The Green Team Grades 4-6 This full semester hands-on environmental science program expands learning beyond the classroom and brings together the key individuals from the school, family and community who influence a child's learning process. Program Design All fundamental learning areas are reinforced in every Green Team lesson per the newest Illinois and Chicago Academic Standards and Curriculum Framework Statements. While Green Team curricula focus on science literacy, they also provide ideas and activities for integrating language arts, social science and math as well as fine arts and physical education.

This innovative science program: improves student science literacy provides hands-on learning that relates to the "real world" joins students, teachers, parents and maximizes use of community resources for learning advances communication and contact between school staff and Local School Councils provides sustained in-school training and support supports the Children First education plan Student-centered Learning Environment Lessons engage students in active learning promoting academic success, respect and team spirit. School Leadership Involves the principal as a facilitative leader through planning sessions with zoo staff and teachers, parent workshops and meetings with LSC's. Parent and Community Involvement Principal, teacher and parent team approach promotes close communication and work relationships. Bilingual parent workshops and Family Day at the zoo involve parents and caregivers in student learning. Teacher Development and Training Teacher workshops and on-going site visits model inquiry learning strategies and standards-based curriculum. Collaborative approach to teacher development encourages a collegial atmosphere and extends teachers' professional community. Evaluation highlights of the Green Team program include: substantial student gains in both knowledge and positive science attitudes exceptional gains by girls and students whose first language was not English positive attitudes on the part of students toward Green Team staff and hands-on learning pedagogy high level of interest in continuing the program, highlighted by incorporation of Green Team curricula into School Improvement Plans participating teachers felt better equipped for science instruction For information on how to enroll in Lincoln Park Zoo's Green Team program, including program fees and funding options, call 312/742-7756.