Nature Education 2008-2009

Age 5-7 (Grade K-2)

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

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September 4 and 11      
World Ecosystems

Do you know what an ecosystem is?  There are eight basic ecosystems in the world, which can be as large as the Sahara Desert, or as small as a puddle! Through the examination and exploration of various ecosystems, students will discover what makes an ecosystem and how sunlight, rainfall, temperature, and other factors impact the environment and what lives there. 

October 2 and 30        
Have to Have a Habitat

All life on Earth has a place where it makes its home.  An organism’s habitat might include an area as small as an earthworm’s pile of dirt, or it might include an immense passageway of plants and insects along the flight path of a migratory bird.  Habitat for an animal consists of all the elements the animal needs to survive and rear healthy young.  Students will investigate into what makes up a habitat and what all organisms need to survive. 

November 6 and 20     
A World in a Tree Trunk

In a healthy forested area, there are trees that are in many different stages of life. There are young trees, mature trees, old trees, and dead trees. Most everyone understands the value of living trees; however, many people don't understand the value of dead trees.  An entire ecosystem can be found in the smallest of places, particularly in dead trees!  Students will probe into a tree trunk to investigate the life that exists within. 

December 4 and 11      
Plant a Home

Plants are perhaps the most important part of a habitat because they provide an environment for other wildlife. Trees and shrubs help reduce heating and cooling by providing summer shade and protection from winter winds.  But plants have needs also and require particular conditions in order to grow happy.  Students will explore the different needs of plants and what it takes to keep an ecosystem healthy.

January 8 and 15        
Nature’s Postcard

Students will experience a more creative view of nature, while embracing their artistic side.  Each student will be introducing their fellow classmates to their favorite place at Briar Bush through sketch, sound and description.  This class will allow students to gain ownership over all the knowledge they obtained over the past months and have a moment all their own to establish a deeper relationship with nature. 

January 22 and 29       
Protecting Habitat

The continued health and biodiversity of our world ecosystem depends on the maintenance of high-quality habitat.  The same areas that often attract human development also provide essential food, shelter, migratory spaces, and breeding areas for organisms. Habitat loss and degradation are key issues facing organisms around the world.  Students explore the habitats of various Briar Bush species and investigate the impact of people have had throughout history on such habitats. 

February 5 and 12           
A Sense of Place–Humans and Our Habitat

Don't forget that human beings live in an ecosystem too! All around us, we encounter our own ecosystem. Students explore inside and out to investigate the different ecosystems we live in. They will consider the variety of living and non-living things in their ecosystem. What is the largest population?  How are survival needs being met?  What impacts do we have on our ecosystem as a whole, compared to those of the other populations around us? 

March 5 and 12      
Treetop Explorers

How do scientists find out what goes on in treetops?  They watch!  Students learn more about the life of birds by taking a closer look at where they live and discovering how they get the things they need to survive.  Students discover how to find and observe birds' nests without harming them, how to identify some of the common species of our area, and how to tell what a bird eats just by looking at its bill!

NOTE: Binoculars will be used.  Students are welcome to bring their own if they wish. 

April 2 and 9      
Worming Around

Decomposers are natures recycling plants.  If it weren't for decomposers, we would be up to our armpits in dead things!  When plants and animals die, they become food for decomposers who turn them into things that can be released back into the soil, air and water.  Students will set out on a hunt for decomposers in order to observe them in their natural habitat and discover who exactly they are!

May 7 and 14     
Watery Home

Every kind of animal needs a place to live.  Pond communities offer a diversity of interconnected animal and plant life that often goes unnoticed.  Students will observe the life cycle of a pond, the plants and animals that live in and around a pond, and the interactions of the living organism in the pond ecosystem.  Discussion will touch on amphibians, reptiles, and the life cycles and adaptations of other pond animals. 

NOTE:  Students will be exploring the Briar Bush Pond and should dress appropriately.