education

"Little leaves, big leaves, they're everywhere! Leaves with teeth and leaves with hair. . ."

Kindergarten students will use their senses to learn more about leaves in the school yard on an outdoor hike. A rhyming poem is included in this program. If the weather is inclement a comparable indoor program will be presented. Please set aside about 30 minutes for this program.

Indiana Academic Standards Addressed: Kindergarten Science: K.LS.1, K.LS.2, K.LS.3

Social Studies: K.3.1, K.3.7

The end of summer provides the perfect opportunity to find seeds that stick and sail and settle in new places as snacks for squirrels. This outdoor walk, focusing on seed dispersal, can be completed in approximately 30 minutes. No need to book a bus as we explore your school grounds! In the event of inclement weather, a comparable program will be conducted indoors. Best suited for grade 1.

Indiana Academic Standards Addressed: Grade 1 Science K.PS.1, 1.LS.1, 1.LS.2, 1.LS.3

This program is for students in grades 2 to 3 who need to learn more about the parts of the plant. Have you ever wondered why some plants are so successful? It all adds up to the root, stem, flower, leaves and seeds of the plant. This program will be conducted outdoors on a nice day and indoors on a rainy one in about 30  minutes.

Indiana Academic Standards Addressed: Grade 2 Science: 2.LS.1, 2.LS.2, 2.LS.3

What did the people who lived in Porter County 1,000 or 100 years ago feed their families? Students will participate in a simulated archaeological dig to uncover, identify and graph seeds gathered and grown in Porter County throughout history. This in-class program can be completed in about 30 minutes and is targeted for grade 4.

Indiana Academic Standards Addressed: Grade 3 Social Studies 3.1.1, 3.1.5, 3.1.8, 3.3.11 ,3.4.2

Grade 4 Social Studies 4.1.1, 4.1.2, 4.4.1, 4.4.2, 4.4.3

Students in grades K through 1 dig into kitchen ingredients, such as, cocoa, flour and cinnamon to learn more about sand, clay and humus. This 30 minute program emphasizes the importance of soil as a natural resource and targets the five senses.

Indiana Academic Standards Addressed: Grade 1 Science: 1.ESS.2, 1.ESS.3

Students in grades 3 to 4 investigate the unique properties of sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks found in Porter County backyards and businesses. Using clues found in rockin' rhymes the students are able to identify them by name. About 30 minutes is needed for this program.

Indiana Academic Standards Addressed: Grade 3 Science 3.ESS.3, 3.ESS.4

Grade 4 Social Studies 4.3.5

Wind and water erosion experiments help students understand how natural forces help to form and reveal fossils. A hands on fossil discovery is included in this 30 minute program for grades 4 to 5.

Indiana Academic Standards Addressed: Grade 3 Science: 3.ESS.4

Grade 4 Science: 4.LS.2, 4.LS.3