Embedded Files
Inclement Weather and School Policy
Families are notified by their teachers and/or big backyard team of upcoming walks and instructed on what children should wear and how to prepare for a walk. Proper clothing as well as sunblock and insect repellent is suggested depending on the season.
Students go on walks as long as it is not raining, the temperature is at or above 18 degrees Fahrenheit with the wind chill factor and there is not a heat advisor in effect.
Postponements or Cancellations: Volunteers and families are notified via email, before a walk takes place. If you still have questions the day of the walk please contact your school's office.
Walk Guides: Each volunteer is given a walk guide which guides the walk leader in the activities to do with the students as well as scripted questions to ask the children during the walk.
🎥 Training Videos: These student activity how-to videos are short introductions of what to expect on your specific walk, where to go and what each activity entails.
Please note: These training videos may not cover all material in the walk. Read the specific walk guide for an understanding of the entire content.Pre-Walk Training: Volunteers are asked to attend the on-site school specific training which occurs on or very close to the day of the walk. This interactive training takes volunteers along the school's walk route, explains the overall approach for the particular walk, points out any exciting discoveries along the way and demonstrates any equipment used during the walk.
Kindergarten
Kindergarten
Fall
Plant Parts and Seasonal ChangesActivities and questions to do with studentsOne page summary of activities and questionsFall
🎥 Plants/Seasonal Changes - Part 1
Get a sense of activities and objectives before leading the students
Winter
Plants, Animals & Seasonal ChangesActivities and questions to do with studentsOne page summary of activities and questionsGet a sense of activities and objectives before leading the studentsWinter
🎥 Animal Tracks and Tales in Winter
While exploring with students discover the stories animal tracks can tell
Spring
Plants & Seasonal ChangesActivities and questions to do with studentsOne page summary of activities and questionsSpring
🎥 Training Video
No video available at this timeGrade 1
Grade 1
Fall
What Animals Need to SurviveActivities and questions to do with studentsOne page summary of activities and questionsillustrations of signs of animals and where to find themFall
🎥 Training Video
No video available at this time
Winter
Animals in WinterActivities and questions to do with studentsOne page summary of activities and questionsField guide of animal tracks students may encounter on their walkGet a sense of activities and objectives before leading the studentsWinter
🎥 Animal Tracks and Tales in Winter
While exploring with students discover the stories animal tracks can tell
Spring
What Animals Need to Survive in SpringActivities and questions to do with studentsOne page summary of activities and questionsIllustrates some of the birds students may encounter on their walkGet a sense of activities and questions to ask students.Spring
Grade 2
Grade 2
Fall
SoilActivities and questions to do with studentsOne page summary of activities and questionsWalk Leader/Student SheetFall
🎥 Soil
Get a sense of activities and objectives before leading the students
Winter
Water in WinterActivities and questions to do with studentsOne page summary of activities and questionsGet a sense of activities and objectives before leading the studentsWinter
Spring
Insect DetectivesActivities and questions to do with studentsSpring
At-A-Glance
One page summary of activities and questions🎥 Training Video
No video available at this timeGrade 3
Grade 3
Fall
The Needs of Indigenous People in New EnglandActivities and questions to do with studentsOne page summary of activities and questionsFall
Native Plant Field GuideField guide of native plants students will encounter on their walk
🎥 Training Video
No video available at this timeWinter
There are no walks at this timeWinter
Grade 4
Grade 4
Fall
Doing What Scientists DoFall
Activities and questions to do with students
🎥 Training Video
No video available at this time
Winter
Animal Adaptations - Coping with the ColdActivities and questions to do with studentsWinter
Spring
Animal CommunicationActivities and questions to do with studentsSpring
Grade 5
Grade 5
Fall
Ecosystems in FallActivities and questions to do with studentsField guide of trees students may encounter on their walkFall
🎥 Training Video
No video available at this time
Winter
Ecosystems In WinterActivities and questions to do with studentsField guide of animal tracks students may encounter on their walkillustrations of signs of animals and where to find themWinter
Spring
Ecosystems in Spring - New LifeActivities and questions to do with studentsField guide of trees students may encounter on their walkillustrations of signs of animals and where to find themSpring
For questions or further details, please contact the Science Curriculum Coordinator K-5, or District Big Backyard Coordinator.
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