Bridgeport, Fairfield & Southport Schools Commit to Participating in Our New ‘Science in Nature’ Education Program

Our team of teacher-naturalists is ready for the new Science in Nature curriculum. Photo Copyright Connecticut Audubon Society

September 2012 – More than 500 students, including the entire 2nd through 8th grade at Bridgeport’s Park City Magnet School, will be participating in Connecticut Audubon Society’s innovative Science in Nature education program starting in September.

Science in Nature uses a three-tiered approach – focusing on geology, climate/weather and adaptations – to show students how concepts that they learn in the classroom apply to real-world ecosystems. The curriculum is based on state and national science, math and literacy standards, and it is wholly integrated into the participating schools’ existing curricula.

“We are excited about this upcoming collaboration with its alignment to our curriculum and state standards,” said Alana Callahan, principal of the Park City Magnet School. “This opportunity expands our ability to enrich and expand the experiences of our students and teachers.”

In addition to Park City Magnet School, students from Bridgeport’s Barnum School, from Eagle Hill-Southport and the Unquowa School in Fairfield will also participate.

Through Science in Nature, Connecticut Audubon Society will pursue its mission of conserving the state’s environment through science-based education. The three-tiered approach is unique in Connecticut. Michelle Eckman, our director of education, said students will explore and conduct research in each of the three tiers through the study of four local habitats: woodlands, freshwater marshes, meadows and streams.

“This is the start to a whole new approach to what we do in education statewide,” she said.

We are unveiling Science in Nature for the 2012-2013 school year at our Center at Fairfield, and plan to expand it to our centers in Pomfret, Glastonbury and Milford Point in coming years.