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| Pablo Python Looks At Animals. An introductory science curriculum for children of all ability levels in grades K-3 combining hands-on, interdisciplinary classroom instructions and the scientific resources of zoos to teach fundamental science concepts and observation skills. |
Audience Approved by PEP for students in grades K-3.
Description Pablo Python Looks At Animals utilizes a multimedia approach that encourages young children to explore the world, using all their senses. It meets the National Goals for Education by addressing the need for more and better ways to teach science and observation skills. The program is modular and flexible: it can be used as the entire science curriculum or a supplement. It may also be used to enhance the early childhood curriculum in all other areas such as understanding and expressing spoken language and developing reading, writing, math skills, art, and music. Pablo Python capitalizes on children's natural curiosity and love of animals and provides a foundation for future learning as it helps children develop self-esteem and competency in science.
The program consists of a series of six books, an audio tape of animal sounds, a video cassette, 48 student activity sheets, six colorful posters, parent handbook, and a teacher's manual. Each of the six main topics can be divided into units, with each unit involving two lessons. A variety of learning activities involve the children in small-group instruction and cooperative learning situations. Two to six zoo visits are encouraged. These thematic field trips relate closely to the content of the program materials and serve as the earliest and most enjoyable laboratory experiences for this age group.
Evidence of Effectiveness Students in K-3 classrooms implementing the Pablo Python curriculum program demonstrate a significant increase in acquisition of basic science concepts on program-developed and validated mastery scales and criterion-referenced tests, and a significant increase in their understanding of zoos as places to study nature and science. Teachers gain confidence in using the zoo as a science resource, increase their instructional repertoire, teach more specific science concepts, and teach science a significantly higher number of minutes per week.
Requirements The classroom teacher implements the program with the students and determines how much time to devote to a topic and to what depth it will be explored. Teacher training consists of a 18 hour interactive workshop. During training, teachers receive student materials, are given lesson plan suggestions for implementing the program in the classroom and at the zoo, actually participate in the student activities, discuss classroom management of the program, and increase their knowledge of science.
Costs The Teacher's Kit and classroom curriculum materials cost approximately $150 and include the book series, videotape, audio cassette, activity sheet masters, teacher's manual, and supplemental materials. Teacher Training Workshops, at regional sites or locally upon request, for 15-20 teachers with one staff trainer cost $155 per day per trainer, plus travel expenses. The total start-up cost estimate is $150 per teacher. Additional costs might be associated with zoo visits.
Services In addition to training and materials, follow-up assistance is available as are supplementary materials.
Developmental Funding: New York State Council on the Arts, Samuel and May Rudin Foundation, Louis Calder Foundation, and Liz Claiborne Foundation.
PEP No. 91-7 (3/14/91)
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