Kids and families can now check out nature discovery kits from the Silver Bay Public Library, thanks to Friends of Tettegouche State Park. The discovery kits provide an introduction to the natural world, sparking curiosity while exploring different nature topics:
Animal Tracks & Signs- Birds
- Wildflowers, Plants, & Pollinators
As the kits are designed for kids ages 5-8, parents and teachers are encouraged to check out the kits and bring them to a nearby natural area, like a backyard, schoolyard, or a on a field trip to Tettegouche State Park.
Friends of Tettegouche was inspired to do this project when they learned about the discovery kits being developed by Friends of Minneopa State Park. After looking at that precedent and connecting with the naturalist, the group decided they could do something like that for their local community.
That’s where Cindy Tackett, Board Member with Friends of Tettegouche, stepped in. With a background as a children’s librarian, she was the perfect person to spearhead this project. Tackett says, “Like most of us, children love a good story. High quality children’s nonfiction picture books peak children’s interest in science topics, especially nature and environmental science.”
When developing the kits, Tackett also tried to align the curriculum activities to match the Minnesota Department of Education Academic Standards or at least the Common Core State Standards. This effort makes the kits more appealing to teachers and home school families, offering an experience-based way to teach this content.
