Environmental Education Course Catalogue

Transcription

1 Environmental Education Course Catalogue Our mission is to be a guiding example for habitat restoration and environmental education that inspires exploration, cultivates stewardship, and encourages visitors to get off the path W. County Line Road Mequon, WI mequonnaturepreserve.org

2 Mequon Nature Preserve s Educational Philosophy Mequon Nature Preserve s (MNP) uniqueness lies in its extensive habitat restoration and conservation work. As such, teaching others about land stewardship becomes a natural extension of our on the ground efforts. Therefore, the primary goal of MNP s educational programming is to reconnect individuals of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to nature. We strive to make this connection through hands-on interactions with water, soil, plants, and animals. We believe these interactions, coupled with the enthusiasm of our staff and volunteer teachers, create a renewed interest in nature, empathy for the environment, and sense of personal responsibility for our Earth. About Mequon Nature Preserve Registration Field trips must register through our website at: mequonnaturepreserve.org/registration Contact Nici Perez, Education Manager, to reserve your preferred date. Call x5 or nici@mequonnaturepreserve.org. You will receive a confirmation from MNP staff when we receive the registration form. Fees and transportation To remove potential financial barriers for schools or students, there are no fees associated with any field trips to MNP in the school year. Donations are appreciated. Transportation scholarships are available to schools within the Milwaukee Public School system boundaries. MNP is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, operating solely on financial support from grants, foundations, and individual donors. We do not receive any tax money or charge a fee to hike the grounds. Donations are appreciated. The property spans 444 acres of woodlands, wetlands, prairies, and agricultural fields. Visitors come from throughout the region to engage in environmental science programs and naturebased recreation activities such as hiking, bird watching, and cross-country skiing. MNP s headquarter is in the Pieper Power Education Center (8200 W. County Line Road, Mequon, WI). This building demonstrates sustainable technologies, materials, and practices. MNP s mission it to carry out a 150-year master plan to restore the property to the hardwood forests, prairies, and wetlands that existed prior to European settlement. MNP s 5+ miles of trails are free and open to the public from sunrise to sunset, 365 days a year. Page Index About MNP programs 2-3 Expectations 4 Map 5 Program descriptions 6-10 WI state standards Further information 15 2

3 Accessibility and special needs MNP staff and volunteer teachers will work with teachers to accommodate visitors of all ages and abilities. MNP s education center and many of MNP s trails are ADA compliant. Upon request, two allterrain wheelchairs are available for use. Typical field trip schedule 10 AM Arrival and orientation 10:30 AM Lesson, outdoor activity, and hike 12 PM Lunch 12:30 PM Wrap-up activity 1 PM Departure Lunch at MNP Field trip groups are welcome to have lunch at MNP. You may choose to eat in the classrooms or outside near the stone amphitheater. There is no cold storage available. Programs at your school Although we would prefer that your students would get outside with us, MNP staff understands the constraints that sometimes come with time, weather and school policy. There are three lessons that MNP can conduct at your school: Owls and Owl Pellets Native Animal Meet and Greet Protecting Wisconsin s Habitats Special programming may be requested by the teacher. MNP staff will work with the teacher regarding the feasibility of the request. Follow-up After your visit MNP staff will send you an with a link to a short survey. Please take the time to complete this survey! Feedback from group leaders is vital to the improvement of our programming AND to the fundraising that will keep our educational programming free. 3

4 TEACHER AND CHAPERONE EXPECTATIONS: Expectations 1. MNP programs are field studies, not just a field trip. Please let your students know that they are here to learn, ask questions, explore, and enjoy what nature has to offer! 2. Discipline is the responsibility of the students teachers and chaperones, not MNP staff. Proper respect for fellow students, adults, and MNP staff and volunteers is expected at all times. 3. MNP staff members and volunteers are trained in the environmental education field and have much to offer your group. They are expected to treat all visitors with respect and consideration. In return, students, teachers, and chaperones are expected to treat MNP staff and volunteers in the same manner. 4. Teachers and chaperones are expected to be active participants in the MNP programs. Often larger groups come to MNP for programming and one MNP staff member or volunteer simply cannot work with each student. Teachers and chaperones are asked to help facilitate activities, exercises, inquiries, discoveries, and maintain group control. 5. Ensure that an appropriate student to adult ratio is planned. Based on prior experience, MNP staff members suggest the following ratio of students to adults to keep students actively engaged: Grades K-2: 8 students/adult, Grades 3-5: 10 students/adult, Grades 6-8: 12 students/adult. 6. Communicate to the children the appropriate clothing for outdoor activities. *ALL VISITS will include some outdoor component. MNP has a limited amount of rubber boots, winter boots, rain ponchos, winter jackets, hats, and gloves. Staff will do its best to outfit students appropriately for the weather conditions if they come underdressed. 7. Have all appropriate forms and emergency contact information on hand. MNP staff and volunteers will be carrying cell phones and first aid kits in case of an emergency. 8. Name tags for the students are recommended. Being able to call on a student by name is a very effective way for a MNP staff member or volunteer to engage your student. GENERAL GROUND RULES FOR ALL VISITORS: (Please relay these to your students before the visit) 1. Do not pick or damage any plants or animals. Ask before touching. 2. Students should stay close to and behind their group leaders at all times and refrain from leaving the trail without permission. 3. Please keep voices low and feet quiet when walking the trails. The wildlife is very aware of our presence but will stay longer if the group is quiet. Pointing at something interesting and asking questions in nature is appropriate; yelling or screaming when at MNP is not appropriate. Harming wildlife in unacceptable. 4. Unorganized or disrespectful groups and those not following the before-mentioned rules may be asked to leave and/or not return. 5. The only bathroom facilities on the property are in the Education Center. 6. As per City of Mequon ordinance, there is no smoking allowed on MNP s grounds. Information about expectations can be found online: mequonnaturepreserve.org/education/expectations/ 4

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6 Educational Programs at a Glance Program* Seasons Suggested Grades** Explore and Discover Nature Scavenger Hunt Year-round K5-2nd Tour of Animal Homes Year-round Any age Where Do They Go in Winter? Winter 2nd - 12th Birds Birding 101 Year-round 2nd - 12th Bird Adaptations Year-round 4th - 12th Owls and Owl Pellets Year-round 2nd - 8th Forest exploration All About Trees Spring through Fall K5-4th Creepy, Crawly Critters Spring through Fall 2nd - 6th Forest Floor Recycling Spring through Fall 4th - 8th Maple Sugaring March to early April Any age Native Trees of Wisconsin Year-round 5th - 12th Soil Science Spring through Fall 3rd - 6th Prairie investigations Insects in the Prairie Summer and Fall 2nd - 6th Monarch Migration September and October 2nd - 6th Protecting Natural Resources Protecting Wisconsin s Habitats Year-round 5th - 12th Renewable Energy Year-round 3rd - 6th Water Science Aquatic Invertebrates Spring through Fall 3rd - 6th Food Chains in Wetlands Spring through Fall 5th - 12th Understanding Amphibians Spring through Fall 3rd - 6th Water Passport Program Spring semester 5th - 12th See page 10 for more info Wetland Function and Health Spring through Fall 5th - 12th Service-oriented, land stewardship activities may be combined into a lesson or be the focus of the day. These activities are largely seasonal. Main activities include tree planting (April-May), invasive plant removal (April-June, September-October), and native seed collection (September-December). * All programs include a hike of miles. ** Most of the programs can be adapted for students older that the suggested age. *** MNP staff can take up to 50 students per field trip. Contact Nici before registering for more than 50. 6

7 Educational Program Descriptions Nature Scavenger Hunt Seasons: Year-round Suggested grade level: K5-2nd Are you looking for your young children to do some exploring on their own? A scavenger hunt might be just what you are looking for! MNP staff will supply you with a list of items to look for while you hike through wetland, prairie, and forest habitats. Maximize the experience by having an adult assigned to 2-3 students. Two options for this activity: 1) Half-mile hike completed in under an hour or 2) 1.5-mile trip to the observation tower and back. Tour of Animal Homes Seasons: Year-round Suggested grade level: Any age This is our most requested program. The focus of this lesson is on the creation, restoration, and conservation of habitats. MNP staff will lead the group through wetlands, prairie, and forests. Students will observe the habitat and identify which animals call it home. Where Do They Go in Winter? Season: Winter Suggested grade level: 2nd - 12th Even in the cold most of our mammals are still active. Students will learn how to identify different animal tracks, scat, and signs of feeding. MNP has a limited number of snowshoes that students may be able to use during their visit as part of the program. Birding 101 Seasons: Year-round Suggested grade level: 2nd - 12th Students will learn about the diversity of bird species and which habitat one each requires. A quick indoor lesson will cover the season s most likely species. Armed with binoculars and a species list, we will seek out various birds in their natural habitats. Bird Adaptations Seasons: Year-round Suggested grade level: 4th - 8th Students will take a close look at the physical characteristics of birds, their behavior (migration, nesting, food sources) and the need for our assistance in their survival. Our nature hike will focus on bird identification. Owls and Owl Pellets Seasons: Year-round Suggested grade level: 2nd - 8th Even among the variety of bird species worldwide, owls have some of the most unique bird adaptations. An indoor lesson will cover the incredible physical and behavioral adaptations of owls, their different calls, and how they feed. The indoor program will culminate with a dissection of owl pellets. An outdoor hike will take the group to a forest that hosts resident Great Horned owls. 7

8 All About Trees Seasons: Spring through Fall Suggested grade level: K5-4th Roots, stems and leaves oh my! This lesson will cover shape and function of the basic parts of a tree. Students will also learn five native trees common to southeast Wisconsin and create a booklet with a leaf from each species. Creepy, Crawly Critters Seasons: Spring through Fall Suggested grade level: 2nd - 6th Hidden under the dead leaves and logs are millions of tiny arthropods and worms. We will head to the woods and dig around to find them! Critters will be captured, identified, and sketched by the students. Forest Floor Recycling Seasons: Spring through Fall Suggested grade level: 4th - 8th Worms, fungi, centipedes, beetles, and plants all work together to keep nutrients moving from one living organism to another. Students will observe above and below the forest floor to determine this habitat s continuous nutrient cycling. Maple Sugaring Seasons: March to early April Suggested grade level: Any age Let s hike to a sugar maple forest to learn about the origins and physiology of deriving syrup from maple trees. Native Trees of Wisconsin Seasons: Year-round Suggested grade level: 5th - 12th Did you know you can identify trees by more than just leaves? Bark, stems, and buds can definitively identify a tree species. Students will use a dichotomous key to identify at least 10 different tree species by more than just leaves. After the hike each student will make his or her own tree identification booklet. Soil Science Seasons: Spring through Fall Suggested grade level: 3rd - 6th Agriculture can have a devastating effect on the health of soil and water. Through careful observation of the soil in an old agricultural field and then in undisturbed forest, students will learn about what makes healthy soil. Erosion, worms, and conservation agriculture will also be referenced during this outdoor investigation. Insects in the Prairie Seasons: Summer and Fall Suggested grade level: 2nd - 6th Insects are the unsung heroes that keep the soil moving, nutrients recycling, and flowers pollinated. In this lesson, students will learn about various types of native insects by catching, identifying, and releasing insects from our prairie. 8

9 Pond Animals Indicate Water Health Seasons: Spring through Fall Suggested grade level: 3rd - 6th Hidden in the muck and submerged plants are a variety of different insects, amphibians, snails, and worms. As students collect and identify pond animals, the amount of species diversity will help us determine the quality of the habitat. Monarch Migration Season: September and October Suggested grade level: 2nd - 6th The monarch butterfly is one of the most recognizable insects in Wisconsin, but few know about its world-record, fall migration! Students will learn about the monarch s life cycle and multi-generational journey to and from Mexico. We will also attempt to capture and tag monarchs as part of a North American research project! Protecting Wisconsin s Habitats Seasons: Year-round Suggested grade level: 5th - 12th Very few people know that Wisconsin is under attack by non-native, invasive plants and animals. But a little knowledge will go a long way to stopping future invasions! Students will learn how to identify the most common invasive plants and how MNP staff controls them. Seasonal invasive plant removal or native species planting may be part of the field trip. Renewable Energy Season: Year-round Suggested grade level: 3rd - 6th Students will learn about the need for renewable sources of energy by investigating the benefits of wind and solar power. We will also take an upclose look at MNP s own solar array and wind turbine. Food Chains in Wetlands Seasons: Spring through Fall Suggested grade level: 5th - 12th The struggle to gather food and avoid predators often goes unnoticed in a pond. Under the surface producers, herbivores, and carnivores are constantly battling to survive, grow, and reproduce. Let s capture, identify, and organize pond critters into a wetland food web! Understanding Amphibians Season: Spring through Fall Suggested grade level: 3rd - 6th Get to know local frog and salamander species through our amphibian lesson! Learn about frog anatomy, adaptations, food sources, reproduction, and calls. While in the field we will look and listen for the 8 amphibian species that call MNP home! Testing the Waters Season: Spring through Fall Suggested grade level: 5th - 12th Wisconsin has lost over 50 percent of its historical wetlands and their associated benefits. MNP monitors the effectiveness of its newly restored wetlands through abiotic testing methods. Learn about how we test water chemistry (ph, turbidity, nitrate and phosphate levels, temperature, and dissolved oxygen) and assess the quality of the water that leaves our property. 9

10 Water Passport Program Seasons: Spring semester Suggested grade level: 5th-12th Available to any school within the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District s boundaries. A map of MMSD s service area can be found here: MNP s Water Passport Program (WPP) focuses on different aspects of freshwater stewardship. Concepts discussed in the WPP include: watersheds, point and nonpoint source pollution, water quality, natural wetland function, personal water stewardship, and wastewater treatment. A minimum of 3 experiences will collectively cover all these concepts and more. Visit 1: In your classroom (1.5 hours) MNP staff will bring an interactive model into your classroom and discuss watersheds, pollution, and Lake Michigan health. Visit 2: Jones Island Water Reclamation Facility (2 hours) MNP staff will join you for a tour of MMSD s wastewater treatment center. Students will see how water is cleaned by machines, aquatic microorganisms, and chemicals. Visit 3: Mequon Nature Preserve (3 hours) MNP staff will discuss how natural wetlands filter potential pollutants out of the water before it gets into rivers and Lake Michigan. Students will collect pond animals and use the amount of species diversity to determine water quality. Other potential visits: Concordia University s (Mequon) Center for Environmental Stewardship: Lake Michigan water quality River visit: Test water quality with Milwaukee Riverkeepers. Alignment with Wisconsin State Educational Standards Although the fun associated with getting outside may be your main reason for visiting MNP, it shouldn t be the only reason! Numerous studies show that there are a variety of mental and health benefits to being in nature. Reduced anxiety, longer attention span, lowered blood pressure, and a sense of belonging are just a few benefits being re-discovered in our nature-deprived society. Mequon Nature Preserve offers all the before-mentioned benefits, as well as a means to fulfill mandated academic standards without using a textbook. Below you will find a list of Wisconsin Academic Standards for Environmental Education and Science. Programs that address the skills listed in each stand are highlighted in green. 10

11 All About Trees Bird Adaptations Birding 101 Creepy, Crawly Critters Food Chains in Wetlands Forest Floor Recycling Insects in the Prairie Maple Sugaring Monarch Migration Nature Scavenger Hunt Native Trees of Wisconsin Owls and Owl Pellets Pond Animals Indicate Water Health Protecting Wisconsin's Habitats Renewable Energy Soil Science Tour of Animal Homes Water Passport Program Testing the Waters Where Do They Go in Winter? Understanding Amphibians Standards addressed in program Questioning and Analysis A.4.2 A.4.4 A.8.1 A.8.4 A.8.5 A.12.4 Environmental Processes and Systems B.4.1 B.4.3 B.4.4 B.4.5 B.4.6 B.4.9 B.8.2 B.8.3 B.8.5 B.8.6 B.8.8 B.8.10 B.8.15 B.8.17 B.8.18 B.8.19 B.12.1 B.12.2 B Environmental Issue Investigation C.4.1 C.8.2 Decisions and Actions D.4.5 D.8.5 Environmental Education 11

12 Select Wisconsin Performance Standards for Environmental Education A Questioning and Analysis A.4.2 Collect information, make predications, and offer explanations about questions asked. A.4.4 Communicate their understanding to others in simple terms. A.8.1 Identify environmental issue questions that can be investigated using resources and equipment available. A.8.4 Use critical-thinking strategies to interpret and analyze gathered information. A.8.5 Use the results of their investigations to develop answers, draw conclusions, and revise their personal understanding. A.12.4 State and interpret their results accurately and consider other explanations for their results. B Knowledge of Environmental Processes and Systems B.4.1 Describe the flow of energy in natural systems, citing the sun as the source of energy on earth; e.g., food chain. B.4.3 List sources of energy, distinguishing between renewable and nonrenewable. B.4.4 List the components of an ecosystem, including the qualities of a healthy habitat. B.4.5 Describe natural and human-built ecosystems in Wisconsin. B.4.6 Cite examples of how different organisms adapt to their habitat. B.4.9 Distinguish between renewable and nonrenewable resources. B.8.2 Explain how change is a natural process, citing examples of succession, evolution, and extinction. B.8.3 Explain the importance of biodiversity. B.8.5 Give examples of human impact on various ecosystems. B.8.6 Describe major ecosystems of Wisconsin. B.8.8 Explain interactions among organisms or populations of organisms. B.8.10 Explain and cite examples of how humans shape the environment. B.8.15 Analyze how people impact their environment through resource use. B.8.17 Explain how human resource use can impact the environment; e.g., erosion. B.8.18 Identify major air, water, or land pollutants and their sources. B.8.19 Distinguish between point and nonpoint source pollution. B.12.1 Evaluate the relationship of matter and energy and the flow of energy in natural, managed, or built systems. B.12.2 Describe the value of ecosystems from a natural and human perspective; e.g., food, shelter, flood control, water purification. B Explain the concept of exported/imported pollution; e.g., watersheds. C Environmental Issue Investigation Skills C.4.1 Identify environmental problems and issues. C.8.2 Use environmental monitoring techniques; such as, observations, chemical analysis, and computer mapping software to collect data about environmental problems. D Decision and Action Skills D.4.5 Explain how they can influence an environmental issue. D.8.5 Explain how personal actions can impact an environmental issue; e.g. doing volunteer work in conservation. 12

13 All About Trees Bird Adaptations Birding 101 Creepy, Crawly Critters Food Chains in Wetlands Forest Floor Recycling Insects in the Prairie Maple Sugaring Monarch Migration Nature Scavenger Hunt Native Trees of Wisconsin Owls and Owl Pellets Pond Animals Indicate Water Health Protecting Wisconsin's Habitats Renewable Energy Soil Science Tour of Animal Homes Water Passport Program Testing the Waters Where Do They Go in Winter? Understanding Amphibians Standards addressed in program Wisconsin Standards for Science Crosscutting Concepts SCI.CC1 SCI.CC3 SCI.CC4 SCI.CC5 SCI.CC6 Science and Engineering Practices SCI.SEP.4A SCI.SEP3.A SCI.SEP4.A Life Science Standards - Structures and Processes SCI.LS1.A SCI.LS1.B SCI.LS1.C Life Science Standards - Ecosystems SCI.LS2.A SCI.LS2.B SCI.LS2.C Life Science Standards - Heredity SCI.LS3.A SCI.LS3.B Life Science Standards - Evolution SCI.LS4.C SCI.LS4.D Physical Science - Matter and Energy and their Interactions SCI.PS1.A SCI.PS1.B SCI.PS3.D Earth and Space Science - Earth's systems, Water, and Human Activity SCI.ESS2.A SCI.ESS2.C SCI.ESS3.A SCI.ESS3.C 13

14 Select Wisconsin Standards for Science (Adopted November 2017) Crosscutting Concepts SCI.CC1 Recognize patterns to make sense of phenomena and solve problems. SCI.CC3 Use measurement (e.g. scale, proportion, and quantity) to make sense of phenomena and solve problems. SCI.CC4 Understand that objects, organisms, and systems have parts that may work together, affect another system, have sub-systems, or be part of a more complex system. SCI.CC5 Observe the conservation of matter in physical and chemical processes. SCI.CC6 Recognize that natural objects have structures that are related to their function. Science and Engineering Practices SCI.SEP1.A Ask questions that can be investigated and predict reasonable outcomes. SCI.SEP3.A Plan and conduct an investigation to produce data to serve as a basis for evidence. Make observations and measurements to produce that data. SCI.SEP4.A Collect, record, share, and analyze data. Life Science Standards - Structures and Processes SCI.LS1.A Organisms have structures that allow for growth, survival, behavior, and reproduction. SCI.LS1.B Organisms have unique and diverse life cycles. SCI.LS1.C Plants produce food through photosynthesis. Within individual organisms, food is broken down through chemical reactions, energy is released, and molecules are rearranged. Life Science Standards - Ecosystems SCI.LS2.A Food in almost every animal (and food web) can be traced back to plants. SCI.LS2.B Matter in ecosystems / food webs cycle repeatedly between living and nonliving parts of the ecosystem. SCI.LS2.C When changes or disturbances (human-caused or natural) occur within an ecosystem, biodiversity and integrity of the ecosystem will change. Life Science Standards - Heredity SCI.LS3.A Young organisms are very much, but not exactly, like their parents. They also resemble other organisms of their kind. SCI.LS3.B Individuals of the same kind of plant or animal are recognizable as similar, but can also vary in many ways. Inherited traits and the environment account for these variations. Life Science Standards - Evolution SCI.LS4.C Species can develop adaptations over time in response to changes in environmental conditions. SCI.LS4.D Many different living things live in a variety of habitats. Changes in those habitats affect the organisms living there. Physical science - Matter and Energy and their Interactions SCI.PS1.A Matter exists in small particles that are too small to be seen. Matter is always conserved even if it seems to disappear. SCI.PS1.B Reacting substances rearrange to form different molecules, but the number of atoms is conserved. SCI.PS3.D Plants capture light energy and convert it into chemical energy which can be used by the plant or consumed by other animals to do work. Earth and Space Science - Earth s systems and human activity SCI.ESS2.A Wind and water change the shape of the land. SCI.ESS2.C Most of Earth s water is in the oceans, and can cycle through land, ocean, and atmosphere. SCI.ESS3.A Living things, including humans, need water, food, and shelter. Fuel and energy are other resources humans need. All these resources are natural and come from the Earth. SCI.ESS3.C Humans affect the Earth and can make choices to reduce negative impacts. 14

15 Education Staff Nici Perez Education Manager x5 Jason Nickels Director of Education and Research x6 Keep Informed Check our new website for more information about MNP! mequonnaturepreserve.org Stay up to date with our monthly e-news! to sign up! Follow us on social media: Facebook: facebook.com/mequonnaturepreserve/ MNP is the first nature center in Wisconsin to have its own app! Search Mequon Nature Preserve and download the free app today! Thank you to all who support our education programs