucholsky

 

More Program Details

It’s amazing what a pair of binoculars can do... click the link to read Geauga Magazine's article featuring Geauga Park District's Nature Scopes program.