Elmo and Murray Learn about Nature at www.sesamestreet.org/parks
Travel with fun-loving Muppets Elmo and Murray from Sesame Street to two of America’s most popular national parks in a new online series, Sesame Street Explores National Parks. Six shortvideos and accompanying hands-on activities that introduce preschoolers to the natural world were unveiled today bySesame Street, the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation.
“These videos and activities will inspire children to hop, skip or jump to their nearest national park or green space,” said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. “We hope they have fun and get excited about spending time outside. At this age, every bug, mud puddle or fallen log is fascinating. We want to tap into that sense of wonder and curiosity and plant the seed for life long exploration.”
The videos offer a multimedia park experience for children ages 3-5 and their families and educators, using the power of media to promote science learning through experiences in national parks as well as in local parks and backyards.
“The goal of this project is to leverage the unique power of the Sesame Street Muppets to model scientific inquiry skills within the context of the national parks to enhance young children’s attitudes and knowledge about science and nature,” said Dr. Rosemarie Truglio, Senior Vice President of Education and Research at Sesame Workshop. “The materials, designed for parents, educators and caregivers, provide activities for them to engage in with their young children as they explore nature together.”
Park rangers from Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona and Gateway National Recreation Area in New York City encourage Elmo, Murray, and children across the country to utilize all of their senses to investigate and observe the outdoors. The videos teach young people about habitats, seasons, plants, and animals. They learn how to conduct an animal survey, look for nests, identify migration patterns, and simply listen to the sounds of nature.
“Engaging America’s youth in national parks across the country is of the utmost importance,” said Neil Mulholland, President and CEO of the National Park Foundation. “Parks provide a perfect combination of natural classroom and playground, and it is never too early to encourage enjoyment and stewardship of these special places.”
Sesame Street Explores National Parks will be available on the websites and social media outlets of the National Park Service, the National Park Foundation and Sesame Street.
