Home School Programs
The Home School Nature Series is designed to help home schooled students further develop their knowledge of the environment as well as their personal dedication to it while having fun and interacting with other home schooled students.
Nature Recyclers: The Science of Decomposers
Fall 2010 Homeschool Series
When: Thursdays in October (Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28)
Where: New Canaan Nature Center
Time: 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Ages: 7 - 10 years old
Cost: $15 for members / $18 for non-members (10% discount if registering for all four classes)
Please call Marianne Dec at 203-966-9577 x 20 to register.
Session 1: Insects and Annelids
Students will study the forgotten universe within the soil. We will search for insects and worms and use found specimens to examine the anatomy of various insects and worms. Within piles of compost, we will have the opportunity to investigate the purpose of these sometimes frightening animals and how they are some of the most important living things in the world.
Session 2: Moldy Mycology
Seeking out decomposing objects, students will survey the different fungus growth in the forest. We will become mycologists when we sketch and practice identifying the amazing things we find. Using microscopes, students will delve further into the development and growth of these fascinating decomposers and how they help decay natural matter.
Session 3: Detrivitores
During this session, students will learn how animals’ everyday behaviors aid in decomposition. Through careful search and observation, students will be able to deduce different characteristics of certain animals by examining what they eat and excrete. Using our prior knowledge of decomposers, we will investigate how animals and their scat can breakdown our soil and make it richer.
Session 4: Breaking it Down with Water
For our final session, we will focus on water’s amazing power of destruction. Students will survey a variety of water habitats at the Nature Center and conduct experiments showing how water can change an eco system and a landscape. Through careful study, we will see how water can break down a variety of living and non – living things.
PLEASE NOTE: This is a drop-off only class series that will be taught by a dynamic Naturalist. Parents may remain on site and take advantage of our solar greenhouse, interactive Discovery Room, outdoor Birds of Prey exhibit, or walk our nature trials. If you chose to leave, please return on time. Feel free to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy an afternoon exploring the outdoors.
For additional information, please email Anna Zielinski or call (203) 966-9577 x 42.
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