Sawnee Mountain Preserve
School Environmental
Education Programs
2011/2012
Forsyth County Parks and Recreation
Sawnee Mountain Preserve Visitor Center
4075 Spot Road Cumming, GA 30041 770-781-2217
www.forsythco.com
www.sawneemountain.org
Contents
Types of programs
3
KINDERGARTEN 4
FIRST GRADE 5
SECOND GRADE
7
THIRD GRADE 9
FOURTH GRADE 11
FIFTH GRADE 13
Program Fees
15
Register for a program 15
Contact: Carrie Toth, FCPRD Program Supervisor
770-781-2217, [email protected]
Forsyth County Parks and Recreation
We offer two types of programs!
The Outdoor Division of Forsyth County Parks and Recreation’s
talented naturalist staff provide your class with dynamic,
interactive and memorable programs that are designed in
correlation with the Georgia Performance Standards.
Sawnee Mountain Preserve (on site)
Environmental education classes that take place at Sawnee Mountain Preserve are two hours long. Most programs consist of an indoor and outdoor portion. Indoor components of programs take
place in the lab/classroom at the Sawnee Mountain Visitor Center.
Outdoor components occur along the trails of the Preserve. There is
a maximum of 75 students per visit.
Outreach Programs (at your school)
We offer many environmental education programs that can be
brought to your classroom. These outreach programs last for one
hour. There is a minimum of 2 programs per day.
Programs can be revised to suit the unique needs of your class. Call
Carrie Toth, Outdoor Program Supervisor, at 770-781-2217 or email
[email protected] to have a program designed for your group
(fees vary).
3
KINDERGARTEN
Sawnee Mountain Preserve
Nature Senses
Children will hike the trails of Sawnee Mountain while
exploring the natural world using their eyes, noses, ears and
sense of touch.
GPS: Science SKCS3, SKL1, SKL2, SKP1
Plants and Animals
Spend time on the trails to discover the differences and
similarities between plants and animals.
GPS: Science SKCS3, SKCS4, SKL1, SKL2
Get Dirty!
Investigate the gritty details of rocks and soil through
naturalist-led interactive investigations.
GPS: Science SKCS3, SKCS4, SKE2, SKL1, SKP1
4
FIRST GRADE
Programs at Sawnee Mountain Preserve
Staying Alive
Through exciting interactive games, observations and discussions students
will discover what Georgia plants and animals need to survive, and how
they obtain these resources.
GPS: Science S1CS3, S1L1
Future Forecasters
What’s the weather for today? Students learn how to use simple weather
instruments and discover how to spot patterns in weather to predict the
forecast.
GPS: Science S1CS3, S1E1, S1E2
All the Water in the World
Water covers 3/4 of the earth’s surface but there is a limited amount of
usable fresh water. Students learn how important it is to take care of our
water while gaining an appreciation for the many ways they need water.
GPS: Science S1E2, S1L1
My Life as a Drip/ Nature-
Where does water comes from? Where does it go when it goes down
the drain? Students will learn the answers to all these questions through
hands-on experiments and a guided nature walk.
GPS: Science S1CS7, S1E2, S1L1
5
FIRST GRADE (continued)
Sawnee Mountain Preserve
Watershed Detectives
The land we live on is divided into watersheds, which is the area of
land that catches precipitation such as snow and rain and drains into
a stream, river, lake, or marsh. Students will be introduced to this concept and learn how and what affects it.
GPS: Science S1CS2, S1CS7, S1CS4
A House of Seasons (water cycle)
Through a variety of demonstrations, songs and hands-on activities
students will learn all about the water cycle. Included in this lesson
students will observe the role of water in each of the different seasons.
GPS: Science S1E1, S1E2
FIRST GRADE
Outreach Programs
Outreach Programs take place at your school. Each program
lasts one hour, with a minimum of 2 programs per day.
Future Forecasters
What’s the weather for today? Students learn how to use simple
weather instruments and discover how to spot patterns in weather to
predict the forecast.
GPS: Science S1CS3, S1E1, S1E2
Watershed Detectives
The land we live on is divided into watersheds, which is the area of
land that catches precipitation such as snow and rain and drains into a
stream, river, lake, or marsh. Students will be introduced to this
concept and learn how and what affects it.
GPS: Science S1CS2, S1CS7, S1CS4
A House of Seasons (water cycle)
Through a variety of demonstrations, songs and hands-on activities
students will learn all about the water cycle. Included in this lesson
students will observe the role of water in each of the different seasons.
GPS: Science S1E1, S1E2
6
SECOND GRADE
Bio-Cycles
Sawnee Mountain Preserve
Collect and observe plant and animal life at Sawnee Mountain to discover
cycles and changes that living organisms go through as they grow.
GPS: Science S2CS3, S2CS4, S2L1
Native Georgia History
Students hike to the Indian Seats while learning how and where the Creek
and Cherokee lived through hands-on activities, games and stories.
GPS: Social Studies SS2H1, SS2H2, SS2G1, SS2G2
Water Address
Students will learn about the three states of water and then try to correctly
identify plants and animals and their habitats by analyzing clues that
describe water-related adaptations of aquatic and terrestrial organisms.
GPS: Science S2E3, S2P1
Every Drop Counts
Students will learn how developing natural habitats affects both plants and
animals species as well how important it is to preserve water, an essential
resource.
GPS: Science S2E3, S2L1
The Incredible Journey
Water circulates from one point or state to another in the water cycle. In
this lesson students will simulate that movement of water within the water
cycle.
GPS: Science S2P1, S2E3
Giving Back
Students will discuss all the items that the earth has given us, then take a
nature walk to collect items that can be reused in an art collage project.
GPS: Science S22L1, S2CS1, S2CS6
7
SECOND GRADE
Outreach Programs
Outreach Programs take place at your school. Each program
lasts one hour, with a minimum of 2 programs per day.
Bio-Cycles
Collect and observe plant and animal life at Sawnee Mountain to discover
cycles and changes that living organisms go through as they grow.
GPS: Science S2CS3, S2CS4, S2L1
Water Address
Students will learn about the three states of water and then try to
correctly identify plants and animals and their habitats by analyzing clues
that describe water-related adaptations of aquatic and terrestrial
organisms.
GPS: Science S2E3, S2P1
The Incredible Journey
Water circulates from one point or state to another in the water cycle.
In this lesson students will simulate that movement of water within the
water cycle.
GPS: Science S2P1, S2E3
8
THIRD GRADE
Sawnee Mountain Preserve
Ancient Storytellers
Students hike through the Preserve and learn about the fascinating
geologic features of Sawnee Mountain. They will take a close look at
fossils, visit the historic gold mines, and hunt for gold or gems!
GPS: Science S3CS3, S3E1, S3E2
Animal Homes and Habitats
Students will collect, study and observe various plants and animals to
discover how they can live in the Piedmont region of Georgia as well as
learn the characteristics and inhabitants of Georgia’s other regions.
GPS: Science S3CS3, S3L1, S3L2
Just Passing Through
In this activity students investigate water and conservation facts in a fun
cooperative card game. Students will then role play how vegetation affects
the movement of water over land surfaces.
GPS: Science S3E1, S3L2
Biodiversity
Students will learn that Biodiversity is short for biological diversity and
means the variety of living things found on earth. Through observing,
classifying and creative thinking students will investigate the amazing
diversity that can be found in any given area.
GPS: Science S3CS1, S3CS3, S3CS7, S3L1
Conservation and Recycling
Students will identify the general problems associated with pollution.
Through demonstrations they will be able to categorize types of pollution and how to help prevent it. (Eviroscape Demonstration)
GPS: Science S3CS8, S3L2
9
THIRD GRADE (continued)
Rocks and Erosion
Sawnee Mountain Preserve
Students will develop an understanding of the Earth’s landscape. They will
investigate rocks and minerals that form in these areas, and why these
habitats are so important for healthy watersheds and the species that
inhabit them.
GPS: Science S3L1, S3E1
Capture, Count, Release
Students learn how organism have basic needs and only survive in
environments in which their needs are met. They will sample soil in
different areas. They will then simulate a biologist’s job of overseeing fish
raised for release back into the wild.
GPS: Science S3L1, S3CS7, S3CS3
THIRD GRADE
Outreach Programs
Outreach Programs take place at your school. Each program
lasts one hour, with a minimum of 2 programs per day.
Animal Homes and Habitats
Students will collect, study and observe various plants and animals to
discover how they can live in the Piedmont region of Georgia as well
as learn the characteristics and inhabitants of Georgia’s other
regions.
GPS: Science S3CS3, S3L1, S3L2
Conservation and Recycling
Students will identify the general problems associated with pollution.
Through demonstrations they will be able to categorize types of
pollution and how we can help prevent it. (Eviroscape Demonstration)
GPS: Science S3CS8, S3L2
Capture, Count, Release
Students learn how organism have basic needs and only survive in
environments in which their needs are met. They will sample soil in
different areas. They will then simulate a biologist’s job of overseeing
fish raised for release back into the wild.
GPS: Science S3L1, S3CS7, S3CS3
10
FOURTH GRADE
Programs at Sawnee Mountain Preserve
Native Georgia History
Students hike to the Indian Seats while learning how and where the Creek
and Cherokee lived through hands-on activities, games and stories.
GPS: Social Studies SS4H1, SS4H2, SS4G1, SS4G2
Orienteering
Students will learn how to use a compass and read topographical maps,
then navigate through the wilderness of Sawnee Mountain.
GPS: Science S4CS2,, S4CS3, S4CS4; Math M4N3, M4P1, M4P4
Predator Prey
In this exciting activity, participants play the roles of wildlife trying to
survive in their ecosystem, avoiding predators along the trails while
searching for their habitat needs.
GPS: Science S4CS2, S4CS4, S4L1, S4L2
Lone Wolf Debate
Students learn that destroying habitats has a negative effect on its
inhabitants. They will participate in a debate concerning the
controversy in the northern Rockies to delist wolves as an
endangered species.
GPS: Science S4CS5, S4CS6, S4L1, S4L2
Web of Life
Students will learn what an ecosystem is and the necessities of the
physical environment. Hands-on activities will teach them about the living
things in an ecosystem (producers, consumers, and decomposers). They
will have to use clues to create a habitat map
GPS: Science S4L1, S4L2
11
FOURTH GRADE (continued)
Sawnee Mountain Preserve
Dilemma Derby
Students debate the pros and cons of different solutions to water
management issues. (Enviroscape Demonstration)
GPS: Science S4CS1, S4CS4, S4CS6, S4L1
Fire on the Mountain
Students will learn how to use a compass and read a topographical map,
then navigate through the wilderness of Sawnee Mountain. Then will
participate in a simulation game using compasses to locate points on a map
and solve problems typical of those a forest service look-out may have.
GPS: Science S4CS2, S4CS3, S4CS6
FOURTH GRADE
Outreach Programs
Outreach Programs take place at your school. Each program
lasts one hour, with a minimum of 2 programs per day.
Lone Wolf Debate
Students learn that destroying habitats has a negative effect on its
inhabitants. They will participate in a debate concerning the
controversy in the northern Rockies to delist wolves as an
endangered species.
GPS: Science S4CS5, S4CS6, S4L1, S4L2
Web of Life
Students will learn what an ecosystem is and the necessities of the
physical environment. Hands-on activities will teach them about the living
things in an ecosystem (producers, consumers, and decomposers). They
will have to use clues to create a habitat map
GPS: Science S4L1, S4L2
Dilemma Derby
Students debate the pros and cons of different solutions to water
management issues. (Enviroscape Demonstration)
GPS: Science S4CS1, S4CS4, S4CS6, S4L1
12
FIFTH GRADE
Sawnee Mountain Preserve
Geology: Weathering and Erosion
Students explore Sawnee Mountain’s geologic features to identify different
types of erosion and hike to the Indian Seats to examine landforms created
by different geological processes.
GPS: Science S5CS3, S5E1, S5P2
Classification and Identification
Using a simple dichotomous key students will learn to classify species while
exploring the forest and identify the trees of Sawnee Mountain Preserve.
GPS: Science S5CS3, S5L1, S5L3
Wetland Wealth
Students will develop an understanding of the important functions
provided by a wetland. Students also participate in a game demonstrating the
effects of diminishing wetlands on wild-life survival. (Enviroscape demonstration)
GPS: Science S5CS8, S5E1, S5L1
For the Birds
Students will be introduced to the different types of bird and their
adaptations, including beaks, feathers, and feet. Students will identify birds
by their body shapes, relative size, and feather coloring and markings. They
will gain an understanding of how birds’ adaptations help them survive and
thrive in a variety of habitats.
GPS: Science S5L1, S5L2
Water Island
Students will learn the importance of sharing a limited natural resource,
(water) throughout a given area. They will use higher-level thinking skills to
solve a water distribution problem by designing an efficient water system.
They will be able to recognize the effects of human activity on our water
sources.
GPS: Science S5E1, S5L4
13
FIFTH GRADE (continued)
Sawnee Mountain Preserve
Aquatic Ecology
Students will visit Pooles Mill and to collect and identify aquatic insects,
and determine water quality.
GPS: Science S5CS4, S5CS2, S5L1
FIFTH GRADE
Outreach Programs
Outreach Programs take place at your school. Each program
lasts one hour, with a minimum of 2 programs per day.
Wetland Wealth
Students will develop an understanding of the important functions
provided by a wetland. Students also participate in a game demonstrating the
effects of diminishing wetlands on wild-life survival.
(Enviroscape demonstration)
GPS: Science S5CS8, S5E1, S5L1
Salt Marsh Players
Through multiple activities students will learn that organisms can survive
only in environments, and distinct environments support the life of
different types of organisms.
GPS: Science S5L1, S5L2, S5L4
Water Island
Students will learn the importance of sharing a limited natural resource,
(water) throughout a given area. They will use higher-level thinking skills
to solve a water distribution problem by designing an efficient water
system. They will be able to recognize the effects of human activity on
our water sources.
GPS: Science S5E1, S5L4
14
Program Fees
Programs at Sawnee Mountain Preserve
One 2-hour program........................$6.00 per student*
($72.00 or 12 student minimum)
Two 2-hour programs extended stay..........$10.00* per student
($120.00 minimum or 12 student minimum)
A $50.00 deposit is required at time of reservation. Fees include
program only, schools must provide their own transportation.
Chaperones and teachers are admitted free, please have a 1:12
adult to student ratio. Groups of up to 75 students can be
accommodated at one time.
Outreach Programs
One 1-hour program...................................$3.00 per student*
(minimum of 2 programs per day, 30 students per program maximum)
A $50.00 deposit is required at time of reservation.
Confirmations are sent by email to the person who registered.
Messages should be forwarded to all participating teachers. All
students who attend programs at Sawnee Mountain Preserve must
submit a completed and signed FCPRD waiver.
*Prices are for Forsyth County schools only.
Schools outside Forsyth County are subject to a 20% fee increase.*
Schedule your Program!
• Decide if your class will travel to us, or if our staff will travel to your
school.
• Choose a program for your class.
• Pick a date (or dates if the group has over 75 students for a field trip to
Sawnee Mountain Preserve) and time.
• Call Carrie Toth, Outdoor Program Supervisor, at 770-781-2217 or email
[email protected] to book your program.
• You will receive a letter confirming your reservation. Sign and return
the letter to hold your spot.
• You will also receive a waiver form that each student must have
completed and signed by a parent. Collect these forms and submit on
the day of the program along with payment.
15
What others are saying about our programs:
“Our students gained more knowledge of
predator- prey relationships and loved the
program!”
-4th grade teacher
“Very hands-on and great reinforcement of performance
standards.”
-2nd grade teacher
“This program extended our learning
about insects and habitats. I think it
was a wonderful experience!”
-1st grade teacher
“Your program complemented the ecosystems lesson
taught at school.”
-4th grade teacher
“A great learning experience with active
learning. This is what a field trip should
be all about!”
-4th grade teacher
“The kids learned a lot and
had fun!”
-1st grade mom