LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) - Local home-schooled children getting some hands-on learning with the Johnny Appleseed Metro Parks District.
As part of their Home School Series, Thursday's lesson was all about investigating invertebrates, such as cockroaches, worms, insects, and more. The kids got to examine some of the invertebrates up close and learn about their body parts, what they eat, and how to tell the difference between a male and female of the species.
Afterwards the kids and their parents hit the trails outside for a scavenger hunt and could look at what they found under a microscope and a large screen monitor. Parks district officials say they enjoy when the children get to find their own discoveries in nature.
"We are offering the animals to them, the animals that we have here at our education center, but it's even better for a child to go explore on their own - so to turn some logs safely, to use a net to go catch flying insects, and then to use technology," said Lindsey Gallaugher, nature education supervisor with the Johnny Appleseed Metro Parks District. "We can use a microscope to enlarge that they can use a hand lens and really focus on making observations. What do you notice about this animal? How does it move? What does its body look like, and how is it similar or different to other animals you might know?"
To find out more about upcoming events and programs through the Metro Parks District, you can visit their website.
