Fall Environmental Education Programs Scheduling for Fall 2010 programs begins Wednesday, September 1. Fall programs will run from Tuesday September 21 to Friday, October 29. To schedule your class, choose one of the activities offered below and call Alison at 231.344.1010 or Melissa at 231.344.1004. As always, our programs are offered at no cost. As a land trust, the Little Traverse Conservancy believes that an integral part of land conservation includes involving younger generations in nature appreciation. Our programs take place on nature preserves established through our land protection efforts. Programs are very popular and space is limited, so contact us soon to schedule your visit! After scheduling a program, you will receive a packet with information on your chosen activity. Included will be written confirmation of the program date and subject and activities for pre- and post- visit studies. Grade levels in parentheses are suggested grades only, based on the Michigan State Framework. The Shape of Things (preK) We depend on all of our senses to learn about our environment. Nature is filled with objects of different shapes and sizes. Children will focus their eyes on the shapes that define both our natural and built environment. Before setting out for a hike, children will make "shape necklaces" with pre-cut construction paper. After the activity children will go on a shape walk and look for things in nature that look like the shapes on their necklaces. A great opportunity to incorporate shape recognition, comparing and the diversity of shapes in nature! (45 minutes) Falling for Leaves (suggested grades K-1) Fall is a perfect time to take a hike and enjoy the colors and multitude of leaves falling to the ground. During this program, students are asked to use their observation skills to categorize leaves by shape and color. We'll also share differences between deciduous and coniferous trees and learn how trees grow. (45 minutes) Meet the Arthropods (suggested grades 1-3) Explore the world of insects, bugs, spiders, millipedes, centipedes, and crustaceans by collecting and examining a variety of invertebrates during this active hike. Students are provided with bug boxes and participate in a guided bug hunt for insects and other similar creatures. The naturalist will then gather the group together to look at everyone's discoveries and discuss adaptations and special habits of the many creatures. Discussions include insect habits, comparing insects to non-insects, and collection techniques safe for both critter and student. (1 hour) Everybody Eats (suggested grades 1-3) This hike focuses on food chains, animal habitats, and the transfer of the sun's energy to all living things. Students are asked to take on the role of different parts of the food chain and to create a chain using other members of the group. During the hike, they may search for examples of food from the different habitats they visit and discuss the roles of both predator and prey within a chain. (approximately 1 hour) Purely Plants (suggested for grades 3-4) This program focuses mainly on the importance of plants and the many ways they have adapted their seeds for dispersal. Students will be asked to categorize seeds by their method of travel. Other plant topics include plant parts and their functions as well as tree identification. (approximately 1 hour)   Dirt Makers (suggested for grades 3-5) Roll over logs and meet vitally important members of the ecosystem - the decomposers! Learn more about the variety of creatures whose job it is to transform decaying material into rich soil. A note taking or journaling component can easily be added to this program for additional observation and scientific skill development. (approximately 1 hour) Orienteering (suggested for grades 5 and up) The Ransom Preserve near Charlevoix features the Conservancy Orienteering course. Bring your class out to learn how to use a compass and explore this beautiful upland preserve with rolling hills and scenic vistas. Students enjoy the challenge of 'bushwacking' through the forest and the thrill of success when they find their mark. NOTE: During this program, your class will be divided into teams of 4 or 5 students and an adult leader should be available for each team. (1 1/2 - 2 hours) *This program requires pre-visit activities sent with the confirmation packet. A classroom visit by a Conservancy naturalist prior to your outing is also recommended. Eco Journaling (suggested for grades 6 and up) A fun year-long program which integrates documenting the changing seasons (phenology), art, science, language arts, and much more! Throughout the year, Conservancy naturalists introduce students to various journaling techniques in the classroom and in the field. Using their own personalized eco journals, students practice the techniques at a chosen special "spot" on a Conservancy nature preserve or natural area. Each season, we return to record changes, learn about nature, and compare data. Visit here for a teacher testimony about the eco-journaling program.