Studies show that students who learn through hands-on lessons better retain and understand concepts. Outdoor experiences help foster lifetime connections with nature and a desire to preserve and protect natural areas.
Mighty Acorns provides 3rd-5th grade teachers with an interdisciplinary curriculum that includes both outdoor field studies and classroom lessons. The recently updated curriculum aligns with Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core Standards.
Formula for Success
All Mighty Acorns schools follow a basic recipe of classroom and outdoor activities that engage students in stewardship, exploration, and meaningful interaction with their local ecosystems.
Mighty Acorns schools participate in three field study trips throughout the year at local partner natural area sites. These outdoor trips occur in the fall, winter and spring and include an educational game, stewardship activity and exploration time. Teachers facilitate activities in their classroom before and after each field study trip to reinforce concepts and vocabulary learned during that season.
During the summer, students who participated in Mighty Acorns are eligible to attend Mighty Acorns Nature Camp at the Dunes Learning Center in Chesterton, Indiana. Students can register for this one week camp at a reduced price in late spring. [more information]
Interested?
If your school or natural area is interested in participating, contact Soledad Maristany, Partnership Coordinator, at smaristany@fieldmuseum.org for more information.