Jody Hodges

Hodges' "The Wild Side and Living Museum" project involves K-8 students in an innovative study of science and nature. The Wild Side is a garden, planted and maintained by middle school students, complete with a pond, bird feeders, and nest boxes. Visiting elementary school students tour the garden and proceed inside to the Living Museum, a classroom converted to a habitat of more than 50 live animals (ranging from parrots and iguanas to tarantulas and millipedes). Puppet shows, written and performed by seventh graders, explore animal behavior and environmental issues. The standard science curriculum is supported and expanded through hands-on projects, research, and active involvement in the garden and museum.