All on-site field studies are conducted at CNC utilizing our trails, gardens, and other greenspaces, and include a guided trail hike and an encounter with one of CNC’s resident non-releasable animals. We recommend planning at least 2.5 hours for the full experience, which includes your 75-minute field study and additional time for lunch in our picnic areas, as well as exploring our interactive Watershed Gallery exhibit, Wildlife Walk, and gardens.
All programs are rain or shine. CNC utilizes indoor classroom space during times of inclement weather.
These programs are available throughout the school year! Enhance your science curriculum with hands-on learning, live animals, and a nature-based experience.
GSE: S4L1 a,b,c
Explore the nature center trails and garden compost piles to learn all about the role of decomposition in the
energy flow of an ecosystem. Investigate decomposers such as insects and fungus through hands-on activities.
GSE: S4L1 a,b,c
Students examine the connections between living and non-living elements in nature while focusing on specific predator/prey behaviors and exploring CNC trails for examples of food webs.
Special topics are available too! While these programs are also correlated to classroom standards, you’ll find these programs go deeper into topics and/or include other learning areas, such as social studies, or English/Language Arts.
GSE: S4L1 a,b,c,d
While viewing amphibian monitoring stations, students will examine some of the factors affecting the survival of amphibians, and therefore, the survival of other species in the ecosystem.
GSE: S4L1 a,b,c
This program explores the trails of CNC to learn about and discover insects and what positive things these fascinating animals do for the environment.
GSE: S4L1 a,b,c
In this warm and fuzzy program, the Naturalist will explain the identifying characteristics of mammals and tell you what species to look for around your home. This program will conclude with an opossum presentation.
GSE: VA4.CR.1 a,b; VA4.CR.2 a,c; VA4.CN.2 a
This field-based experience combines science, writing, and art to help students develop a broader understanding of the natural history of their environment by using the wonderful natural setting at the Chattahoochee Nature Center.
GSE: S4L1 a,b,c
How does an acorn become an oak tree? Why are some leaves green while others are brown? With the help of a CNC Naturalist, students will study live plants on CNC’s grounds and hypothesize about how they grow and interact with other forms of life.
GSE: S4L1 a,b,c,d
This program focuses on the birds of prey that call Georgia home. Habitats, adaptations, and conservation issues will be discussed. Hands-on owl pellet dissection is included.
GSE: S4L1 a,b,c
Focusing on Georgia native species, students will learn about these fascinating animals while exploring the grounds and looking for them in the wild.
GSE: S4L1 a,b,c
Become a Naturalist and hone your observation skills as you explore CNC. Hike the forest trails, search high and low for signs of life, and study the plants and animals that call Georgia home.
Using an inflatable planetarium, a CNC Naturalist will lead students on a journey through the night sky to view constellations and the solar system. Please inquire about space limitations when booking the StarLab as an outreach program. (Maximum number of participants is 60)
GSE: S4E1 a,b,c,d; S4E2 a,c
Students discover the difference between stars and planets.
GSE: S4E1 a; SS4H3 c
Students will explore the navigation technology used by Lewis & Clark by measuring distances between the stars. They will determine the latitude and longitude of their current location based on Lewis & Clark’s techniques. They will also consider how Lewis & Clark adapted to their environment for survival.
Chattahoochee Nature Center, Georgia’s first non-profit nature center, opens
CNC begins taking native animals in for rehabilitation
First marsh boardwalk is built
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