Maria's Nature Notebook
Videos
GradesPK, K, 1Science
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Provided by Chicago Botanic Garden
What it is
- This series of animated and live-action videos explores the natural world for young children, with episodes on bees, the titan arum plant, fall, bonsai trees, and the food we grow.
- Students learn from host Maria and supporting scientists with kid-friendly language and analogies.
Teaching tips
Classroom Implementation:
- Each video runs 12-20 minutes and is self-contained (except for the two-part series about the fall), so choose the video that best fits with your lesson or unit.
- Pause the video at a few pre-selected points to ask students questions or review vocabulary, keeping engagement for the whole length of the video.
Extensions:
- Pair the episode with a walk outdoors to observe the same plants, insects, or seasonal changes discussed.
- Have students sketch or tape (when appropriate, with guidance for conserving nature) findings from their walk in their own nature notebook.
Related Resources:
- Follow this guide to make your own recycled nature journal.
- Pair inquiry in nature with this show-and-tell activity.
From the scientist review
These videos cover a variety of nature topics. These topics are bees, fall, the Titan Arum plant, bonsai trees, and the food we grow. Each video introduces and explores the specific topic through discussion, interviews, animations, and music. The information presented is accurate, and this resource is recommended for teaching.
Ready to use it?
Hosted on chicagobotanic.org
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