On November 7th, Nevada Outdoor School conducted four 3rd-grade owl pellet lessons in Battle Mountain, engaging a total of 83 students. During the lessons, the students dissected owl pellets to learn about owls’ diets, habitats, and size. The classes thoroughly enjoyed the activity, with many students excited to take the bones home as souvenirs. This was AmeriCorps members Beau and Zoey's first time teaching in Battle Mountain, and they learned a lot about classroom management, which will help prepare for future lessons. Overall, it was a rewarding and educational experience for both the students and Nevada Outdoor School!
November 18 | West Wendover Programming
In November, Nevada Outdoor School brought its "Nature in My World" programming to 3rd graders in West Wendover, focusing on animal adaptations. Through three engaging class lessons, students explored local wildlife, identifying various animal adaptations and distinguishing between wild and domestic animals. A highlight of the program was a hands-on activity where students dressed a classmate as a beaver, naming its adaptations and learning how these traits help it survive in its environment.
Students participating in an animal adaptations lesson.
Despite uncooperative weather, the Mindful Skills Workshop on November 23rd was relocated to the Nevada Outdoor School office. Two students attended and learned techniques for managing big emotions through breathing exercises inspired by animals and plants native to Nevada. Each student created a breathwork stick using pipe cleaners and beads, then practiced their favorite breathwork technique by moving the beads from one end of the stick to the other. Additionally, each student took home laminated breathwork cards to help them continue using the skills they learned at home.
November | Elko NIMW Programming
Nevada Outdoor School Elko office wrapped up our Nature in My World (NIMW) Fall sessions in November, teaching nearly 700 students and serving 34 teachers. One of the highlights of these lessons has been receiving updates from teachers afterward, especially about our second-grade lesson on the water cycle, which has been a huge hit. Students continue to talk about getting stuck as clouds or being trapped in the ocean, making the lesson memorable. We've also had the opportunity to travel to Wendover and Ruby Valley to bring these educational experiences to more students, further expanding our reach in northern Nevada.
Ruby Valley Students learning about adaptations in animals.
November | Elko Young Naturalist Club
This month, our Young Naturalist program featured two exciting lessons on Hibernation and Migration, held at the beautiful Peace Park. With 25 kids participating, we spent a total of 25 hours outdoors, enjoying the perfect weather and the ideal setting of grassy areas for activities and covered pavilions for table lessons. A special highlight was seeing familiar faces—returning students who eagerly sign up for everything we do. It’s always rewarding to see their enthusiasm grow with each program!
This month, our Young Naturalist program featured two exciting lessons on Hibernation and Migration, held at the beautiful Peace Park. With 25 kids participating, we spent a total of 25 hours outdoors, enjoying the perfect weather and the ideal setting of grassy areas for activities and covered pavilions for table lessons. A special highlight was seeing familiar faces—returning students who eagerly sign up for everything we do. It’s always rewarding to see their enthusiasm grow with each program!
Students participating in a hibernation lesson at Elko Peace Park.
November | Winnemucca Nature in My World Programming
In November, the Nevada Outdoor School's Winnemucca office NIMW programming engaged with 110 kids across Lovelock and all of Humboldt County. We successfully completed our final lessons for the semester, receiving heartfelt thanks from numerous teachers who appreciated the educational experience. Our AmeriCorps members are excited and prepared for the next set of lessons as we continue inspiring and educating youth.
Students learning about the skins and skulls of different animals.
November | Winnemucca Nature Journaling
Nature Journaling at Nevada Outdoor School has been a success! A total of 108 kids have participated, spending 211 hours outdoors. So far, two lessons have been taught as part of the program.
In the first lesson, students used object cards to find specific items in nature, draw them, and describe their features. The second lesson focused on reptiles, where students were given cards featuring different reptiles. They were instructed to draw the reptile along with the surrounding scenery, then describe both in detail. At the conclusion of each lesson, students were engaged with reflective questions, such as: "Why do you think scientists use journals to record observations?" After sharing their thoughts, the students were thanked for their participation and returned to their teacher.
Students showcasing their Nature Journals.
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