Spring has sprung!
Flowers are blooming, temperatures are all over the place, and pollen is coating our cars here in Athens. As our thoughts turn to the outdoors, there are some fun events to plan for in April!
April is National Garden Month, and Earth Day is April 22.
Are you planning any events or classroom lessons? Heading into your garden? Entertaining kids home on spring break? Here are some resources to help!
For National Garden Month
A Flame Changer
In addition to the research study about fire and its affect on bees and butterflies, check out the spotlight on native bees and how you can help them in your own yards, gardens, and communities. And try out the activity where you design a pollinator garden tailored to the native pollinators in your area.
- For middle and high school students
- Spotlight on native bees
- Design your own pollinator garden
- Available in quantities of 20 or more
To Harvest or Not to Harvest
Learn about sustainable plant harvesting in national forests and try out the activity where you simulate harvesting various amounts of a crop to determine the best sustainable levels of harvesting. Also check out the spotlight on food forests – a unique kind of “garden.”
- For middle and high school students
- Spotlight on food forests
- Harvest simulation activity
- Available in quantities of 20 or more
The Bee Frequency
Learn about how lawn mowing can affect the bees in your yard (and discover a good reason to put off your chores). Also, pick up some tips on establishing your own pollinator garden.
- For middle and high school students
- Spotlight on pollinator gardens
- Pollination simulation activity
- Available online only
Resources from USDA
USDA’s plant hardiness zone map, newly updated in 2023, will help you choose plants that can be successful in your area. The site also contains other helpful resources like planting guides, soil information, and weeding tips.
For Earth Day
Bioenergy Edition
This year’s focus is on renewable energy so check out the Bioenergy edition of Natural Inquirer to learn about forests’ role in sustainable energy.
- For middle and high school students
- 4 Articles
- 6 Activities
- Available in quantities of 20 or more
World's Forests 2
Learn about forests’ impact on the environment, biodiversity, climate, and more in this edition based on data gathered by the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization. Articles are paired with activities to get students thinking about the impact and condition of the world’s forests. (World’s Forests 1 and World’s Forests 3 are available digitally.)
- For middle and high school students
- 5 Articles
- 7 Activities
- Available in quantities of 20 or more
Ecosystem Services
Check out this collection of articles on the benefits nature provides to humans, from clean air and water to nutrient cycling in the soil.
- For middle and high school students
- 4 Articles
- 6 Activities
- Available in quantities of 20 or more
NSI: Nature Science Investigator
Want a way to get hands-on? Order NSI: Nature Science Investigator! This small booklet, designed to be used outdoors with only a pencil, leads you through activities where you get to be the scientist – soil scientist, ecologist, ornithologist, and lots more!
- For upper elementary and middle school students
- Profiles 11 different scientists
- 20+ Activities
- Available in quantities of 25 or more
