Objectives

NtN is designed to achieve the following objectives:

1. Increase students’ knowledge and understanding of the natural world through a curriculum developed and administered by Rutgers University faculty and students.
2. Enable students to apply their language arts and mathematics knowledge while answering questions and experimenting with natural/environmental science issues.
3. Allow students to actively participate in the creation of a neighborhood urbanscape that includes organic gardens, ponds and water features, butterfly and caterpillar gardens, birdfeeding stations and more.
4. Increase parental involvement in students’ academic life through family participation in projects focused on healthy eating/nutrition, water/air quality and neighborhood ecosystems.
5. Transform unused vacant space into vegetable/butterfly gardens to serve as learning laboratories and community meeting spaces.
6. Increase entrepreneurial opportunities for NtN parents and neighbors

Principles

NtN is built on the following principles:

1. Introduce children grades 4 through 6 from at-risk groups to hands-on experience in science.
2. Meet the community’s need for afterschool and summer programs that support public school education.
3. Provide student access to educational resources at the college/university — especially faculty, staff and students who are willing to share their knowledge and enthusiasm for science and learning.
4. Build neighborhood norms of trust and reciprocity, anchored around vibrant natural gardens and open spaces.