Homeschool - Amigo Centre

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.