fourth 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.
Onsite 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.
Web of Life
Students examine the connections between living and non-living elements in nature, while focusing on specific eating behaviors of animals and examples of food webs. GSE: S4L 1a,b,c
Fungus Study
Students learn about the fascinating world of decomposers and their role in the food web in this microscope study session. Create a double program along with Composting. This program is limited to 75 students per time slot. GSE: S4L1a,b,c
Wildlife Discovery
A general introduction to nature and wildlife, students will explore the native plants and animals of the CNC through hands-on exploration and inquisitive observation. GSE: S4L1a,b,c
Insects
This spring program explores the world of the insects to learn what positive things these fascinating animals do for the environment. GSE: S4L1a,b,c
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: S4L1a,b,c
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: S4L1a,b,c,d
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: S4L 1a,b,c
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. GSE: S4L1a,b,c
Wild Wetlands
Students hike our river wetlands boardwalk to learn about the unique relationships of this very fragile and important ecosystem. GSE: S4L1a,b,c
Plants and Trees
Students discover how plants and trees grow, and learn about the relationships between humans, plants, and animals. GSE: S4L1a,b,c
Composting
Students will become familiar with the process of decomposition by taking samples from CNC’s compost bins and examining the range of organisms working to decompose the organic material. Create a double program along with Fungus Study. GSE: S4L1a,b,c
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. No prior canoeing experience is necessary.
Maximum capacity is 24 students/teachers per pond. Programs are available March through November.
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:VA4PR.1e; VA4C.1a
STARLAB Programs
Using an inflatable planetarium, a CNC naturalist will lead students on a journey through the night sky to view constellations and the solar system. STARLAB is also a terrific program to bring to your school. Please inquire about space limitations when booking the STARLAB as an outreach program. A STARLAB program can be adapted for Astronomy Club meetings or classes. (Maximum number of participants is 60)
STARLAB II
Students discover the difference between stars and planets. GSE: S4E1b,c,d; S4E2a,c
Lewis and Clark STARLAB
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. GSE: S4E2, SS4H3c
details
onsite 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.
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.
>> 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 Chattahoochee Nature Center:
>> All programs take place rain or shine {indoor space is available).
>> You may reschedule a program, if space is available, up to 4 weeks before your originally scheduled date without penalty.
>> You may cancel a program up to four weeks before your originally scheduled date without penalty.
>> Programs cancelled less than 4 weeks from program date will not receive a refund of deposit.
>> 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.
Nature 101
Participants in this one-hour program will learn all about the basics of the plants and animals found in Georgia. What’s living in your neighborhood will be explored as well as backyard animals, ways to look for wildlife, tracks and even scat!
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: S4L1a,b,c
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.
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.
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.
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: S4L1a,b,c
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.
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
>> Scholarship fund available for Title I schools
>> 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.