Naturalist Tour Guides in the Native Classroom
Source/Author: Kathryn Jeakle, Eighth Grade Science Teacher
May 11, 2017
Over the past few weeks, eighth graders were given several opportunities to teach third graders and Junior Kindergarteners what they learned this year from the Coastal Awareness Program.
As naturalists, the eighth graders each paired up with a student from third grade or JK and took their partner on a naturalist hike in the outdoor Native Classroom. Students discussed native species such as sea grapes, mangroves, and saw palmettos as well as invasive species such as Australian Pines and Brazilian Peppers. The hike was a great experience for the younger students as well as for the older students.
Find more photos here.
As naturalists, the eighth graders each paired up with a student from third grade or JK and took their partner on a naturalist hike in the outdoor Native Classroom. Students discussed native species such as sea grapes, mangroves, and saw palmettos as well as invasive species such as Australian Pines and Brazilian Peppers. The hike was a great experience for the younger students as well as for the older students.
The tour began with the eighth graders pointing out eagle and osprey nests, and sharing how to tell the difference between the two big birds. They used pictures to give the children a close up look at what they were seeing high in the sky.
When they reached the outdoor classroom, the older students taught the younger ones about mangroves, different types of pine trees and about several other types of plants native to Florida. They also learned that some trees are invasive, meaning they don't belong in Florida, and can keep other native plants from growing.
To wrap up their time together, the eighth graders taught the Junior Kindergartners about what they call "the forgotten ones" - small pieces of trash that get left on the ground around campus. Each person then collected two pieces of trash to help make our campus a safer habitat for the many birds and animals that call it home. The children had a great time and were so impressed with their new Middle School friends!
Find more photos here.
![JK on the Run [Photos]](/Images/1px.png?command_1=url&url_1=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.shorecrest.org/userfiles/shpsv2mvc/images/news-images/JKontherun.jpg&command_2=resize&height_2=85 "JK on the Run [Photos]")
