Join Oak Knoll naturalists for a fun filled 9-month series for the homeschool community. Each class is 2.5 hours in length and meets in small groups, with other students of similar age, all while learning science outside in nature at the Wildlife Sanctuary. Younger groups, ages 4.5-6 & 7-8, get age appropriate monthly themes to explore like; 'What is a Habitat?', 'How do Animals Move?', and “What is Weather?”. Older groups, ages 9-12, also explore monthly themes but partake in additional conservation projects like collecting data for bud bursts in trees and raising “headstart” turtle hatchlings.
Pre-registration is required for the entire series at a first come first served basis, space is limited. Classes happen mostly outdoors, have indoor access to bathrooms, will adhere to current social distance regulations and mask wearing of all staff and participants based on local requirements. This program is designed to keep students safe with small “pods” sizes of students. Please be prepared for all types of weather and hiking conditions, programs run rain or shine.
Please note that Health History, Emergency, and Release forms are required for all participants to attend, once you register successfully you will receive a link to the forms.
Themes:
September: Welcome to the Sanctuary
Theme 1: What is a wildlife sanctuary?
Theme 2: What is a scientist?
October: What is a habitat?
• Theme 1: Tree and Leaf Exploration
• Theme 2: What is under a log
November: What is an adaptation?
• Theme 1: Bird Walk
• Theme 2: Hibernation/Migration
December: How do animals move?
• Theme 1: Animal Tracks & Signs
January: What is Earth Science?
• Theme 1: Geology
• Theme 2: Paleontology
February: What is weather?
• Theme 1: Water
• Theme 2: Weather
March: What is a pond?
• Theme 1: Wetlands
• Theme 2: Pond critter exploration
• Theme 3: Pollution Solutions
April: How do things grow?
• Theme 1: Life Cycles
• Theme 2: Flower to Seed
May: Can I be a scientist?
• Theme 1: Physics in Nature (Egg Drop)
• Theme 2: Chemistry in Nature (Fizzy Science)
Please note this is a Drop Off program. The Nature Center will not be available for families to wait with siblings. Hiking trails are still accessible, just not the nature center.