Grade Three to Five Programs
Grade Three
The Dirt on Plants
Science & Technology: Life Systems: Growth & Changes in Plants
Science & Technology: Earth and Space Systems: Soils in the Environment
Half day program: Students will classify soil types found in soil profiles in the marsh and forest. During an interactive activity, students will become aware of the significant characteristics of different types of soil. Core soil sampling will allow for hands-on
investigation into soil components and how that correlates to plant success. Tap and fibrous roots will be discussed as well as the different ways plants and trees absorb water through their various shaped leaves.
Full day program: In addition to the half day program, students will investigate the importance of recycling organic matter in soils and the effects this will have on our environment. By getting down and dirty, participants will explore our decomposers through a worm hunt and a lesson in vermi-composting. Students will have the opportunity to participate in an interactive game that illustrates the effects of water absorption and the importance of the marsh.
Reservation Information
Grade Four
Animal Habitats & Adaptations
Science & Technology: Life Systems: Habitats and Communities
Half day program: Students will discover how animals interact and adapt to their environment. Dip netting will provide participants with hands-on investigation of the adaptations that allow aquatic invertebrates to thrive. Examples of food chains and food webs found within the Wye Marsh will be discussed. A focus will be placed on the
beaver; its habitat, adaptations and family life through interactive games and a trip to a beaver pond.
Full day program: In addition to the half day program, students will have the opportunity to see live reptiles and amphibians and discuss their habitats and structural adaptations during a Live Reptile Presentation! The marsh community and its importance as a habitat will be explored through interactive activities and games
Going on a Rock Hunt
Science & Technology: Earth & Space Systems: Rocks, Minerals & Erosion
Half day program: Students will learn the difference between rocks and minerals through hands-on scientific testing. By classifying different types of rocks and minerals, students will investigate the different classes of rocks and how soil forms rocks. A rock hunt will allow participants to explore the uses of rocks in modern technology.
Full day program: In addition to the half day program, erosion and control methods will also be examined by means of a hands-on, interactive activity demonstrating the positive and negative consequences of human alteration to the landscape. A guided glacier walk will investigate the effects of wind, water, and ice on the landscape by looking firsthand at how glaciers formed the Wye Marsh.
Additional Half-day Programs and Reservation Information
Grade Five
Weather Detectives
Science & Technology: Earth & Space Systems: Weather
Half day program: Students will investigate the elements of weather through observation, role-playing and hands-on activities. See firsthand how a cloud is formed and identify the kind of weather related to each cloud type. Students will learn how to use the necessary tools to become weather detectives by investigating weather stations. Learn how to predict the weather for tomorrow! This experience includes a trip to the Wye Marsh Wind Turbine Weather Station.
Full day program: In addition to the half day program, students will have the opportunity to investigate and demonstrate the effects of ozone depletion and acid rain. Students will also understand the elements that create a thunderstorm as well as identify the effects of air pressure. Interactive games and activities will demonstrate the water cycle.
Energy Changes Everything
Science and Technology – Energy and Control
Half day program: Students will investigate the importance of the conservation of energy in relation to the wise use of renewable and nonrenewable energy sources. By designing and creating a wind energy harnessing device, students will demonstrate methods of energy transfer and output predictions. Students will investigate conserving energy looking ahead to a sustainable planet. This program includes a trip to the Wye Marsh Wind Turbine.
Full day program: In addition to the half day program, students will investigate methods of collecting and storing energy through a hands-on solar panel building activity using recycled materials. By studying the Wye Marsh solar panel students will understand the sun can be used as a renewable resource. A solar lab experiment using energy collectors, solar heaters, and an energy focusing lens will allow students to understand how solar energy can fit in their lives and in modern society.
*The first 30 classes to book a sustainable energy program will take home
a Pico Turbine Windmill Kit to build in the classroom free!
