March 21st

By Mutt Mulligan

Check out TurfMutt’s lessons & activities for middle schoolers

Have you heard the exciting news? The highly successful TurfMutt environmental education and stewardship program recently expanded. It now includes lesson plans and activities for kids in grades 6-8. The grades K-5 resources are still available, as well.

The new resources for middle schoolers include lesson plans and activities that prepare students to enter TurfMutt’s The (Really) Great Outdoors Contest.  The first lesson entitled Strengthening our Ecosystems helps students explore the connection between climate and ecosystems.

The second lesson is all about the health benefits of nature. It prompts them to document the mental and physical benefits that come from being outside. And there are so many! Check out the Living Landscapes Fact Book for a summary.

Each of the lesson plans prepare students to enter The (Really) Great Outdoors contest. It’s a chance for middle schoolers to win great prizes for themselves, their teacher and their school. All they have to do is explain (by writing or drawing) how they would create a nature space for their community.

The contest is currently accepting applications. The deadline is April 24, so don’t delay!