What is an educational trunk?
Education trunks are containers of objects related to a specific subject, such as birds, that are used as hands-on learning tools. The trunks also may include lesson plans if applicable, instructions or directions for games or crafts, background information or fact sheets, lists of questions for children, supply lists and in some cases some or all of the material for the activities. Each trunk contains a lesson plan or instructions for a craft, game, or activity; identification of appropriate age groups; amount of time needed for the activity; and supply lists.
What is the purpose of educational trunks?
Chapter members may use the trunks for education and outreach activities. They are intended for use with public schools, homeschools, private schools, community association outreach requests, church groups, scouts, Master NaturalistTM-led events, or any other public education opportunities. When used with the public schools, provided relevant TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) are helpful in coordinating with teachers requesting the programs.
Educational trunk use is flexible!
Each Master NaturalistTM has their own interests, strengths, and ways of bringing the joy of nature to children and adults. The trunks can be used as a basis for an activity for which the volunteer wants to create their own lesson or activity, but each may contain enough materials to stand as they are.
How can I use the educational trunks?
A list of trunks and their corresponding lesson plans, instructions, contents, and so on, are accessible to chapter members on the chapter’s Google Drive under Share Drives, Directorship, Educational Programs, Trunks. You can access the files by logging in to the chapter’s Drive with your chapter username and password. Contact Melody Holm for more information about accessing Drive.
Most trunks are kept in the Acton Nature Center storage shed behind the pavilion. You may check them out and take them home to study or to use for an educational activity. Please fill the sign-out sheet in the shed with the information requested when you borrow a trunk. You can contact Wendy Moore for more information about the trunks and checking them out.