More Virtual Learning Resources

 

The Children’s Forest of Central Oregon has compiled some resources to support students, teachers, and families in connecting with nature.  We know there are so many resources out there, so we are emphasizing local resources focused on Central Oregon ecosystems and field trips, as well as high-quality state, regional, and national resources.  These resources encourage students to connect with nature, both at home and outdoors, and include a mix of videos, printable activities, and activities that get students exploring outside.

 

Children’s Forest partners are also offering Virtual Explorations.  Each Virtual Exploration will include a series of live, interactive virtual field trips paired with supplemental activities to support self-guided learning outdoors.  Learn more about new opportunities coming out throughout the school year here.

Local Resources

Kindergarten - 2nd Grade

Virtual NatureHoods – The Children’s Forest has developed six videos and follow-up activities for K-2 students, modeled after our NatureHoods program.  Each lesson aligns with NGSS standards and activities require simple materials that students can find at home.  Grade level themes include:

  • Kindergarten:  Habitats and Changing the Environment
  • 1st Grade:  Biomimicry and Camouflage
  • 2nd Grade:  Seed Dispersal and Pollination

High Desert Museum from Home – “Museum Moments” are videos that include wildlife demonstrations and a look behind the scenes at High Desert Museum.

 

Virtual Wildfest – This long-standing event for K-3rd grade students in Crook County has gone virtual.  Check out seven videos modeled after the different event stations.

 

Kids in Parks:  Central Oregon – A wide range of downloadable activity brochures focused on Central Oregon ecosystems, available in English and Spanish.  Youth can track their activities online.

3rd - 5th Grade

Virtual Fired Up! – The High Desert Museum has modified their popular Fired Up! program with this virtual field trip, sharing what fire needs to burn, the role that fire plays in a forest and what makes a forest healthy. Hand on activities included!

 

Deschutes Basin Story Map – Harvesting Hope – Trout Unlimited developed an online journey for students to explore and learn more about the Deschutes Basin, key species including Redband trout and Oregon spotted frog, and how the community is working to take care of our river system.  For questions, contact Darek Staab at [email protected].

 

Outdoor School at Home – Camp Tamarack has developed online and printable activities that students can do from outdoor areas near their home, including a five-part activity about decomposition and other activities focused on outdoor exploration.

 

Virtual Field Trips – Trout Unlimited has developed four virtual field trips to four different streams and rivers, covering topics including stream health, water quality, and restoration.

 

Virtual Upstream Project – Upper Deschutes Watershed Council has developed a series of videos focused including a virtual macroinvertebrate survey using real data, and simple art activities that students can do from outdoor areas near their home.

 

Virtual Oregon Encounters – The High Desert Museum has developed a six-part video series with follow-up lessons, exploring Oregon country in the 1800s, meeting fascinating people who have shaped Oregon’s history.

 

Kids in Parks:  Central Oregon – A wide range of downloadable activity brochures focused on Central Oregon ecosystems, available in English and Spanish.  Youth can track their activities online.

6th - 12th Grade

Virtual Field Science at Ryan Ranch – A virtual field trip from High Desert Museum, exploring the important habitat at Ryan Ranch, with interactive activities and learn more about the Oregon spotted frog.

 

Our Water System:  A Journey Through Bend – Educators from The Environmental Center have created a robust, engaging, and interactive unit on water systems in Bend.  To learn more, email Geneva.

 

Environmental Health – Educators from The Environmental Center developed a virtual, self-guided lesson with videos, discussion prompts, and follow-up project for 9th-12th graders.  To learn more, email Becca.

 

Sharing Water – Powerpoint and video –  This interactive curriculum highlights the many water users in Central Oregon  and the connections between this precious resource and our lives.  Grades 5-8.

State, Regional, and National Resources

 

Outdoor School Resources – OSU-Extension Service – English, Spanish

Weekly resource sets posted every week with a collection of nature observations, journal prompts, and online activities that parents/guardians and teachers can use to support students.  Grades 5-6.

 

360 Video Tour – Crater Lake National Park

Check out this 360-video created in partnership with multi-platinum singer/songwriter Dierks Bentley! This virtual experience – or Crater Lake 101 tour – will give you an introduction to the marvels you can experience while exploring this treasure of the National Park System.

 

Forest Learning at Home – Oregon Forest Resources Institute

Library of grade-appropriate resources, each aligned to state education standards, to help teach students about the wonders of the forests throughout our state.  OFRI has compiled mini-lessons using their materials that are designed for at-home learning.  Each lesson explores a forest-related topic through a combination of reading, writing, scientific investigation and other fun, engaging activities.  Grades K-12.

 

Volcano Tuesdays – Mt. Saint Helens Institute

Weekly videos and different activities and challenges focused on volcanoes of the Pacific Northwest.  Grades 4-7.

 

BirdSlueth Explorers Guidebook – The Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Free downloadable guidebook to connect kids to nature while studying birds.  Guidebook includes a habitat scavenger hunt, create a sound map, and bird observation and ID skills.  Best suited for Grade 4.

 

e-Adventures – Kids in Parks

Kids in Parks has converted some of our most popular TRACK Trail brochures into e-Adventures that kids can do on a smart phone or tablet. Kids can complete these e-Adventures in their backyard, schoolyard, local park, on an official TRACK Trail, or anywhere in between.

 

DIY Activities – Tinkergarten

Searchable database of outdoor and play-based activities.  Ages 0-8.