Cooperative Living June 2017 - 36

Kids'Korner | by Anne Dellinger, Contributing Columnist
Giving Nature That Second Look
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Those who have trained their mind and eye to be watchful will see what others miss.
here is a Kenyan proverb that says " Seeing is different
than being told, " and that thought especially holds
true when viewing nature up close and personal.
Consider a tornado and a hurricane. It's one thing to hear
about these horrific, natural disasters in the safety of
your school or home. It is another thing to be caught
out in the middle of one of these storms. Seeing Mother
Nature at her wildest and meanest is not the same as
being told about it in a classroom or on the Weather Channel.
Now think about a rattlesnake. Again, it's one thing
to listen to the facts about this dangerous reptile
during a class lecture or video; it's another thing to
hear and see it coiled in the middle of your walking path.
Frightening storms and snakes aside, most encounters with
nature's handiwork are usually safe, uneventful and, sadly,
often ignored. The truth is that people, young and old alike,
just don't take time to notice their surroundings.
There are countless opportunities in the natural world to
set your eye on the things that you've studied in school. Firsthand
experiences are the exciting aha! moments that support
your classroom knowledge and awaken your curiosity to
learn more.
But only those who have trained their mind and eye to be
watchful will see what others miss.
Have you noticed nature lately?
Put on your Eagle Eye
The subjects in these pictures grabbed the attention of an
observant passerby with a camera. Perhaps you've caught a
glimpse of these same creations of nature in your own
neighborhood but didn't give them a second glance. Take the
time now for a closer look at each and then answer the
questions. Find the answers on the next page.
In late spring, baby praying mantises will emerge
from circular and rectangular-shaped blobs of
hardened foam. How many babies do you think
are inside these egg cases?
Can you see the ROYGBIV
pattern and name each?
What is this puzzling structure
stuck on a twig? The picture
below will solve the mystery.
The paper-thin item caught
in the brambles is about 2
What clue do you see that
identifies this monarch
butterfly's gender?
34 | Cooperative Living | June 2017
If you found this box turtle
in the middle of the road,
what would be the best
plan to keep it safe?
(No, you can't take it
home with you.)
inches long. Would you
describe it as ... odd ...
weird ... mysterious ... ugly?
See the next picture and get
ready for a surprise!
Sometimes Mother
Nature tucks away
a beautiful miracle in
a strange package.
Can you identify this
moth? Have you ever
seen one like it?
" Seeing is a gift that comes from practice. " - Stephanie Mills
www.co-opliving.com
KIDS! CLIP AND KEEP YOUR KIDS' KORNER COLUMNS IN A THREE-RING BINDER AND YOU'LL HAVE A NOTEBOOK CHOCK FULL OF FUN IDEAS AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE FUTURE!

http://www.co-opliving.com

Cooperative Living June 2017

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Cooperative Living June 2017