Spring Environmental Education Programs Grade levels in parentheses are suggested grades only, based on the Michigan State Framework. Spring 2013 registration period is April 10-24. Programs run April 30-June 7, 2013. To Be a Tree (Pre-K) By pretending to be a tree, children will gain an awareness of a tree’s structure and functions. Children will learn how each part of a tree plays a role in helping it to function. Developmental components of this program include music, movement comparing, identifying and interactive play. (45 minutes) Sharpening the Senses (K-1) Students benefit from directed observation of nature. Their curiosity about everything around them is evident, and their interest in nature is keen. This nature hike is designed to enhance a student’s awareness of the five senses and the ways they can be used to gather information about our natural world. (45 minutes) Healthy Habitats (1-3) With a focus on the five necessary elements needed for a healthy habitat; food, water, shelter, space and air, students will explore and compare 3 or more  habitats.  With help from catagory cards, students will be “set loose” to actively search for all of the elements required for a healthy habitat. (1 hour) Life in Water (3-5) Using field guides and magnifying lenses to identify various aquatic insects, students observe the numerous adaptations of water-dwellers, the diversity of life found in water and the importance of aquatic habitats. Topics include how aquatic life determines water quality, and how the food chain extends to underwater habitats. (1 hour and 30 minutes) Spring Sprouts (4-6) Through identifying common wildflowers and spring plants, students learn the parts of a flower and their functions. Discussion includes how plants use their different characteristics to achieve pollination. Field guides and journals may also be provided upon request to increase observation and understanding. (1 hour) Spring Navigation (5-12) 1.5 hours Use a compass to create a map while enjoying signs of spring in northern Micghian. Students will be challenged to use their self-created maps to find theri way back. A nice addition to a unit on early explorers. This program is also a good follow-up to the Conservancy's fall orienteering course. *Orienteering course also available upon request. Location specific. Nature Study (5-8) a simplified version is used for grades 3-5 Students combine personal observations and creativity while using the beauty of the natural world for inspiration. Students use a guiding worksheet to observe their surroundings. The worksheet focuses on the senses, micro and macro biology, general ecology, and some language arts. Teachers can then use the worksheet to assist other related units in the classroom. (1 hour to 1.5 hours depending on age)