CURRICULUM GUIDE

• STREAM STUDY: Students gather and observe life from a stream, then participate in activities to help them better understand these aquatic ecosystems. Students would do sampling and chemical testing of stream and gain an understanding of water quality parameters, learn how to assess water quality and become aware of the impact that humans can have on waterways.
• WOODS WALK: Activities that focus on the structure, function and identification of trees help students to see every tree as a unique living organism. The students walk through the forest, studying the interdependence of the living and non-living components. Students explore the aesthetics, ecology, human uses and other facets of the forest.
• ANIMAL TRACKING: Students take a hike to find evidence of animals in their habitats and explore the effects of habitat loss. Through a variety of activities they will discover the important relationship between humans and other animals. Students participate in games and activities that illustrate animal adaptations.
• CREEPY CRAWLIES: Through discovery-oriented explorations of habitats, students collect and study small creatures in their natural setting. Students use sweep nets, collecting jars, and magnifying equipment.
• BIRDS: Have you ever wondered how a feather works or what is in an owl pellet? In this class students use a hands-on approach to answer these and other questions about birds. They may even get to meet some of our feathered friends.
• COMPASS QUEST: Begin with the basics and become proficient with this important outdoor tool. Learn to design your own orienteering course. Run a small course here to test your skills.
• GROUP ACTION COURSE (ROPES COURSE): Faced with mental and physical team challenges on the course, students practice group problem solving and cooperation. Facilitated discussion in a supportive atmosphere helps students learn from each other and their experiences.
• GEOLOGY: What mighty forces shaped our earth? The activities stress the "big picture" of rock formation, plate tectonics, mountain building, weathering and erosion. Students learn to identify several rocks and minerals through a number of fun hands-on activities.
• FOSSIL HUNTING: Finding crinoids (sea lilies) and seeing what the ocean floor may have looked like millions of years ago. Students will have the opportunity to find and keep the sea lilies that are found.
• TOUCH THE EARTH SOFTLY: Students will discuss What it means to touch the earth softly. This will include activities that focus on the use of senses to better understand the natural world.

EVENING PROGRAMS (1.5 Hours)

• STARS, SPARKS AND STORES: A rousing evening of songs, skits, stories and games, with our instructors and the students working together to entertain the group. Good-spirited fun is the idea! There are fire sites both indoors and out.
• NIGHT HIKE: During a walk through the nighttime forest without a flashlight, students learn to use their senses in a nocturnal setting. Topics such as night-vision, sensory awareness, nocturnal wildlife and comfort with the darkness are discussed and explored during this very popular activity.
• THE BIG SCREEN: This is not the usual "big screen" to which students are accustomed. They are star-struck by the clarity of the nighttime sky in our remote setting! This laid-back program comes complete with familiarization with the constellations, guided stargazing, demonstrations of astronomical events, and celestial myths.
• BATS ARE BACK: Next to snakes, bats are probably our most maligned fellow creature. This program with slides and live animals will change minds.
• ENVIRON JEOPARDY: Take part in an Environmental Jeopardy Game. Students will divide into teams during this interactive night program to test their environmental awareness.
• INTERNATIONAL FOLK DANCE: Dance to the rhythms of tunes from throughout the world and enjoy a geography lesson (in disguise). Several resource people available.