Cincinnati Nature Center School Program Manager, Melissa Sabo, a master’s student in the Global Field Program from Miami University’s Project Dragonfly, will travel to the country of Namibia, located in southwest Africa, on July 23. Sabo will spend three weeks abroad studying ongoing research projects such as radio tracking, cheetah conservation and ecosystem management, as well as the design of school and community programs.
Sabo, who is now in her sixth year at Cincinnati Nature Center, leads the organization’s school program, which offers a variety of nature-based educational opportunities including school yard programs, field trips and teacher trainings. The Nature Center school program aims to give children and teachers hands-on, personalized experiences with nature. According to Sabo, “We serve children on our property and in their own schoolyards to connect them with local ecosystems. We also provide training to teachers and parents to inspire them to take children outdoors on a regular basis for learning and play. “ Research indicates the benefits to children of being in nature are profound and include helping to improve critical thinking, increasing creativity and providing better health.
Through Sabo’s participation in the Namibia Earth Expedition this summer, she plans to further expand her inquiry-based teaching skills to share these skills upon her return with Nature Center staff and local teachers. “I also hope to bring back stories of successful conservation programs to inform work in our Center for Conservation and Stewardship,” says Sabo.
To receive a complimentary Nature News! a monthly e-newsletter for teachers, visit http://www.cincynature.org/education/for-teachers-3/, or for additional information on Cincinnati Nature Center school programs contact msabo@cincynature.org.