Fall Programs

Director of Education

Sarah Mayhew

Fall Programs

Parentheses suggest grade level.

Through song and dance, children will gain an awareness of a tree’s structure and functions. Children will learn how each part of a tree plays a role in helping trees function. Developmental components of this program include music, movement comparison, identifying features, and interactive play. Program adapted from Project Learning Tree. (45 minutes)

This program is designed to engage young children’s fascination and curiosity about animals and where they live in the wild. Observation skills will be used through a fun story and guided walk. While looking up, on the ground, under logs, and behind trees, children will understand why animals build homes and what materials they use. (45 minutes)

Fall is a perfect time to take a hike and enjoy the colors and multitude of leaves falling to the ground. Students are asked to use their observation skills to categorize leaves by shape and color during this program. We’ll also explore differences between deciduous and coniferous trees and discover how trees grow. (1 hour)

Next Generation Science Standards:

Kindergarten

  • LS1.C: Organization for Matter and Energy Flow in Organisms

1st grade

  • LS1.A: Structure and Function
  • LS3.B: Variation of Traits

Students benefit from guided observation of nature. Their curiosity about everything around them is evident, and their interest in nature is keen. This nature hike is designed to enhance students’ awareness of the five senses and how they can be used to gather information about our natural world. (1 hour)

Next Generation Science Standards:

Kindergarten

  • ESS3.C: Human Impacts on Earth Systems

1st grade

  • LS1.D: Information Processing

We will focus on the four necessary elements needed for a healthy habitat: food, water, shelter, and space. Students will explore and compare three or more habitats. With help from category cards, students will be encouraged to seek and find all of the elements required for a healthy habitat. (1 hour)

Next Generation Science Standards:

1st grade

  • LS1.B: Growth and Development of Organisms

2nd grade

  • LS1.A: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
  • LS4.D: Biodiversity and Humans

3rd grade

  • LS2.C: Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning, and Resilience
  • LS4.C: Adaptation
  • LS4.D: Biodiversity and Humans

Explore the world of insects, bugs, spiders, millipedes, centipedes, and crustaceans by collecting and examining various invertebrates during this active hike. Students are provided sweep nets and bug jars as they are guided on a hunt for insects and other similar creatures. As a group, students will share discoveries and discuss adaptations and unique habits of many-legged critters. Discussion topics include habitats, insects’ comparisons to non-insects, and safe collection techniques for both creature and student. (1 hour)

Next Generation Science Standards:

1st grade

  • LS1.A: Structure and Function
  • LS1.D: Information Processing

 

2nd grade

  • LS4.D: Biodiversity and Humans

 

3rd grade

  • LS2.D: Social Interactions and Group Behavior
  • LS3.B: Variation of Traits

This hike focuses on food chains, animal habitats, and the transfer of the sun’s energy to all living things. Students are asked to take on the role of different parts of the food chain and create a chain using other class members. During the hike, they may search for examples of food from the different habitats they visit and discuss both predator and prey’s roles within a chain. (1 hour)

Next Generation Science Standards:

1st grade

  • LS1.D: Information Processing

 

2nd grade

  • LS4.D: Biodiversity and Humans

 

3rd grade

  • LS2.D: Social Interactions and Group Behavior
  • LS4.D: Biodiversity and Humans

This program focuses mainly on the importance of plants and their parts and functions. We will also take a closer look at the adaptations of plants and methods of seed dispersal. (1 hour)

Next Generation Science Standards:

3rd grade

  • LS1.B: Growth and Development of Organisms
  • LS2.C: Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning, and Resilience

 

4th grade

  • LS1.A: Structure and Function
  • ESS2.E: Biogeology

Rollover logs and meet vitally essential members of the ecosystem—the decomposers! Learn more about the variety of critters whose job it is to transform decaying material into rich soil. A sketching activity is included to assist students in their endeavor and facilitate closer observation. (1 hour)

Next Generation Science Standards:

3rd grade

  • LS4.D: Biodiversity and Humans
  • LS4.C: Adaptation

 

4th grade

  • LS1.D: Information Processing
  • ESS2.E: Biogeology

 

5th grade

  • LS2.A: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
  • LS2.B: Cycles of Matter and Energy Transfer in Ecosystems
  • ESS3.C: Human Impacts on Earth Systems

Using reference guides and field equipment, students will have the opportunity to collect and identify aquatic insects. Through careful observation, we will gain an appreciation for the diversity of life found in freshwater. Sketching and discussion will help students better understand animal adoptions and how aquatic life determines water quality. (1.5 hour)

Next Generation Science Standards:

4th grade

  • LS1.A: Structure and Function
  • ESS2.A: Earth Materials and Systems

 

5th and 6th grade

  • ESS2.C: The Roles of Water in Earth’s Surface Processes
  • LS2.B: Cycles of Matter and Energy Transfer in Ecosystems

During this program, you will learn the basics of compass reading and tips for navigating the land confidently. This is an excellent addition to a unit on early explorers. (1.5 hours)

Next Generation Science Standards – Social Studies Standards 

6th grade

  • G1.2.2: Explain why maps of the same place may vary, including Earth’s cultural perspectives and new knowledge based on science and modern technology

Year-Round Programs

These three programs can be offered all three seasons of the school year.

This course introduces the skills and mindset needed in a wilderness survival situation throughout the seasons. All sessions cover a basic introduction to the following abilities: Importance of attitude, self-reliance and sound decision making, being prepared and informed before venturing out, and strategies for addressing a survival situation. Each season focuses on a different topic— Fall: shelter building; Winter: fire building; Spring: Water collection, and wild edibles. Take one session or all three. (1.5 hours)

Students will obtain a deeper awareness and understanding of a local natural community through the seasons. They’ll use their senses and observation skills while recording data and practicing creative writing plus basic drawing techniques. A preparatory classroom session and field trip each season will engage students in learning more about the local flora and fauna, cyclic changes of natural phenomena, and its impact on the landscape and wildlife.

Session topics include winter tracks and signs and spring wildflowers. Each journaling session will consist of recording data, drawing and writing exercises, and “spot” time— a period where each student practices techniques in a location of their choosing within the natural area. (1 hour)

This program is intended to expose students to the art of photography while providing them with an outdoor experience that will inspire an appreciation of and awareness for nature. Students will put their acquired photographic techniques into action as we hike along a path at your chosen natural area.

Photography is an excellent tool for expressing creativity, as well as getting outdoors and exploring nature up close. A variety of subjects, including art, science, and language arts, can be applied to photography. Cameras provided. Space is limited for this program. (1 hour)

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