StoryTime

Preschool StoryTime in Nature’s Classroom The Brandwein Institute’s StoryTime videos are designed for young children and feature nature and its creatures. The books, read by interpretive naturalist Sara Mayes, encourage preschoolers to appreciate the beauty and mysteries of the natural world.   In the Small, Small Pond by Denise Fleming  Learn about what lives in and near a pond as … Read More

In a Brandwein Minute

“In a Brandwein Minute,” is a series of minute-long video explorations into the natural world led by interpretive naturalist Sara Mayes. These vignettes are designed to spur additional investigations and provide inspiration through images of the wonders of nature. Most of the videos were taken at the Brandwein Nature Learning Preserve, but their subject matter can be found in backyards … Read More

Suggestions for Elementary School Field Activities

(Compiled by Amy R. Bavoso, First-Grade Teacher, Anna S. Kuhl Elementary School, Port Jervis City School District, Port Jervis, NY) During the Walk: *Listen and Discuss/Draw – Have students stop along the trail and close their eyes.  They stay completely silent for a few moments and listen to nature sounds.  When they open their eyes, discuss with them what they … Read More

Family Citizen Science

Family Citizen Science @ the Brandwein Nature Learning Preserve: Connecting Family, Community, Education, and Ecosystems through Field Research Projects   Students become scientifically literate by actively learning science as science is done. Whether in the field or classroom, participating K-12 students, teachers, families, and area community groups, such as scouts and 4-H, can be engaged with the undertaking of science … Read More

Brandwein CSI: Exploring the Past Based on Observations Today

Essential Question:  What will observations of natural communities tell us about land use in the recent past? Introduction/Background: All natural communities change over time. But human activity frequently impacts natural communities in disproportionate ways, accelerating change. For example, whenever humans farm or ranch, changes to the natural community are likely to occur. Even many years after the human activities have … Read More

The Forest Ecosystem

The Forest Ecosystem   Related Brandwein Outdoor Learning Activities All forests tell stories. A snapshot of organisms that live there can reveal a great deal about the events that led to the current ecosystem dynamics. This activity, “An Interview with a Forest,” is designed to give you skills to assess the past history of the forest while looking at its … Read More

Stone Walls

Stone Walls (Stone Walls Tell Stories)   Related Brandwein Outdoor Learning Activities Human activity frequently impacts natural communities, accelerating change. The Brandwein Nature Learning Preserve offers evidence about human intervention in its recent past. As organisms grow, they change their own habitat including the abiotic factors around them. As they do so, they may change the conditions which favor various … Read More

Wetlands

Wetlands   Related Brandwein Outdoor Learning Activities Certain plans grown only in wetlands and thus identify a wetland area. It would be useful to positively identify these plants by photographing them with a digital camera.  Recording your discoveries digitally will focus attention to small details that are otherwise easy to overlook. The digital record can also be used as a … Read More

Ecological Change and Adaptation

Ecological Change and Adaptation (The Changing Landscape) Related Brandwein Outdoor Learning Activities All natural communities change over time. But human activity frequently impacts natural communities in disproportionate ways, accelerating change. For example, whenever humans farm or ranch, changes to the natural community are likely to occur. Even many years after the human activities have ceased, careful scientific observations can lead … Read More