Launch
Meet Park Stakeholders
Collaboration
Content Expertise
Effective Communication
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Project Launch
During a guided nature walk at a local reserve, you will observe tortoises in their natural habitat, record behaviors and environmental cues, and talk with park rangers or volunteers to understand tortoise needs. Create a quick empathy map (what they think/feel, hear, say, do) and gather direct quotes to share with your team.
Plan day
Day 1
Duration
60 min
Grouping
Small Group
Steps
7 steps
Lesson plan
7 steps · 60 min| # | What teachers do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Welcome and Orientation: Brief introduction to the day’s activity and its objectives. (20 min) |
| 2 | Travel to Park: Ensure everyone is prepared and guides are aware of the schedule. Conduct headcount and safety briefing. (30 min) |
| 3 | Meet Park Stakeholders: Gather students for introductions to park rangers or volunteers. (15 min) |
| 4 | Guided Nature Walk: Collaborate with park staff to learn about tortoise habitats, behaviors, and environmental needs through observation and dialogue. Encourage note-taking. (90 min) |
| 5 | Q&A Session: Facilitate a focused session where you engage with park stakeholders to ask questions and deepen understanding. (30 min) |
| 6 | Reflection and Empathy Mapping: Back at the gathering spot, create an empathy map based on observations and stakeholder input. Discuss as a group. (45 min) |
| 7 | Return to School: Head back ensuring all students are accounted for and debrief with quick reflections on the way. (40 min) |
Preparation (4 items)
- Arrange transport and ensure all necessary permissions and safety plans are in place.
- Coordinate with park staff in advance to confirm their availability and plan for the nature walk.
- Prepare materials for note-taking and empathy mapping, including notepads and templates.
- Brief students on park rules, safety measures, and the objectives of the excursion.
Student-facing instructions
Your task is to engage in a guided nature walk at a local park to observe tortoises in their natural habitat, communicate with park rangers to gather insights on tortoise needs, and create a comprehensive empathy map. You will need a notepad, pen, and the empathy map template provided by the facilitator. The goal is to collect valuable knowledge that will inform your tortoise enclosure design project.