Released April 7, 2009

URBANA, Ill. - Nature is restoring life to the visible landscape with the arrival of spring. And the change of seasons presents many learning opportunities for young children.

"University of Illinois Extension has a number of websites that are fun ways to learn more about nature," explained Jane Scherer, U of I Extension urban programs specialist and director of websites. "These are just some of the websites we offer that are frequently used by teachers but also available to anyone."

The Adventures of Herman (http://urbanext.illinois.edu/worms/) is the "autobiography" of "Squirmin' Herman the Worm." While discovering Herman's story, users also gain knowledge about the role worms play in the environment as well as the anatomy and family tree of worms.

Let's Talk About Insects (http://urbanext.illinois.edu/insects/) provides interactive information about insects. Students learn the basic parts of insects and why they are so important to our environment.

"As families get outdoors this time of year, it is an ideal time to take a hike in the woods," said Scherer. "One way to help everyone, especially kids, make the most of the experience is to visit A Walk in the Woods (http://urbanext.illinois.edu/woods/).

"It's another interactive, fun site that also teaches. It will help prepare children for the sights and sounds they may encounter in the woods. It teaches observation skills and students learn how things change in the woods from season to season."

Scherer noted that all of these websites, and several others offered by Extension, are available in both English and Spanish.

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http://www.aces.uiuc.edu/news/stories/news4739.html

Contacts: Jane Scherer, (217) 244-2849

Bob Sampson, (217) 244-0225, rsampson@uiuc.edu