Awakening Inquiry, Observing and Recording Nature

After years of taking students into the field on research projects, two common problems surfaced time and time again. Students lacked "naturalist" skills for making good observations, and suffered from "sensory overload"--the field was such a different environment, students would forget what they learned in the classroom. Awakening Inquiry was written as a core "how-to" book to overcome these challenges. It weaves three parallel approaches to nature the NatureMapping Program, with its strength in science and technology; Habits of Mind, which focus on patterns of behavior that lead to lifelong inquiry and problem-solving; and the Coyote's Guide to Connecting with Nature, which emphasizes development of a traditional kinship with nature. Awakening Inquiry focuses on engaging a child's passions, so that the student begins practicing the "Core Routine of Nature Connection"--habits that help the brain learn and remember what field biologists call "search images". Fun is a key component to this approach! Awakening Inquiry is comprised of seven "how-to" Journal, Time/Date, Estimating Size and Numbers, Animal and Plant Senses, Mapping, and Data Analysis. It includes grade-level expectations and assessments. Lessons in the units are interspersed with Core Routines and begin with a game that prepares the students for the lessons. All referenced materials are on the accompanying CD. Awakening Inquiry is designed for homeschoolers to meet their science, math, reading and writing requirements; pre-service teachers to build their skills before teaching them; informal educators to incorporate into their existing programs; and formal educators to integrate across grade levels. The accompaning CD has all of the photos and graphics needed to complete the lessons. Where else would you find pictures of owls, ant mounds or skunk tracks? Spiral bound 165 pages CD included Published by NatureMapping www.naturemappingfoundation.org