Outdoor / Environmental Education Program
Homeschool Nature Study Course
Year One Curriculum – “Habitats – The Diverse Needs of Animals”
K-2 Animals and their Homes (meadow, woods and wetlands)
-
An exploration of various animals, their homes and special needs for
survival. Observation and
exploration will take place in the Nature Center and out on the trails.
3-5 Healthy Habitats (meadow, woods and wetlands)
-
An exploration and comparison of various animal and plant habitats and
the inter-relationship of everything that makes up a living
community. The role of producers, consumers and decomposers will
be studied, along with the web of life.
6-8 Field Communities (meadow, woods and wetlands)
- An involved study (lab) of the inter-relationship of living and non-living
things
in a variety of ecosystems. Seasonal factors will be explored
along with other factors that affect the survival of plant and animal
species (including human impact).
Year Two Curriculum - “Water – Nourishing all of Life”
K-2 The World of Water (marsh and lakeshore)
-
An exploration of various plants and animals that live in the marsh and
along the lakeshore. Observation and interaction will take place
in the Nature Center and along the marsh and lake.
3-5 Marsh and Pond Life (fresh water marsh and lakes)
-
An exploration and comparison of various animal and plant wetland
habitats and the inter-relationship of everything that makes up a
wetland community. Clean water, food chains and the web of life
will be explored.
6-8 The Ecology of Wetlands (marsh and lake ecosystems)
- An involved study of the inter-relationship of living and non-living things in
fresh
water wetland ecosystems. Seasonal factors will be explored along
with other limiting factors affecting the survival of plant and animal
species. The cost of human life choices will also be considered.
Year Three Curriculum - “Soil – Impacting Our Lives”
K-2 Soil Sampler (What is dirt and what is it good for?)
-
A hands on exploration of soil from the woods, meadow, marsh and lake
and the critters that make it their home. Stories, the Nature
Center, interactive activities and experiments for the young learner
will be offered.
3-5 The Earth (rocks, minerals, sand and humus)
-
An exploration and comparison of various types of soil and a close look
at common and unique rocks and minerals. Fossils and dinosaur
bone samples plus rocks that glow in the dark will be unveiled and
explored.
6-8 Geology (an involved study of rocks and minerals)
-
An involved study of the intricacies of common and exotic rocks, gems,
ores and minerals of North America including their formation and
characteristics. The private collection on loan to Amigo is hard
to beat.
Affiliations:
Amigo Centre
26455 Banker Rd - Sturgis, MI 49091
ph: 269-651-2811 - fax: 269-659-0084 directions
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