ABSTRACT
This chapter describes Naturalist-in-Residence in elementary schools. It explores strongly that all schools ought to have a NIR on staff, as they do for physical education, art, and music. The chapter also explores Naturalist-in-Residence (NIR) in local schools. Naturalist-in-Residence program presents a number of challenges. It describes several of challenges they have encountered over the years with suggested strategies for addressing them. The content focus of each field trip was coordinated with teachers' classroom curricula. Over the course of our eight-year NIR project, classroom teachers have become noticeably more confident outdoors. The chapter refers to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and the Common Core State Standards for Literacy and Mathematics (CCSS). These programs are designed for older elementary students and may expose urban dwellers to new environments. Outdoor education poses significant hazards not present indoors, and teachers' fears of outdoor hazards should be taken seriously.
