URI Natural Resources Faculty Offers Screen-Free Suggestions

KINGSTON, RI — Faculty in the University of Rhode Island College of the Environment and Life Sciences offer some last-minute shopping suggestions for family activities or pastimes that get children — and their family members — off devices and out of the house.

"Mindful gift planning can build science literacy and future scientists as well as offer connection and benefits for adults looking to minimize their own screen time in the year ahead, say faculty members, drawing on not only professional expertise, but also their off-campus roles as parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles," the university said in a post on its website.

See also: University Of Rhode Island Graduate Awarded Fullbright Scholarship

For gifts, the faculty suggested such presents as binoculars, microscopes, mineral kits, a bird field guide, nature journal, a plant or tree ID guide, a lupe magnifying tool, nature notebook, or a plant press.

See also: URI Professor Studies Suicide, Alcohol Use Disorder Connections

"Faculty members also suggested ways for Rhode Island families to be more active or set adventures in the year ahead that don’t require shopping," according to the post.

See also: URI Prof Leading Study Aimed At Helping Grocery Shoppers Make Healthier Choices

"Many places offer free educational opportunities for kids and families such as Audubon Society of Rhode Island, Kettle Pond Visitor Center, Block Island Maritime Institute, and more,” Michelle Peach, a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Natural Resources Science, said in the post.

See also: University Of Rhode Island Professor Awarded Inaugural Taiwan Peace Fellowship

“Families, or anyone, can also look at organizations like FrogWatch for volunteer opportunities," Peach said.

See also: University Of Rhode Island Releases Results Of 2024 Snap Campus Survey