Pre-K Through Twelfth Grade

ENVIRONMENTAL

STUDIESCENTER

FIELD TRIP

PLANNING GUIDE

Pre-K through Twelfth Grade

MobileCountyPublic School System

Mobile, Alabama

2012-2013

MOBILECOUNTY

BOARD OF SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS

Reginald A. Crenshaw, Ph.D.

William C. Foster, Ed.D.

Rev. Levon C. Manzie

Ken Megginson

Judy P. Stout, Ph.D.

SUPERINTENDENT

Martha L. Peek

ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT

CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION

Dr. Carolyn Taylor

DIRECTOR

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

Desiree V Bishop

SECTION I

GENERAL INFORMATION

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for your interest in the MobileCountyPublic School System’s EnvironmentalStudiesCenter. This booklet provides basic information concerning the use of the Center, including regulations and restrictions, costs, program options, pre-planning, and scheduling. There are undoubtedly other questions not covered here that the visitor may wish answered. If so, the Center’s staff will be available to provide further information upon request. Inquire in person at the Center’s receptionist desk or call 221-5000 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

ABOUT THE CENTER

Located on one of the school board’s Sixteenth Sections (lands appropriated for school use by Congress in 1785), the Center affords teachers, students, and the general public an opportunity to experience the joy and excitement of learning outdoors. The Center features over 500 acres of rich woodlands containing several habitat types common to Alabama’s coastal plain. Facilities include numerous nature and hiking trails, an amphitheater, weather station, portable planetarium, and a variety of exhibits featuring animal life native to the Mobile area. An instructional building, complete with laboratories, demonstration and exhibit areas, an auditorium, multi-media collection, gift shop and staff offices, serves as the hub of activities conducted on the site.

PROGRAM OPTIONS

Teachers may choose from a variety of programs led by the Center’s staff, or conduct their own activities utilizing the resources and facilities mentioned above. The following descriptions identify the program options that are available, along with a summary of each.

STAFF-LED PROGRAMS

Mobile County public school teachers may choose from a variety of activities keyed to the natural sciences, K-12 course of study. An introductory tour is also available for pre-kindergarten children. Implemented by the Center’s staff, each activity is designed to provide valuable reinforcement to the regular classroom program and may serve to introduce, extend, or culminate major units of study. A synopsis of each activity by grade level is included in Section III. Each synopsis includes an overview, concepts, objectives, vocabulary, and suggested follow-up activities. Where appropriate, the synopsis also indicates correlation with the Alabama Science Course of Study and C.R.T. objectives. Out-of-system schools may choose any of the programs mentioned above or opt for a more generalized program consisting of a guided tour of the Center’s live animal exhibits, along with an introductory lecture/demonstration on local reptiles. An optional nature walk is also available for teachers wishing to include a study of the Center’s native plant life.

SELF-DIRECTED PROGRAMS

Teachers who do not wish to take advantage of the staff-led programs, but would like to utilize the Center’s resources, may choose to develop and implement lesson plans of their own. The Center’s staff is available upon request to assist in planning such self-directed activities.

ENVIRONMENTAL DAY CAMPS

In addition to its regular program, the EnvironmentalStudiesCenter offers a series of summer day camps during the months of June and July. These camps are structured to provide enrichment experiences in science and environmental studies for students who will be entering grades 1-8 during the next school year. An attempt is made at each level to target concepts and skills important in the upcoming grades. Brochures and registration applications are distributed to the local schools each year during the spring. For more information concerning the ESC’s summer program, please contact the ESC office at 221-5000.

COST

A fee of $2.00 per student or a minimum of $75.00 per group is charged for in-system school groups. A fee of $3.50 per student or a minimum of $85.00 per group is charged for all out-of-system public, private and parochial groups.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

1. Staff-led Activities (Monday through Friday):

Session A 9 - 11a. m. Session B 12 noon - 2 p. m.

2. Self-directed Activities (Can be conducted any time during regular operating hours, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday)

3. Environmental Day Camps (Offered each summer during the months of June, July; brochures available during spring of each school year)

RESERVATIONS

The EnvironmentalStudiesCenter is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., during the regular school year and Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.,during the summer. Additional information and/or requests for field trip reservation can be made by contacting the ESC office at 221-5000.

PUBLIC VISITATION

Casual visitation by the general public is welcome anytime during the Center’s regular operating hours as outlined above. The Center also conducts an Open House for the public twice each year, usually on the first Saturday in November and May. A donation of $2.00 per visitor will be greatly appreciated.

REGULATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS

1. The EnvironmentalStudiesCenter is reserved primarily for teachers and students in the MobileCountyPublic School System. However, limited use by out-of system schools, community groups, and the general public is permitted.

2. Requests for class use of the Center must be filed with the main office at least two weeks prior to the desired date. “Drop-in” visits are allowed only for small groups of five or less. All visitors must check in at the receptionist’s desk immediately on arrival.

3. Unless otherwise approved, visiting groups shall be limited to a maximum of two classes. Adequate adult supervision is the responsibility of the teacher. (See ratios below)

K-2nd = 1 : 5 3rd-5th = 1: 8

4. Parents who would be required to bring pre-school children should not be asked to chaperone.

5. GROUP DISCIPLINE is the responsibility of the teacher and accompanying chaperones and is to be maintained throughout the excursion!

6. Prior to their visit teachers are expected to thoroughly familiarize themselves and their students with the activity plans and pre-planning suggestions for their field trip.

7. All students must be accompanied by theirteacher and/or Center personnel when visiting outdoor wildlife exhibits!

8. Disruption of the Center’s natural beauty in any way is strictly prohibited.

9. Collecting plants and animals from the Center’s grounds without prior permission of the Director is strictly prohibited.

10. Smoking and the use of fire anywhere on the Center’s grounds is strictly prohibited.

PRE-PLANNING

Teachers and/or group leaders are asked to observe the following planning suggestions prior to their visit. Additional information will be sent in advance of the field trip once reservations are made.

1. Secure adequate number of chaperones (see number 5 under Rules and Regulations).

2. Advise all participants as to appropriate dress. Casual clothing (long pants, heavy socks, comfortable walking shoes) is recommended. During the summer months, insect repellent is advisable.

3. Prepare name tags for students, teachers, and chaperones.

4. Discuss basic rules of behavior for educational excursions.

5. Read activity plan carefully (if applicable) and follow instructions as outlined.

Arriving at the ESC for Your Program

1. Upon arrival, check in with receptionist at ESC main office.

2. Assemble students on the front porch for an orientation and overview of program. Emphasis will be placed on standards of behavior and the need for quiet cooperation throughout the visit.

3. After orientation, students will begin the selected program; groups may be divided to allow for small group instruction.

SECTION II

ACTIVITY TITLES BY GRADE LEVEL

Activity Titles by Grade Level

ELEMENTARYPage

Pre - K:

The Natural Environment - Basic Awareness Field Trip ...... 11

Kindergarten:

Where Plants and Animals Live...... 12

Looking at Plants and Animals...... 13

Looking at the Sky---STARLAB...... 15

Grade 1:

What are Plants?...... 16

What are Animals?...... 18

Changes in the Sky---STARLAB...... 19

Grade 2:

Animals are Living Things...... 20

Plants are Living Things...... 22

Motions in the Sky---STARLAB...... 24

Grade 3:

Classifying Animals...... 25

Parts of Plants...... 27

Cycles and Patterns in the Sky---STARLAB...... 29

Grade 4:

The Role of Plants and Animals in Ecosystems...... 30

Finding Nemo’s Friends...... 32

Exploring Space--STARLAB...... 34

Grade 5:Page

Interactions Among Living Things...... 36

Inside the Cell...... 38

Exploring Space---STARLAB...... 39

SECONDARY (Middle School and High School)*

Earth & Space

Studying Space (6th Grade) ...... 42

Sky Quest (High School) ...... 44

Botany

Native Plant History, Taxonomy, and Identification...... 46

(Including Pitcher Plant Bog)

Environmental

Water Quality Testing...... 47

Wetland Habitats ...... 48

Marine Science

Marine Life Up Close (Using ESC Saltwater Aquarium)...... 50

MobileBay Boat Trip (Marine Biology Classes Only) ...... 51

Biology

Introduction to Microscopy ...... 53

Zoology

Animals of the Mobile Area...... 54

(Adaptations, Behaviors, and Taxonomy)

*Programs adjusted to meet grade level objectives.

SECTION III

ACTIVITY SYNOPSES BY GRADE LEVEL

This section includes a planning guide for each program identified in the list of titles presented in Section II. The concepts, objectives, vocabulary and suggestions for pre/post-trip activities are included in each guide. Prior to visiting the Center, each teacher will receive a copy of the planning guide. Each field trip plan has been designed to correlate with the text, Alabama Science Course of Study and, where appropriate, the C.R.T. objectives at appropriate grade levels.

Environmental StudiesCenter

Environmental Program

“The Natural Environment – Basic Awareness”

Pre-Kindergarten

Program Overview:

In a variety of indoor and outdoor settings, students will be taught basic concepts about plants and animals. They will have a classroom presentation using native plant and animal specimens. They will hike a trail, observe different plant and animal habitats, and tour the ESC native animal exhibits.

Concepts:

1. Many different kinds of plants and animals are found in our natural

environment.

2. Each kind of plant differs from other kinds in several ways.

3. Each kind of animal acts and looks differently.

4. Light and water are required for plants to grow.

5. Animals, including man, depend on plants for food and shelter.

6. Living things change as the seasons change.

Objectives: * (Students will be able to… )

1. Distinguish between plants and animals.

2. Name some ways plants are different and animals are different.

3. Identify three different kinds of places where plants and animals live.

4. Name the two basic requirements for plant growth.

5. Tell about the changes in living things caused by the seasons.

6. Name two ways plants are helpful to people.

Vocabulary:

animalbirdenvironmentforesthabitatinjured

mammalorphanedplantreptileseasonwildlife