FIRST GRADE on-site field studies and outreach programs
Chattahoochee Nature Center offers a variety of science education programs for all ages and grade levels. Our programs are designed to engage students’ natural curiosity and provide experiential learning opportunities in nature.
On-site Field Studies
All on-site field studies are conducted at CNC utilizing our trails, gardens, and other greenspaces, and include a guided trail hike and an encounter with one of CNC’s resident non-releasable animals. We recommend planning at least 2.5 hours for the full experience, which includes your 75-minute field study and additional time for lunch in our picnic areas, as well as exploring our interactive Watershed Gallery exhibit, Wildlife Walk, and gardens.
All programs are rain or shine. CNC utilizes indoor classroom space during times of inclement weather.
Core Grade Level Programs
These programs are available throughout the school year! Enhance your science curriculum with hands-on learning, live animals, and a nature-based experience.
Basic Needs of Plants and Animals
GSE: S1L1 a,b,c
Explore the trails at CNC and discover the many plants and animals that live there. Along the way, we will compare and contrast the survival needs of the organisms we find.
Wildlife Discovery
GSE: S1L1 a,b,c
Become a Naturalist and hone your observation skills as you explore CNC. Hike the forest trails, search high and low for signs of life, and study the plants and animals that call Georgia home.
Special Topic Programs
Special topics are available too! While these programs are also correlated to classroom standards, you’ll find these programs go deeper into topics and/or include other learning areas, such as social studies, or English/Language Arts.
Mammals
GSE: S1L1 a,b,c
In this warm and fuzzy program, the Naturalist will explain the identifying characteristics of mammals and tell you what species to look for around your home. This program will conclude with an opossum presentation.
Nature Journaling and Field Sketching
GSE: VA1.CR.1 a,b; VA1.CN.2 a
This field-based experience combines science, writing, and art to help students develop a broader understanding of the natural history of their environment by using the wonderful natural setting at the Chattahoochee Nature Center.
Plants and Trees
GSE: ELAGSE1SL3: S1L1 a,b,c
How does an acorn become an oak tree? Why are some leaves green while others are brown? With the help of a CNC Naturalist, students will study live plants on CNC’s grounds and hypothesize about how they grow and interact with other forms of life.
Reptiles and Amphibians
GSE: S1L1 a,c
Focusing on Georgia native species, students will learn about these fascinating animals while exploring the grounds and looking for them in the wild.
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OUTREACH PROGRAMS
Transportation Issues? Not a problem. Our team of knowledgeable and passionate naturalists can bring our high-quality programming directly to your school or outdoor space. All programs are designed to meet curriculum standards while strengthening their connection with nature and building upon their knowledge through hands-on activities. Each program will include a close-up encounter with one of CNC’s resident animals that will be sure to leave your students with an educational and memorable experience.
Programs can be booked Monday through Sunday, mornings, afternoons, and evenings, year-round.
SMALL GROUP PROGRAMS
These programs are designed for 30 or fewer participants. Programs include a live animal presentation; biofacts such as bird wings, turtle shells, or animal furs; an activity; and a question & answer session with a CNC Naturalist. Unless otherwise stated, these are one-hour programs.
Basic Needs of Plants and Animals
GSE: S1L1 a,b,c
What are the basic needs of plants and animals? How do different organisms meet these needs? We will compare and contrast how native Georgia plants and animals survive in the wild.
Mammals
GSE: S1L1 a,b,c
In this warm and fuzzy program, the Naturalist will explain the identifying characteristics of mammals and tell you what species to look for around your home. This program will conclude with an opossum presentation.
Plants and Trees
GSE: ELAGSE1SL3: S1L1 a,b,c
How does an acorn become an oak tree? Why are some leaves green while others are brown? With the help of a CNC Naturalist, students learn about different plants and learn about how they grow and interact with other forms of life.
Reptiles and Amphibians
GSE: S1L1 a,c
Focusing on Georgia native species, students will learn about the different characteristics of these fascinating animals.
Wildlife Discovery
GSE: S1L1 b,c
A general introduction to nature and wildlife, students will explore the native plants and animals of Georgia through fun hands-on activities, observation and a live animal presentation.
LARGE GROUP PROGRAMS
These programs are ideal for 31 to 150 seated participants. We offer auditorium and festival programs to meet your needs.
Georgia Wildlife Journey
GSE: S1L1 b
This popular one-hour educational program focuses on animals that make their home in the Georgia Piedmont. This program will include presentations of an opossum, snake, and bird of prey.
Ages 6+ | 150 or fewer participants
Hunters in the Sky
GSE: S1L1 b,c
This one-hour educational program focuses on raptors, some of our most fascinating native predators. A CNC Naturalist will utilize fun activities with large props and audience involvement to teach participants about these native birds and their impressive abilities. This program will include presentations of an owl and a hawk.
Ages 6+ | 150 or fewer participants
On the Road with Reptiles
GSE: S1L1 b
This Information Booth is available for an unlimited mobile audience in a festival setting. With this program, CNC will bring a collection of fascinating reptile information to you. Using biofacts – such as skulls, turtle shells, and snake sheds – and hands-on activities, the Naturalist will share information about the many amazing reptiles found in Georgia. This program includes a live reptile, viewable in an aquarium.
All ages | Festival-style presentation
PLEASE NOTE: A six-foot table in a shaded area is required for this program. The program must be held indoors when the temperature is less than 60 degrees.