Middle School 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.

Georgia Rocks | 6th grade

Learn about the rocks and minerals of Georgia with a hands-on investigation. Students will identify rocks in a discovery lesson by examining their characteristics and the processes involved in their formation. GSE: S6E5b

Dichotomous Key Tree ID

Students will use a dichotomous key to identify native trees on a hike through the forest. GSE: S7L1a

Advanced 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: S7L4a,b

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: S7L4a,b.

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: S7L4a,b

Advanced Pond Study: Aquatic Macroinvertebrates

In this field study to assess local water quality, students will sample macroinvertebrates in our ponds as bioindicators of water quality, and use dip nets, microscopes, pH meters, and macroinvertebrate ID charts to draw conclusions and explain the impacts that effect the water quality of these ponds within the Chattahoochee River watershed. GSE: S6E6b; S7L4a,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: S3L1a,b,c

Amphibian Survival

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

Wetland Ecology

To better understand the functions, value, and importance of this ecosystem within the Chattahoochee River watershed, students will sample and identify wetland soils, learn about the biodiversity of wetland plants, and use a wetland model to discuss the beneficial functions of wetlands. GSE: S6E6b; S7L4a,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.

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

Chattahoochee River Study and Guided Canoe Trip Plus Film

Our canoe program is our most hands-on experience! This 3-hour guided canoe trip introduces students to the Chattahoochee River, its history, current issues surrounding our watershed, and how students can impact the river. Each trip is led by a CNC Certified Interpretive Guide and offers a unique introduction to the ecology of the Chattahoochee River.

After your trip, view our movie “The Chattahoochee: Re-Imag­ine our River.” This 22-minute film will lay the groundwork for a better understanding of the Chattahoochee River and its surround­ing watershed.  

CNC provides all equip­ment – canoe, paddles, and personal flotation devices for all participants. No prior canoeing experience is          neces­sary.

The maximum number of participants is 24 students/teachers. 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: VA6.CR.1e; VA6.CR.2a; VA6.CN.3c; VA7.CR.1e; VA7.CR.2a; VA7.CN.1c; VA8.CR.2a; VA8.CN.1c

 

Water’s Ways II | 6th GRADE

Students participate in hands-on activities that highlight the constructive and destructive properties of water including erosion, weathering, and deposition. They will engineer a solution to the Chattahoochee River’s tri-state water use issues, evaluate human impacts on erosion, and consider ways to conserve our resources. This program is only available as a double program. GSE: S6E5d,e.

Water’s Ways II | 6th GRADE

Students participate in hands-on activities that highlight the constructive and destructive properties of water including erosion, weathering, and deposition. They will engineer a solution to the Chattahoochee River’s tri-state water use issues, evaluate human impacts on erosion, and consider ways to conserve our resources. This program runs from 10:30AM-12:30PM. GSE: S6E5d,e.

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: VA6.CR.1e; VA6.CR.2a; VA6.CN.3c; VA7.CR.1e; VA7.CR.2a; VA7.CN.1c; VA8.CR.2a; VA8.CN.1c

 

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 III | 6th grade

Students will explore our earth’s position in the solar system and the solar system’s position in the Milky Way. We will also discuss deep sky objects, moon phases, seasons, and lunar and solar eclipses. GSE: S6E 1b,c,e

Service Learning Opportunities at the CNC

A variety of service learning opportunities exist at the Chatta­hoochee Nature Center for both individuals and groups in middle and high school. Please contact our Director of Education for additional information at 770.992.2055 ext. 235 or fill out the form below.

 

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. $150 minimum per program

>> One Naturalist is scheduled to teach 25 students. 

Double Programs (any combination of programs we offer; excluding river study, canoe, and Project H2O): 2.5 hour program

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

>> One Naturalist is scheduled to teach 25 students.

Pond & River Canoe Programs and Project H2O

>> $30/student, 1 adults 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.

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 fund 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.

Engineered from Nature

How can nature help us solve human problems? Engineers use the adaptations of plants and animals to design products that improve people’s lives. Students will be introduced to biomimicry, and after meeting one of CNC’s non-releasable raptors, will apply the adaptations of raptors to engineer solutions to real-life issues.

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: S7L4a,b,c

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: S7L4a,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.

Traveling Trunks program

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

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?