Download Program List 2016

Program List
We enjoy creating lesson plans from scratch to meet each group’s desires, but for those of you
who would like some ideas to get you started, here are examples from past programs.
Adaptations: Plants and animals have adaptations to help them live and survive in their specific
habitat. Students will examine these special body parts and behaviors of plants and animals that
they find on a hike.
*Amphibians & Reptiles: The spring is a great time to look for tadpoles and egg clumps in the
ponds, or to spy turtles and snakes basking in the sun. Students will learn about the differences
and similarities of reptiles and amphibians.
Aquatic Communities: Water habitats like the creek and pond are full of unique plants and
animals. Students will turn over rocks at the creek or dip in the pond to see who is living in these
two communities and discover what makes each habitat special.
Birds: From the small song birds to the large birds of prey, all of our feathered friends are an
essential part of our ecosystem. Nests, feathers and beaks are just a few of the things that
students will explore when learning all about birds.
Cycles in Nature: Seasons, life cycles, and decomposition are just a few examples of cycles in
nature. Get a glimpse at how animals and plants utilize different resources and adaptations
during distinct periods of their lives.
Dichotomous Keys: Dichotomous keys are an important tool used for identification of plants and
animals. Learn the value of dichotomous keys while identifying some of the trees around
Greenacres.
Ecology: Everything is connected within an ecosystem and interactions between abiotic and
biotic factors affect how energy flows and matter is recycled within an environment. Students
will take a hike to explore these natural cycles, they’ll be sure to find unique examples in any
season.
Fossils: People travel from all over the world to Cincinnati to look for fossils in this unique area.
Students will learn what it takes for the rare occurrence of an organism to be fossilized while
traveling the geologic timeline of earth, hunting for fossils, and making a fossil to take home.
Geology: Most people don’t realize how many rocks and minerals they use in their daily lives.
Students will discuss what common items come from rocks and minerals then go explore a creek
bed for real examples.
Habitats: A habitat provides resources to help plants and animals live in an area. Students will
go on an adventure to our field, forest, and aquatic habitats to discover which plants and animals
call that area home and determine what resources they use in each.
*Honey Bees: Bee social and join us to learn about the fantastic lives of honeybees. Students
will see a live hive demonstration, learn how honey is extracted, enjoy a honey taste test, and
play a honey bee communication game. (May and September)
Insects & Insect Relatives: Insects are the most diverse group of animals on the planet. Discover
the unique characteristics of insects and their relatives, while learning what makes an insect an
insect.
Map and Compass: Maps and compasses are two key navigation tools. First use a contour
model to learn about topographic maps, then we’ll teach you basic compass skills and challenge
you on a compass course.
*Maple Syrup: Can you believe that delicious pure maple syrup comes straight from the trees?
Join us during this short season to see the whole process from maple tree ID to tree tapping,
evaporating, and taste testing. (February)
Nature of Recycling: Recycling is just as important in nature as it is for humans. Search for
nature’s recyclers, or decomposers, and learn how humans can recycle with solid waste and
composting.
Not-So-Creepy Crawlers: Some animals are maligned and misunderstood. Learn about some of
nature’s “undesirables” and how important they are to our ecosystems, then see if you feel the
same way about them when you leave.
Plant Diversity: Plants are extremely diverse and play an important role in our world. Students
will explore the world of plants and compare shapes, sizes, defenses, and more.
Planting and Harvesting I & II: Plants and animals depend upon each other to survive. Hike some
of our trails looking for this interdependence while learning what plants and animals need to
grow. Then spend some time in our garden planting a spring salad (March). Plan a second visit in
May to harvest and enjoy what you grew!
*Seasonal Change: Trees lose their leaves in the fall and wildflowers grow in spring. Students will
investigate how and why animals and plants change with the seasons. (Fall or Spring)
Seeds: Unlike animals, plants are stuck growing in one place, completely reliant on surrounding
resources. Students will learn about seeds and their amazing ability to disperse using a variety of
methods.
Senses: In nature, one could hear bird calls, see a tall tree, smell a fragrant flower, or touch soft
moss. Students will use their senses to connect with nature and discover new things.
Soil: Clay, sand, and silt are just a few of the things that make up our soil. Discover
characteristics of different types of soil as well as how it is formed.
Succession: Nature is constantly changing and plant growth is a key part of our forest habitat.
Students will see our fields turning into forests right before their eyes.
Survival Skills: People and animals need food, water, shelter and space to survive. Learn how to
fish for food, identify edible plants, build a shelter, and start a fire while exploring the great
outdoors.
Teambuilding: Collaboration is critical to accomplishing tasks with a team. Practice working and
communicating with classmates through a series of group games and challenges.
Trees: Trees are essential to our ecosystem, whether they are alive, dead, standing, or fallen.
Your students may even want to hug a tree after they learn how many other plants and animals
use them.
Vertebrates and Invertebrates: Animals can be divided into two distinct groups, vertebrates and
invertebrates. Students will learn about characteristics and adaptations of each.
Water Quality: Water is a precious resource. Students will search for invertebrates under rocks,
do chemical testing and go for a watershed walk to determine the quality of the water in our
stream.
Weather: Plants and animals have preferred temperature ranges and adaptations for staying in
those ranges. Students will compare temperature, wind, and more to determine how plants and
animals depend on these factors to live.
*Winter Tracking: There is nothing better than tracking untouched animal footprints on a fresh
coat of snow covering the ground. Students will observe how foreign things look in the snow
and piece together the story behind each track they find.
*Seasonally Restricted