fifth grade on-site field studies and Outreach programs

Come explore the Chattahoochee Nature Center with your class for fun, educational experiences your students won’t ever forget! Can’t make the trip to visit us? No problem, book an outreach program and we will bring the learning into your classroom! Either way, a CNC naturalist will lead your class in exploration. School programs include hands-on activities and a Teacher’s Guide with additional curriculum.

On-site Field Studies

All on-site programs are conducted at CNC and are suggested as a 2 hour and 30 minute experience. Each program includes a guided forest hike with one of our naturalists and an up-close animal encounter with one of our non-releasable wildlife (1 hour 15 minutes). The remaining time can be spent with a guided tour of Watershed Gallery in the Discovery Center, plus self-guided time in our picnic areas, gardens, and Wildlife Walk.

Vertebrate Classification

What do a Brown Thrasher, Large­mouth Bass, Green Treefrog, Gopher Tortoise, and Right Whale have in common? A backbone! Students will learn how scientists classify the five vertebrate groups. GSE: S5L1a

Plant Taxonomy

Students classify and identify trees in our forest using a dichotomous key and measurements, and then meet an animal that relies on the forest ecosystem for its habitat. GSE: S5L1b

Water’s Ways

Students participate in hands-on activities that highlight the constructive and destructive properties of water, and how it affects the metro Atlanta area. They explore engineering solutions to real-life water resource management challenges. This program is only available as a double program. GSE: S5E1a,b

Pond Study I

Using dip nets, students collect macroinvertebrates to identify, and use them to make inferences about the condition and health of the pond habitat. Limited to 75 students per time slot. GSE: S5L1a.

Wild Wetlands

Students hike our river wetlands boardwalk to learn about the unique relationships of this very fragile and important ecosystem. GSE: S5L4a,b

Canoe Skills and Team Building

Groups with little or no paddling experience can learn how to paddle with a 3-hour introductory canoe program in one of our ponds. All naturalists are CPR/First Aid certified and experienced paddlers. CNC provides all equip­ment – canoe, paddles, and personal flotation devices for all participants.

Maximum capacity is 27 students/teachers per pond. Programs are available March through November.

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Reptiles and Amphibians

Focusing on Georgia native species, students will learn about these fascinating animals while exploring the grounds looking for them in the wild. GSE: S5L1a

Amphibian Survival

While viewing an amphibian monitoring station, students will examine some of the limiting factors affecting the survival of amphibians, and therefore, the survival of other species in the food web. GSE: S3L1a,b,c; S3L2a,b

Raptors

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: S5L1a; S5L2a

Nature Journaling and Field Sketching

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: VA5PR1e; VA5PR2a

details

ON-SITE PROGRAMS – SCHEDULE & RESERVATIONS

>> Reservations are taken year-round by email at scheduling@chattnaturecenter.org or by phone (770.992.2055 ext. 237) on a first-come, first-served basis. Schedule early to ensure the dates of your choice.

>> Please email or call between 8AM – 4PM and plan approximately 10-15 minutes per call. If we are busy or unavailable, please leave a message and we will make every attempt to return your call on the same day.

>> We can accommodate groups as large as 150 per time slot (10AM to 11:15AM or 11:30AM to 12:45PM) for a single program unless otherwise noted.

 

ON-SITE Program Pricing

Single Program:

>> $15/student, 2 adults free per 25 students. Each additional adult (teacher/chaperone): $15/each.

>> One Naturalist is scheduled to teach 25 students. 

Double Program:

>> $27/student, 2 adults free per 25 students. Each additional adult (teacher/chaperone): $27/each. $275 minimum per double program.

>> One Naturalist is scheduled to teach 25 students. 

Canoe Skills and Team Building:

>> $30/student, 1 adult free per 15 students. Each additional adult (teacher/chaperone): $30/each. $300 minimum (10 students)

>> Maximum number of participants is 24 for River Study or Canoe and 75 for Project H2O

>> Maximum number of participants is 27 for Canoe Skills & Team-building (pond canoe program)

Details:

Deposit is due 2 weeks from booking date and will be either the minimum amount listed with the program or 25% of total program, whichever is greater.  

Remaining balance to be paid on day of program to our Scheduling Office from the Lead Teacher only. We cannot accept payment from chaperones. 

Scholarship funds available for Title I schools

Cancellation Policy

When you schedule a program, we reserve a slot in the calendar for your group, and we commit staff and resources to ensure you an exceptional educational experience. Please review the following cancellation policy for the Chattahoochee Nature Center:

>> All programs take place rain or shine (indoor space is available).

>> Reschedule a program up to 4 weeks before scheduled date without penalty. Subject to availability.

>> Cancel a program up to four weeks before scheduled date without penalty.

>> If canceled less than 4 weeks from scheduled date, deposit will not be refunded. 

>> Schools with an unpaid balance will not be able to schedule another program until the balance is paid.

OUTREACH PROGRAMS

Transportation issues? Not a problem. CNC Naturalists can bring high-quality programming directly into your school. In addition to the programs listed below, all of our On-site Programs (except water programs) can be conducted at your school in individual classrooms, and include an animal encounter and hands-on activities. All programs are GSE-correlated for each grade and include Small Group and Large Group programs.

Programs can be booked Monday through Sunday, mornings, afternoons, and evenings, year-round. Spaces are limited during spring and fall due to high demand. All programs must be booked a minimum of 3 weeks prior to the program date.

 

 

Programs for Small Groups 

These programs are designed for 30 or fewer participants. Programs include a live animal presentation; biofacts such as bird wings, turtle shells, or animal furs; an activity; and a question & answer session with a CNC Naturalist. Unless otherwise stated, these are one hour programs.

Natural Connections

Not all microorganisms are harmful! In this fun program, students examine microorganisms using microscopes to learn about their helpful and harmful effects. This program concludes with an encounter with a native Georgia snake. GSE: SSL4a,b

Reptiles

In this fun-filled program, participants will learn what makes a reptile a reptile and which ones you are likely to encounter in your neighborhood. This program will conclude with a live reptile presentation. GSE: SSL1a

Raptors

Participants in this program will learn all about our native birds of prey. Habitats and adaptations will be discussed, and conservation and protection issues surrounding these creatures will be examined. Hands-on owl pellet dissection is included. This program will conclude with a live raptor presentation. GSE:SSL1a

Mammals

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: SSL1a

Programs for Large Groups 

These programs are ideal for 31 to 150 seated participants. We offer auditorium and festival programs to meet your needs.

Hunters in the Sky Auditorium Program

This one-hour educational program focuses on raptors, some of our most fascinating native predators. A CNC Naturalist will utilize fun activities with large props and audience involvement to teach participants about these native birds and their impressive abilities. This program will include presentations of an owl and a hawk. GSE: SSL1a; SSL2a

Georgia Wildlife Journey Auditorium Program

This one-hour educational program focuses on animals that make their home in the Georgia Piedmont. This program will include presentations of an opossum, snake, and bird of prey. GSE: SSL1a

On the Road with Reptiles Festival Program

This Information Booth is available for an unlimited mobile audience in a festival setting. With this program, CNC will bring a collection of fascinating reptile information to you. Using biofacts – such as skulls, turtle shells, and snake sheds – and hands-on activities, the Naturalist will share information about the many amazing reptiles found in Georgia. This program includes a live reptile, viewable in an aquarium

PLEASE NOTE: A six-foot table in a shaded area is required for this program. The program must be held indoors when temperature is less than 60 degrees.

Traveling Trunks

Prepackaged curriculum and activities you can rent from CNC to use in your classroom for up to 3 weeks.

Bat’s Incredible – The Endangered Gray Bat

This program is a study of one of Georgia’s protected vertebrates in an investigation kit filled with activities, animal biofacts, books, posters, and more! This trunk provides students with awareness of state-wide habitat issues, knowledge of the endangered Gray Bat and its natural history, and opportunities for critical thinking relative to past, present, and future environmental actions.

 

Our Shared Forests

In partnership with the State Botanical Gardens of Georgia, this trunk includes multicultural activities about migratory neotropical bird migration. Great for Family STEM nights!

details

OUTREACH PROGRAMS – SCHEDULE & RESERVATIONS

>> Reservations are taken year-round by email at outreach@chattnaturecenter.org or by phone (770.992.2055 ext. 246) on a first-come basis. Schedule early to ensure the dates of your choice.

>> Information to share: name, school, grade, number of students, program you are interested in, and the dates you are looking for.

>> We will make every attempt to return your call or email within 24 hours. 

 

OUTREACH PROGRAM PRICING

Age 6-Adult: $250 for first program, $125 for each additional program

>> 30 students maximum – 60 minutes

Auditorium Programs: 150 students maximum – 60 minutes

>> 2 Animals: $350 for first program, $250 for each additional program

>> 3 Animals: $430 for first program, $275 for each additional program

Festival Programs: $225 for first hour, $115 for each additional hour

Traveling Trunks: $100 fully refundable deposit, plus $165 rental fee 

Additional Pricing Information: 

>> $100 one-time development fee for customized programming

>> Inquire about our non-profit discount

Travel Fees:

>> Programs within 20 miles of CNC: No fee

>> Programs 21-30 miles from CNC: $50 fee

>> Programs 31-40 miles from CNC: $60 fee

>> Programs 41-50 miles from CNC: $70 fee

NOTE: Audience limits are set to ensure an optimal experience for every student participant. Audience size may not exceed the published limits without permission of the Chattahoochee Nature Center. Audiences who do exceed the published limits will incur additional session fees. Please contact us if you have any questions about our policies. 

 

Ready to book your education program?