This book will alleviate any fears about taking classroom instruction outdoors. The investigations include the senses, trees, birds, insects, ants, biodiversity, habitats, endangered species, and the food chain. A focus paragraph, background information, and sequence of activities accompany each unit. The unit on trees offers a creative way for students to act out the life cycle, which is described in wonderful detail. The student sheets include an overview that explains what is happening and presents a schoolyard challenge.
Students collect data and graph and compare results.
At the end of each unit, students create their own investigation. All copy masters are included with and without answers. Nature at Your Doorstep provides a way to tap into children's curiosity, wonder, and upper level thinking skills.