Nature Scopes
Nature Scopes is a unique binocular-focused nature education program for fifth grade students in Geauga County, Ohio. The year-long program enhances school science instruction by providing hands-on lessons matched to the Ohio Content Standards for fifth-grade science education.
Nature Scopes was established in response to research showing that close encounters with nature create a direct, personal involvement with the outdoors that cannot be matched by classroom discussion or photos in textbooks.
Nature Scopes is the first binocular-focused nature education program of its kind in the country. This year-long program enhances school science instruction by providing hands-on lessons matched to the Ohio Content Standards for fifth-grade science education. Fifth-graders at public, private and parochial schools in Geauga county participate in a total of six hands-on nature education sessions led by Geauga Park District naturalists, concluding in May with a field day at a Geauga County park.
How is the Foundation for Geauga Parks involved with Nature Scopes?
The Foundation raises funds to provide each student with the binoculars and field guides central to the program. At the field day, students are awarded their own binoculars and field guides to keep with the hope that the tools will provide them with a lifetime of opportunities to observe and enjoy nature. We also offer Transportation Grants to help schools pay for buses that transport students to a local park for the end-of-year field day.
What is the impact of Nature Scopes?
Nature Scopes brings hands-on learning to local schools to enhance science curriculum in a way books and classroom discussion cannot. Students learn about our local parks and naturalists and discover the wildlife, insects, plants and sights right in their own back yard. Several Foundation scholarship recipients were Nature Scopes participants, crediting the program with sparking their love of nature and desire to pursue nature-related careers post high school. Our goal is to support the next generation of environmental stewards and promote a love of nature.
