2009 Fall School Programs: Environmental Education

Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center's fall programs offer unique opportunities for hands-on environmental education and recreation. Our experienced educators allow learners the opportunity to explore subjects and habitats through focused, inquiry-based programs, taking advantage of the magic of the fall season.

Please join us this fall for one of the many field trip opportunities offered for schools and organized groups. Our goal is to provide quality learning experiences that are both educational and engaging, using the outdoors as the classroom. Please note that our fee waiver policy sets aside limited funds for individual students. Registration for all Fall school programs begins at 9 a.m. on Thursday, September 3rd. Please call (413) 659-3714 or (800) 859-2960. Most fall programs are offered from mid-September through October on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Please see specific program descriptions as availability may vary.

To see school programs that were offered this past school year in the winter and spring, please visit the Winter or Spring school program pages. Many of these programs will be offered again later in the 2009/2010 school year.

Please see the Fall 2009 Newsletter for a list of all current school and public programs or visit the Newsletters page. Click here to get your own free e-mail news letter e-mailed directly to you. Newsletter e-mail lists are not shared with others.

All environmental school programs support the Massachusetts Science Frameworks. For more information contact Kim Noyes, School Environmental Programs Coordinator: (413) 659-4462.

Environmental Education Programs

Beyond the Schoolyard

From migrating birds to dispersing seeds to colorful leaves, fall is a busy time of year in the natural world. Designed specifically for young children, this outdoor program explores fall as a season of change. The fields and forests become the classroom as children discover shapes, colors, and textures in nature.

Hands-on activities, creative dramatics and sensory exploration take place in a safe and playful environment.

Grades Pre-K and Kindergarten Time Allowance: 1 hour for Pre-K, 1 1/4 hours for K Group Size: 22 (groups up to 33 on limited days) (6/1 student/adult ratio) Fee: $5/student; minimum $50/class Science and Technology Standards Applicable: Earth Science (PreK - K) # 1, Life Science (PreK - K) # 1, # 6, # 7, # 8

Woodchucks, Warblers and Whirligigs

What is happening in the animal world during the fall? From insects underfoot to birds overhead, there's activity everywhere as animals prepare for winter. This outdoor program is filled with activities and games that help children discover for themselves what is happening during this special time of year. The focus is on observation skills as students search for wildlife clues and examine, live and up-close, the fascinating world of insects in an autumn field (weather permitting.) Curriculum materials are provided.

Grades 1 and 2 Time Allowance: 1 3/4 hours Group Size: 25 (groups up to 40 on limited days) 10/1 student/adult chaperone ratio Fee: $6/student; minimum $60/class Availability: Sept. 24 - Oct. 16 Science and Technology Standards Applicable: Earth Science (Grades 1-2) # 1, # 3, Life Science (Grades 1-2) # 1, # 3, # 6, # 7, # 8
	Clevergirrl/flickr

From Seeds to Soil

Plants and soils are the focus of this hands-on, investigative program that offers students the opportunity to explore natural cycles. Students will learn about adaptations in the plant world that enable survival from year to year. In addition, nutrient recycling, and interdependence will be studied as students observe what is happening right under their feet. The characters in this on-going drama include: mushrooms, seeds, insects, rotten logs, leaf litter, bizarre invertebrates and soil. This outdoor program explores the different and crucial roles played by these often overlooked forest inhabitants. Curriculum materials provided.

		Grades 4 and above Time Allowance: 2 hours Group Size: 25 (groups up to 40 on limited days) 10/1 student/adult chaperone ratio Fee: $6/student; minimum $60/class Science and Technology Standards Applicable: Earth Science (Grades 4 - 5) # 4, # 5, Life Science (Grades 4 - 5) # 1, # 3, # 8, # 9
Photo Credit: Stefan Stojanovia/wickimedia

Trees are Terrific

Using the forest as a classroom, this program will immerse students in the world of trees. Topics include forest ecology, seasonal changes, structure, function and importance to humans. Students will have the opportunity to sharpen their observation skills as they explore life in and around a tree. They will participate in a variety of games and activities and reflect upon their experience through writing, and drawing. Curriculum materials provided.

Grades 4 and above Time Allowance: 2 hours Group Size: 25 (groups up to 40 on limited days) 10/1 student/adult chaperone ratio Fee: $6/student; minimum $60/class Science and Technology Standards Applicable: Life Science (Grades 4 - 5) # 1, # 2, # 3, # 9, #11

Incredible Insects

Join us and explore the six and eight-legged wonders that abound in our fields. Students will have the opportunity to collect, observe, draw and release insects and spiders. A variety of activities will introduce the amazing adaptations, life cycles and ecology of one of the most successful groups of animals on earth - incredible insects.

		Grades 2 and 3 Time Allowance: 2 hours Group Size: 25 (groups up to 40 on limited days) (10/1 student/adult chaperone ratio) Fee: $6/student; minimum $60/class Availability: Sept. 24 - Oct 16 Science and Technology Standards Applicable: Earth Science (Grade 2) # 1, # 3, Life Science (Grade 2) # 1, # 2, # 3, # 6, # 7, # 8, (Grade 3) # 1, # 3, # 4, # 7
Kenneth Dwain Harrelson http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/

Quinnetukut II School Riverboat Ride

Come aboard this fall for a true Connecticut River experience. Learn about New England’s greatest river on our one hour school cruises which focus on the geology, natural and cultural history of the river.

The boat departs from the Riverview Picnic area. This beautiful site on the shores of the Connecticut River providing a great spot for your class to enjoy a snack before or after the cruise. Picnic tables and restrooms are available.

These boats will fill up quickly so please call on September 3rd to make your reservation.

All Grades Group Size: up to 60 (includes adults) 10/1 student/adult chaperone ratio Available: Fridays from 11:00 a.m. - 12 noon; September 18 - October 16 Fee: $6/student. One free adult chaperone for every 10 students.
	Cruising under the French King Bridge