Teaching children about careers is part of their core curriculum content standards and essential to informing them about their future options.  You can demonstrate a variety of green careers to educate youth about how they can go green and make green.  Elementary age students love the chance to participate and will gladly model the role of science careers.  At the start of a single class or unit on a subject area you can help put the learning into context by discussing the tools of the job.

If you’re using the Buzz Into Action Curriculum, playing Entomologist Dress-Up will help add excitement to a lesson or unit on insects.  Invite one student to the front of the room and start them off with a vest. I like the vest from Backyard Safari sold at Toys R Us because of all the pockets. Ask the students “what other tools should an entomologist use to study insects?”.  Include a magnifying glass, binoculars, camera, note pad, pencil, collection jar (use a clean peanut butter jar and remember to collect, observe, identify and release), net and most importantly a field guide.   Many students have never seen a field guide and should be exposed to these science starters. Many a budding biologist poured through the pages of field guides (often golden guides) as a child.  Students may also add water, snack, compass, gps and other accouterments.

If you’re using the Hop Into Action Curriculum, playing Herpetologist Dress-Up will help add excitement to a lesson or unit on Amphibians and Reptiles.   Include the following: boots, net, binoculars, camera, note pad, pencil, collection jar and a field guide.

David Alexander is author of the Buzz Into Action & Hop Into Action Science Curricula.  He specializes in making nature accessible to people and wildlife.  You can follow him at www.natureintoaction.com