The "Caterpillar"

"The mark of a great educator is the ability to lead
students out to new places where even the
educator has never been!" (Thomas Groome)

Our Mobile Classroom

The "caterpillar," a mobile science center, is a 12' greenhouse and a 12' "discovery room" on a 24' trailer (with antennae and eyes added to the front!) has been taking environmental science and horticulture education TO local elementary schools for 2 years now. It provides schools with changing displays, equipment that might not otherwise be available, and hands-on activity-curriculums fostering knowledge and joy of science, nature, and horticulture at an early age. Our programs have the enthusiastic encouragement of local school districts and are carefully aligned with their goals and standards.

Event Programs

In accordance with its goal to share the excitement of science with "kids of all ages", the Caterpillar is also available for special events. We've developed a wide-ranging collection of simple educational activities. Adults seem to enjoy many of these activities as much as kids! For information, please call Linda Mullens at 479-3243 or Peg Prag at 846-9230.

MAY WE ALL START AS CATERPILLARS, SLOWLY GROWING,
BUT ONE DAY HATCHING FREE TO BUTTERFLIES

Specific goals include:

• to teach that science is exciting!
• to teach that plants are awesome
• to teach the steps of scientific inquiry and provide experimentation opportunities
• to increase knowledge of our local flora and fauna and the unique Klamath-Siskiyou region
• to broaden awareness of how all things are inter-connected
• to provide a program aligned with Oregon's Education Standards

Some Recent Teacher Comments

"With very little money you are providing a million dollars worth of education and inspiration."
(Applegate Elementary)

Click here to see the The "Caterpillar" Curriculum

We tested our third graders after they received the standard rocks and minerals curriculum and after they spent an hour in the caterpillar. The results after their caterpillar visit were better. A wonderful program! (Lincoln Elementary)

"The exhibits were great! I can't believe how much you can get into a small space." (Williams Elementary)

Summary of School Program

As funding allows, the science trailer visits schools twice a year with different theme each time. The state-benchmarked curriculum has been developed to provide programs of slightly different content and length (from 30 to 60 minutes) for different age children. After an introduction, students in 2nd through 5th grades rotate among four stations, each with a hands-on activity related to the current theme. Students each receive a Journal with a work sheet for each activity. Finishing the activity sheets isn't so much the goal as focusing their attention and encouraging continued study between visits.

Click here to see the Details of the School Program