In the News

THE LLOYD CENTER’S FEATHERY FOCUS PROGRAM BRINGS SCIENCE TO THIRD-GRADERS IN DARTMOUTH, FAIRHAVEN, FALL RIVER AND WESTPORT

December 11, 2006

THE LLOYD CENTER’S FEATHERY FOCUS PROGRAM BRINGS SCIENCE TO
THIRD-GRADERS IN DARTMOUTH, FAIRHAVEN, FALL RIVER AND WESTPORT

Created five years ago, Feathery Focus is an integrated approach to learning using different teaching techniques to capture students’ attention. The primary goal of this program is to introduce third graders to the dynamic and complex ecology of birds through hands-on science activities. Through birds, students explore basic concepts of science such as the food chain, predator/prey relationships, adaptations, migration, extinction, heredity and habitat use. The program focuses on identification of local birds, physical characteristics and their behaviors to teach these scientific concepts. After successfully completing the program, students will have a better understanding of the species diversity of birds within their community, they will understand how species interact with the environment, they will learn how birds are adapted to their environment (beak, feet adaptations, coloration) and hopefully will become interested in birds and the natural world.

The Feathery Focus program has been incorporated into the year-long standing curriculum for all third grade students in Dartmouth and Westport. In addition, the program is being piloted in all third grade classes in Fairhaven, and will be piloted in eight third grade classes in Fall River this year. During the academic year, the Lloyd Center’s education staff and volunteers make nine visits to each third grade class in Dartmouth and Fairhaven, and seventeen visits to Westport third-graders. Each time they visit a class, they teach different concepts using props, playing games and conducting experiments. They also bring different hands-on activities to engage the children.

“It’s wonderful to see the children’s faces light up when they are told that they are going to be learning about the birds that they see in their backyards; and when they learn that they will be doing hands-on projects such as making a bird.” commented JoAnn Cornell, Director of Communications at the Lloyd Center who observed a Feathery Focus lesson at Quinn Elementary School.

Founded in 1978 and situated with its headquarters and spectacular nature preserve overlooking the scenic Slocum River estuary in Dartmouth Massachusetts, the LLOYD CENTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT has achieved a well earned reputation for excellence in environmental research and education. Through its innovative outreach programs, it has established itself as a highly regarded leader in the ongoing effort to raise awareness of the area’s fragile coastal resources and the importance of protecting them.

Contact: JoAnn Bernier Cornell, Director of Communications
508-990-0505 ext. 20