Educator Resources Guide

Transcription

1 Educator Resources Guide Embark on a learning adventure with your students during a field trip to The Dawes Arboretum. Choose from a variety of hands-on activities taught by our professional educators and trained naturalists, or customize a self-guided trip to explore the grounds and gardens on your own. About The Dawes Arboretum The Dawes Arboretum is a nearly 2,000 acre tree museum, located only three miles north of I-70 in Licking County, dedicated to increasing the love and knowledge of trees, history and the natural world. Classes are taught by our staff of naturalists and professional educators or trained volunteers who specialize in providing hands-on, age appropriate, informative and exciting outdoor education. Inquiry-based programs are designed to meet your specific grade-level science curriculum needs and state academic standards. The Dawes Arboretum Educator Resources Guide p1

2 Garden & Field Trip Guidelines The Dawes Arboretum is an outdoor, living museum. Instead of paintings and sculptures, we curate trees, shrubs and other plants. Respect the plants and animals by staying on the pathways; do not climb trees. Removal of plant material, including leaves, flowers, seeds, etc. or animal artifacts including animals, feathers, etc. is prohibited unless written permission is obtained, in advance. Students must stay with chaperones at all times. Games such as Frisbee and other activities that can damage plants are prohibited. Please arrive on time for your scheduled trip. Allow time for traffic, parking and offloading of students. Please note your assigned drop-off and pick-up location on page 3 and communicate that in advance to school transportation and parent chaperones. If you are delayed, call our Visitors Center at Late arrival may result in a cancelled or abbreviated program. Teacher and Chaperone Expectations Teachers and chaperones are responsible for supervising student behavior at all times. At least one teacher must accompany each group of students. Students experiences will be enhanced by hands-on involvement from their teachers and chaperones. A ratio of one adult to eight children is recommended. Expect to participate! Reservations & Payment Guided field trip requests may be submitted online at Please have the following information available: Grade level of students; total number of students Choice of three dates and preferred arrival and departure times Activity selections Facility reservation request, if applicable Contact phone, and address Payment is due on the day of your trip, or may be submitted, in advance. Check, credit card and cash are accepted. Payments should be made to a cashier at the Visitors Center. Cancellation Policy: A limited number of educator-led field trips are available each season. If you must cancel, prompt notification is appreciated, so we may offer your spaces to someone else. The Dawes Arboretum Educator Resources Guide p2

3 Guided Field Trips Field Trip Locations Main Grounds (MG) The Arboretum s main grounds are home to some of our visitors favorite areas, including the Cypress Swamp, Japanese Garden, Zand Education Center & Learning Garden, Daweswood House Museum and much more. Visit our collection of over 16,000 labeled trees, shrubs and perennials. Drop-off/Pick-up for Main Grounds programs is the Main Shelter. Enter through the Arboretum s main gates and turn left ahead towards the shelter. Red Barn Area (RB) A natural science classroom for all ages, the Red Barn Area offers meadows, a wetland with boardwalk, a pond, wooded areas, hiking trails and a rustic barn for group lunches or indoor activities. Drop-off/Pick-up for Red Barn Area programs is from Davis Drive, just north of The Arboretum s main entrance. Turn right from Davis Drive Road, just past the maintenance/grounds complex. Stay to the left and follow the gravel road to the parking area. The Dawes Arboretum Educator Resources Guide p3

4 Guided Field Trips Pricing & Capacity Individual activities are 45 minutes in length. Depending on the size of your group, field trips can be designed and priced for a minimum of one and a maximum of three concurrent sessions (multiple sessions must be scheduled at the same location). Your paid trip includes a Red Barn or Main Shelter reservation for lunch space or additional self-guided activities through 2pm on the day of your trip. # Children # Activities Total Length of Fee Program Up to minutes $2 per child/$20 minimum Up to minutes $4 per child/$40 minimum Up to minutes $6 per child/$60 minimum minutes $4 per child minutes $6 per child minutes $6 per child Maple Syrup Tour ONLY (Seasonal) 45 minutes FREE Wagon Tour Included in activity w/field trip rotation Add $2 per child Up to 28 Wagon Tour people ONLY 1 wagon 45 minutes $60 Up to 56 Wagon Tour people ONLY 2 wagons 45 minutes $120 Groups larger than 75 students are asked to divide the group and schedule multiple days so that we may provide the best program possible. However, if your group exceeds 75 and you are unable to come on multiple days, please contact us to discuss. We want your field trip experience to be affordable. Upon request, we may be able to provide larger groups of children with a mixture of naturalistled and self-guided activities, in rotation, in order to lessen your overall costs. Please inquire for additional information. The Dawes Arboretum Educator Resources Guide p4

5 Guided Field Trips (Pre-K) Programs for our youngest visitors are opportunities to expand language and observation skills while learning about our natural world. Skilled educators incorporate a developmentally appropriate children s book and hands-on activities in each 45-minute program. Choose from one of these themes or contact our Education Department at education@dawesarb.org for a program specially tailored for your group s needs. Dress for the weather as activities will extend outdoors whenever possible. Meeting location will be sent in your confirmation materials. Terrific Trees Each program provides opportunities for students to make observations in a rich and diverse habitat the forest! Children will learn the importance of trees to both humans and animal life. Some sample titles include: Fall Leaves Fall!, Maple Syrup Season (late February early March) and A Tree for Me. Things Grow and Change Programs highlight the life cycles of animals both large and small. Students use simple tools to explore the variety of aquatic and terrestrial insect life at The Arboretum. Some sample titles include: Waiting for Wings and Jump, Frog, Jump! Ohio Animals Programs help children understand the diversity of animal life in Ohio. Seasonal activity changes and nocturnal habits are explored. Some sample titles include: Bravest of the Brave, Who s Ready for Winter? and Gotta Go! Gotta Go! The Dawes Arboretum Educator Resources Guide p5

6 Guided Field Trips (Elementary) Ohio s Academic Content Standards are complimented in our education programs. Students will routinely use scientific inquiry and applications as they apply to the Life Science Strand. Grades K 2 Grades 3 5 Physical and Behavioral Traits of Living Things Basic Needs of Living Things Interactions within Habitats Behavior, Growth and Change Earth s Living History Interactions within Ecosystems Autumn Leaf ID (September November) (MG) In the fall, seasonal changes are on full display. Learn how to use a dichotomous key for tree identification and explore the science behind leaves changing colors. Then, explore the trails using your new skills. Bird Science (RB, MG) Birds have basic needs and a variety of adaptations that help them survive in their particular environments. Characteristics of common Ohio birds, food webs and the role of birds in an ecosystem are essential elements of this program. Bus Tour or Open-Air Wagon Tour (MG) A narrated tour of The Arboretum s south end collections from the comfort of your school bus or our openair, covered carryall wagon. Highlights include the history of The Arboretum, notable plants and gardens and beautiful landscape views. *Wagons May October only, additional fee applies. Exploration Hike (RB, MG) Hike an Arboretum trail with one of our knowledgeable interpretive guides. Experience a forest or garden first hand as you develop an understanding of diverse ecosystems, explore seasonal changes or notice the life cycles of local animals and plants. Insect Investigations (RB, MG) This hands-on science study invites students to discover the amazing world of insects as they examine anatomy, basic needs, life cycle stages, survival behaviors and the vital role they play in an ecosystem. Includes preserved specimens and field study. Mammal Adaptations (RB, MG) What do skunks, deer, mice and bats all have in common? They are familiar Ohio mammals found living at The Arboretum. Hands-on inquiry will allow students to identify some common mammals using pelts, preserved specimens, track casts and other artifacts. Discuss how these animals adapt to the seasons and their environments. Maple Syrup Trail (February March, Free) (MG) Learn about early American pioneers and modern day tappers as we walk a short trail and sample this sweet treat from nature. The Dawes Arboretum Educator Resources Guide p6

7 Nature s Recyclers (RB, MG) Living things cause changes on Earth. Open up the worm bin, roll over a rotting log and dig into learning about nature s recyclers and their amazing impact on our world. This program begins with an overview of worm anatomy and habits and concludes outdoors with an exploration of their natural habitat. Reptiles are Cool! (MG) Take an eye-opening look at this informative program that features several live animals and preserved specimens. Learn how these scaly, cold-blooded critters function differently from humans and other warmblooded animals. Water Life (RB, MG) Life cycles are part of an organism s adaptation for survival. Students will use field guides, nets and magnification tools to explore the variety of organisms that call a pond or swamp their home. In this field investigation, students explore interrelationships in this complex and fascinating ecosystem. We Need Trees! (MG) Trees are living beings with functions similar in many ways to humans they consume, respire, take in water, eliminate waste, reproduce, grow and die. This creative program compares the physical traits and survival characteristics of trees. Explore how they affect the environment and why they have an awesome role in an ecosystem. Wildlife Detectives (RB, MG) Become a wildlife detective and help solve a mystery! Sometimes we do not see the wild animals that interact within our shared environment. This hands-on inquiry focuses on wildlife that commonly live in Ohio. Concentration on animal behavior, habitat needs and the role of wildlife in a larger ecosystem make this a well-rounded learning experience. The Dawes Arboretum Educator Resources Guide p7

8 Guided Field Trips (Middle School) These program offerings explore the rich cultural and historical background of The Dawes Arboretum. Programs, designed specifically for middle school students, will further develop historical thinking in alignment with the Ohio Academic Content Standards for Social Studies. Daweswood House Museum Tour (MG) See and hear the history behind antiques and memorabilia from the Dawes family, founders of The Arboretum. Japanese Garden Tour (MG) Explore this serene area, artistically created with rocks, sand, gravel, hills, a pond, flowing water, trees, shrubs and a stone path that crosses a reflecting pool. Learn about the garden s history and get a look at elements of Japanese culture. Tree Dedicator Trail (MG) Learn the tradition of tree dedications at The Arboretum as you walk the trail in search of notable historical figures on this interactive scavenger hunt. Outreach Programs While a visit to The Arboretum is an unforgettable experience, sometimes travel is not an option. Our outreach programs are an opportunity to bring high-quality and engaging activities to you. The following programs are available to bring to your classroom (additional fees apply): Bird Science Mammal Adaptations Maple Syrup Season Nature s Recyclers Reptiles are Cool! Wildlife Detectives The Dawes Arboretum Educator Resources Guide p8

9 Self-Guided Field Trips (All Ages) There is no admission fee to enter The Dawes Arboretum. Self-guided field trips may take place on main grounds at any time of year (we are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year s Days). Please inquire if you plan to bring a larger self-guided group to the Red Barn Area or Dutch Fork Wetlands as availability may be limited due to scheduled programs, rentals or seasonal maintenance. Picnic shelters on main grounds or at the Dutch Fork Wetlands are available to serve as a meeting space and lunch area on a first-come, first-served basis, or you may place a reservation for a shelter or a room, for a fee. Location Indoor/Outdoor Capacity Time Educator/ Non-Profit Rate Main Shelter House Outdoor 100 Mon Fri, 9am 2pm $45 (May October) Dutch Fork Wetlands Shelter Outdoor 75 Mon Sun, open to close First-come, first-served only Red Barn Indoor/Outdoor 75 Sun Fri, 9am 2pm $100 (availability limited) Firelight Room (availability limited) Indoor 100 Sun Thu, 9am 2pm $100 Bonsai Collection This collection, located outdoors adjacent to the Visitors Center gift shop, showcases an ancient Asian art form that conveys deep symbolism and reverence for nature. The trunk, branches, styling and containers of these unique plants are essential elements of this miniature art. Group Intro An educator will meet your group when you arrive for a brief introduction to The Arboretum including our mission and purpose, behavior expectations and seasonal highlights. Free, but must be scheduled in advance. Discovery Center Adults and children of all ages will enjoy hands-on exploration in the Discovery Center, located in the lower level of the Visitors Center. Amenities include: bird watching garden, children s reading nook, interactive displays, live animals, working beehive, restrooms and drinking fountain. Appropriate for a small group of no more than 20 people at one time. StoryTrail (June October) Discover a trail especially for children and families, where reading comes alive in nature. Hop, skip, jump or walk along this unique path that combines exercise, literacy and fun for visitors young and old. The Dawes Arboretum Educator Resources Guide p9

10 Other Opportunities The Fairchild Challenge The Fairchild Challenge is a free, multidisciplinary and standards-based, STEM-focused environmental education outreach program. It is designed to give middle and high school students an opportunity to shine, and give teachers another tool to delivery their core curriculum. By appealing to students innate sense of creativity and curiosity, the Challenge invites students to investigate environmental issues, devise imaginative and effective responses to these issues and take action to address them. The Fairchild Challenge was designed and initiated by the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in South Florida. Fairchild continues to support and train expansion sites for The Challenge around the world. The Dawes Arboretum is proud to be a satellite partner site for The Fairchild Challenge. To learn more, visit Home School Students Home school groups may schedule field trips, provided that they meet the minimum fees for a program. Additionally, we offer monthly elementary Home School Investigations and periodic middle school Investigations (September April). See our website for more information. Professional Development for Teachers Trained facilitators periodically offer professional development opportunities for teachers. Workshops may include Growing Up Wild (ages 3 7), Project Wild (grades K 12) and Project Learning Tree (grades K 12). To inquire about upcoming workshops, contact us at education@dawesarb.org. The Dawes Arboretum Educator Resources Guide p10

11 Contact Us! For more information, or to schedule your experience, please reach out to us via phone, or through our website. Scheduling for spring field trips begins in January. Website: Phone: The Dawes Arboretum Educator Resources Guide p11