Bringing Nature into the Classroom

RBG’s mission is “to promote the public’s understanding of the relationship between the plant world, society and the environment”.  Upon reading this you realize that education is a very important part of what goes on at RBG. This education is carried out in a vast variety of ways such as children’s camps, winter exhibits, school programs at the NIC and public programs to name just a few.

RBG has been providing education through videoconferencing since 2007.  This is a way of taking RBG to the classroom, delivering curriculum based programs to schools that are not close enough to visit RBG in a timely, low cost manner.  The main users of these virtual fieldtrips are classes at the primary (K-3) and junior (4-6) levels, with about 2/3 of the participants coming from areas outside of Ontario, mostly in the U.S., Alberta and Quebec incorporating the curriculum of the local school boards. Programs are also presented to facilities such as Senior Citizens’ homes, libraries and community colleges along with various conferences provided by external sources for the education of RBG’s own staff.

Karin Davidson-Taylor is the presenter 

Some of the props kept on hand

and a visit to her studio

reveals a treasure trove

of props for use in

the school programs.

More props ready to use

Models, living and preserved specimens are used as well as images and videos. 

A model in use

 

Dissecting microscope
(Note that the surrounding objects
will not be viewed on camera.)

Karin demonstrated how she can display on camera the features of an insect as viewed through a dissecting microscope, just one of her many teaching tools.  

Specimens under the microscope

A typical presentation is interactive with Karin able to encourage discussions, share information, employ games and answer questions, just as any teacher would in the actual classroom.  

The goal is to engage and motivate the students. Students are always encouraged to continue their education outdoors and are provided with post-conference activities. 

If interested in seeing some of the virtual field trips available follow this link and click on any of the curriculum connections.  http://www.rbg.ca/videoconferencing