We have been creating localized science curriculum for several
years.  For example, an earth science unit on volcanoes that uses our local
volcanoes; an ornithology curriculum that uses local birds in a
bird-of-the-week format, an ecology unit that investigates the connections
between oak trees and their environment.  Several generalizations from this
work: teachers are grateful because the units are cheap to teach because
most of the materials exist in abundance outside and because they themselves
don't know this material and so learn themselves from these curriculums;
students respond enthusiastically because they get outside, they go deeper
into a subject than generic curriculum takes them, they sense that these
investigations truly are open-ended - there is no recipe answer at the back
of the book, and because these investigations are hands-on; local
foundations and businesses enjoy supporting this work because their support
leads to a product that enhances the local community and that stays around
doing its work for many years.
        The main requirement for doing this work successfully is creating
the communication between those who know the science at a deep level, who
can articulate the Big Ideas in a subject and those who can transform this
information into child-appropriate, hands-on investigations and lessons.
       We would enjoy making contact with other museums that are doing
similar work or encourage with assistance any museum or nature center
interested in this work.
        We are Carter House Natural Science Museum, (916) 225-4125 at P.O.
Box 990185 in Redding, CA 96099.