Children's Programs
- Enhance your science curricula and improve MCAS test scores.
- Spark enthusiasm and scientific curiosity in your students.
- If requested, programs can be tailor-made for your needs.
Do grasshoppers have teeth?
How can a water spider breathe underwater?
How have some animals adapted to live in treetops?
Why do some caterpillars bungee jump?
How does a starfish eat?
Is that slime alive?
Darlyne Murawski is offering interactive school programs to children and teens in grades K through 12. As author and photographer of her children's books, she tells fascinating stories from nature, and covers a range of topics appropriate to the curriculum and age of her audience. As a research biologist and photographer for National Geographic Magazine, Darlyne has traveled to 35 countries and brings a sense of adventure and the experience of science to life. Her goal is to excite children about science early on. Her programs encourage student curiosity and enhance school curricula not just in science, but also writing and art. They include a visually stunning powerpoint presentation and time is built in for questions and answers.
Program Descriptions:
Animal Adaptations (New offering: K–5, adapted for age) looks at how animals are adapted to their environment — both in body form and behavior. Children will see how webbed feet, claws, hooves, prehensile tails, flippers and feathers can help different animals move around in their respective habitats. A number of ingenious adaptations that allow animals to protect themselves from predators and parasites are featured. Certain themes are seen in animals that live in specific habitats, such as deserts, treetops, grasslands and tidepools. Project suggestions are made for follow-up. In a classroom setting, a short project following the powerpoint presentation will allow children to examine, draw and describe adaptations of specific animals for diet, locomotion, and habitat.
Butterflies, Moths and Their Caterpillars (K–8, modified for age) starts with a beautiful example of the life cycle and examines how butterflies and moths live, what they eat, and how they sense their environment. Their senses are compared with our own senses to point out how they do many of the same things we do, but in a different way. Students are challenged to "think small" and imagine how butterflies and moths deal with deadly predators and parasites. Part of the arsenal of defenses include mimicking snakes, 'bungee-jumping' on a silk thread, spiiting acid, and playing dead. This program ties in with the book "Face to Face with Caterpillars".
Coastal Life (2–8) explores the inter-tidal regions of the coastlines of the U.S. plus other locations. We examine what lives in sandy tidal flats and rocky tide pools and how they are adapted to their environment. Children will see starfish, horseshoe crabs, urchins, anemones, snails, tube worms, sponges, crabs, clams and more. They will discover how organisms survive, compete, feed, get around, and reproduce in their ever-changing environment. The story of the horseshoe crab ties in with migratory shore birds that feed on the crabs' eggs. Lots of fascinating photos, plus for small groups, a show-and-tell session with a display of things that wash ashore: a wide array of shells, egg cases and shed skins of horseshoe crabs.
Tropical Rainforests (K–6) takes children on a journey through rainforest habitats of central and South America and Asia, and introduces them to the awesome diversity of plant and animal life found there. A look at the forests's physical structure reveals layered canopies, buttressed roots, woody vines and plants (called epiphytes) that live on other plants. Students will learn how scientists study organisms in the tree tops by tree-climbing and through the use of hot-air balloons, canopy walkways and construction cranes; and learn how some animals are adapted to life in a tree-top environment. They will see the world's largest snakes, scientists at work, and some unusual rainforest animals in their habitats.
Insects and Spiders (K–8) brings children eye-to-eye with insects and spiders to learn how their bodies work and how they sense the environment. Metamorphosis, web-making, self defense techniques, and even parental care of certain young insects and spiders comes to life with dramatically vivid photography. The "happy-faced spider" and various insects with amazing "faces"—both real and phoney—always get a reaction from children.
Nature Photography and Writing (5–12) delves into how a story comes to life in National Geographic from the idea stage to completion of the article. Keeping notes on ideas, researching the topic, proposal writing, budget consideration, photographing, writing, editing, interacting with editors, researchers, and layout people. What it takes to be a team player and how to give an article a certain "look."
Photography Programs and Workshops for high school students are a fun new addition this year. They focus on how we see the world around us and how to convey ideas and feelings through conscious choice of subject, lighting and composition. Details by request.
Accolades:
"The students were very impressed with the photographs. They had tons of questions and added their own knowledge. The teachers were pleased with how well the students were engaged. Darlyne worked hard to answer all questions. She had command of their attention. Great day for all of us." — Barbara Lovely-Lin, Barbieri Elementary School, Framingham, MA
"Perfect! It actually connected very well to our science-ecosystems unit. Kids loved her and her photos. They were very into the creepy crawlies and had lots of questions." — 5th grade teachers, Ambrose School, Winchester, MA
"[The children] were fascinated by Darlyne's slides and presentation. She kept their attention and interest the whole time. There were many younger children also in attendance. The adults were so attentive, interested and impressed—as evidenced by the comments received after the program. What fantastic photos—accompanied by an interesting and informative presention." — Pat Lutz, Librarian, Northborough Public Library, MA
"A lovely, gentle down to earth soft-spoken presenter. [Darlyne] is very devoted to the kids and signed their books at the end of the day. Educational quality: excellent. Artistic interaction with the students: excellent." — Comments from the BOCES Arts in Education School Evaluation, MTP/ Columbus Avenue Elementary School, NY
"It was awesome! The photography is incredible - the presentation very well planned. It was science. It was literature. It was writing. I can link this into many areas of my curriculum." — Fifth grade teacher, Craneville Elementary, Dalton, MA
"You could see the children really enjoyed the presentation by the look on their faces, by their questions, and by their excitement. Great reinforcement to my rainforest unit. A wealth of information was provided." — L. Iafrate, St. Philip School, Greenville, RI.
"Darlyne was fabulous! First of all she is brilliant and talented but she is also so in love with what she does that she naturally engages the students!" — E. Plouffe, St. Philip School, Greenville, RI.