OBIS -Outdoor Biology Instructional Strategies
OBIS - Outdoor Biology Instructional Strategies
OBIS is a program with a variety of outdoor activities for youngsters to enjoy. OBIS activities emphasize interaction of organisms with each other and with their environments, including interaction of people with the environment. There are 97 lessons in all, arranged into 26 themes. Learners involved with OBIS activities are active participants rather than passive recipients of someone else's information: participants interact with organisms and environments. In addition, a variety of strategies are used in OBIS activities such as games, simulations, craft activities, role playing, experiments, and data analysis.
These activities are designed for use with youngsters ten to fifteen years of age. However, younger and older participants, including families, can enjoy OBIS activities. An example of an OBIS topic is the unit on Animal Movement in Water. It compares the mobility of bugs, shrimp, fish, and frogs. Each unit includes sections on overview, background, materials, preparation, action, and thoughts.
OBIS is designed to supplement classroom activities and focuses on the local environment. The OBIS challenge is to help children understand some of the interactions between animals, plants, and the non-living environment. OBIS is used by schools, scout groups, families, camps, park and recreation departments, etc.
OBIS can be purchased from Delta Education or from Lawrence Hall of Science, UC Berkeley. It can be purchased as an entire kit, theme-based packets with 6-9 activities in each, or as individual activities.