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 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.
Plant Taxonomy
GSE: S5L1 b
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.
Vertebrate Classification
GSE: S5L1 a
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 class groups.
Amphibian Survival
GSE: S5L1 a; S5L4 a
While viewing an amphibian monitoring station, students will examine some of the factors affecting the survival of amphibians and thus the survival of other species in the ecosystem.
Mammals
GSE: S5L1 a
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.
Natural Journaling and Field Sketching
GSE: VA5.CR.1 a,b; VA5.CR.2 a,c; VA5.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.
Plants and Trees
GSE: S5L1 b; ELAGSE5SL3
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.
.
Raptors
GSE: S5L1 a
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.
Reptiles & Amphibians
GSE: S5L1a; S3L1a,b,c; S3L2a,b
Focusing on Georgia native species, students will learn about these fascinating animals while exploring the grounds and looking for them in the wild.
Pond Study I (available March-November only)
GSE: S5L1 a; S5L4 a,b
Using dip nets, students collect macroinvertebrates to identify and use them to make inferences about the condition and health of the pond habitat.
This program is limited to 75 students per time slot.
Water’s Ways I (available March-November only)
GSE: S5E1 a,b; S5L1 a; 5.MDR.7.1
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 uses two time slots and cannot be combined with another program.
This program is limited to 75 students per day.
Wild Wetlands
GSE: S5L4 a,b
Students hike our river wetlands boardwalk to learn about the unique relationships of this very fragile and important ecosystem.
Canoe Skills and Team Building (available April-October Only)
Groups with little or no paddling experience can learn how to paddle with a 3-hour introductory canoe program in one of our ponds (includes 1.5 hours of instruction and paddling and 1.5 hours for self-guided exploration of CNC’s grounds and trails). All naturalists are CPR/First Aid certified and experienced paddlers. CNC provides all equipment – canoe, paddles, and personal flotation devices for all participants.
The maximum capacity is 27 students/adults per pond.
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. Our team of knowledgeable and passionate naturalists can bring our high-quality programming directly to your school or outdoor space. All programs are designed to meet curriculum standards while strengthening their connection with nature and building upon their knowledge through hands-on activities. Each program will include a close-up encounter with one of CNC’s resident animals that will be sure to leave your students with an educational and memorable experience.
Programs can be booked Monday through Sunday, mornings, afternoons, and evenings, year-round.
Small Group Programs
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.
Mammals
GSE: S5L1 a
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.
Plants and Trees
GSE: S5L1 b; ELAGSE5SL3
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 learn about different plants and hypothesize about how they grow and interact with other forms of life.
Raptors
GSE: S5L1 a
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.
Reptiles & Amphibians
GSE: S5L1a; S3L1a,b,c; S3L2a,b
Focusing on Georgia native species, students will learn about the different characteristics of these fascinating animals.
Vertebrate Classification
GSE: S5L1 a
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 class groups.
Large Group Programs
These programs are ideal for 31 to 150 seated participants. We offer auditorium and festival programs to meet your needs.
Georgia Wildlife Journey
GSE: S5L1 a
This popular 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.
Ages 6+ | 150 or fewer participants
Hunter’s in the Sky
GSE: S5L1 a
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.
Ages 6+ |150 or fewer participants
On the Road with Reptiles
GSE: S5L1 a
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.
All ages | Festival-style presentation
PLEASE NOTE: A six-foot table in a shaded area is required for this program. The program must be held indoors when the temperature is less than 60 degrees.
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.