The Visiting Naturalist in the Schools program brings professional naturalists into 4th and 5th grade classrooms to teach science and the natural history of western Montana. In this unique program, naturalists work with students once a month throughout the school year providing the opportunity to develop a strong mentor relationship. Seven months out of the year we work at the school itself, exploring the grounds, conducting experiments, examining natural history specimens from bird wings to mammal skulls, and using microscopes to dissect and examine plants among other things. During the remaining two months, we go on day-long field trips to local natural areas where students take wildlife hikes with binoculars, capture insects in nets for close examination, and explore local flora and fauna. The unique structure of the program, the wealth of quality tools, and the top-notch instructors helps VNS meet its goal of engaging and encouraging students’ innate curiosity about the natural world.
Curriculum
The Visiting Naturalist in the Schools program supports the fourth and fifth grade science curriculum through the study and exploration of natural history. Students each receive a journal to record observations and scientific illustrations. Through the unique design of the program, MNHC directly provides each student with 19 hours of inquiry-based science instruction during the school year.
Instruction
Naturalist instructors include Montana Natural History Center staff members and seasonal teaching staff. All naturalist instructors have completed undergraduate study in a related topic and many of them have completed graduate degrees. Instructors begin the program with prior teaching experience and a wealth of natural history knowledge and training.
Program Cost
Foundations, grants, and donations support 90% of the program cost. Schools pay the remaining cost of $220 per classroom.
2009-2010 Program
Naturalists are currently teaching in 57 classrooms in the region, working with more than 1250 students. These classrooms are located throughout Missoula, Frenchtown, and Alberton and the surrounding valleys including the Mission, Blackfoot and Bitterroot valleys.
Read What Students and Teachers are Saying about VNS!
“Thank you for letting us be real naturalists.”
“I loved looking at things in the binoculars!” VNS 4th grader
“Thank you, Nature Center, for giving me a huge interest in birds!”
“Thank you sooo much for teaching us this year! I had a blast! I liked, wait, not liked, loved yesterday’s field trip!” VNS 4th grader
“I’m planning on being a naturalist when I’m your age…I was wondering what did it take to be a naturalist? Did someone inspire you? I know that you, my dad and mom, and nature did for me!” 4th grader, Franklin school
“Many thanks for your great presentations. The kids are still talking about all the things they learned and saw. ” Lowell teacher
