Middle School 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.
Advanced Web of Life
GSE: S7L4 a,b,c
Students examine connections between organisms in a hands-on natural environment, while focusing on different symbiotic relationships and energy flow in a food pyramid.
Georgia Rocks | 6th Grade
GSE: S6E5 b,c,h
Learn about the rocks and minerals of Georgia with a hands-on investigation. Students will identify rocks in a discovery lesson by examining their characteristics and the processes involved in their formation.
Nature’s Recyclers: Discovering Decomposers
GSE: S7L4 a,b
Explore the nature center trails and garden compost piles to learn all about the role of decomposition in the
energy flow of an ecosystem. Investigate decomposers such as insects and fungus through hands-on activities.
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.
Amphibian Survival
GSE: S3L1 a,b,c: S3L2 a,b
While viewing amphibian monitoring stations, students will examine some of the factors affecting the survival of amphibians, and therefore, the survival of other species in the ecosystem.
Nature Journaling and Field Sketching
GSE: VA2.CR.1 a,b; VA2.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.
WATER & WETLANDS PROGRAMS
Enhance your science curriculum with onsite hands-on learning in our local waterways, live animals, and a nature-based experience. 2 time slots available per date.
Pond Study Advanced
(available March-November only)
GSE: S6E6 b: S7L4 c,d
In this hands-on field study, students will survey a local freshwater aquatic ecosystem to learn how scientists monitor water quality to ensure the ongoing health of our local watershed. Sources and impacts of different types of pollutants will be discussed as they learn about and sample benthic macroinvertebrate organisms in the pond that serve as bioindicators of water quality.
Limited to 75 students per time slot.
Water’s Ways II | 6th Grade
(available March-November only)
GSE: S6E5 d,e; 6.NR.4.2; 6.PAR.8.1; STEM-FET-6
Students participate in hands-on activities that highlight the constructive and destructive properties of water including erosion, weathering, and deposition. They will engineer a solution to the Chattahoochee River’s tri-state water use issues, evaluate human impacts on erosion, and consider ways to conserve our resources. This program is only available as a double program. This program uses two time slots and cannot be combined with another program.
This program is limited to 75 students per day.
Wetland Ecology
GSE: S6E6 b: S7L4 a,b,c,d
To better understand the functions, value, and importance of this ecosystem within the Chattahoochee River watershed, students will sample and identify wetland soils, learn about the biodiversity of wetland plants, and use a wetland model to discuss the beneficial functions of wetlands.
Canoe Skills and Team Building
(available April – October only)
Groups with little or no paddling experience can learn how to paddle with a 3-hour introductory canoe program in one of our ponds (includes 1.5 hours of instruction and paddling and 1.5 hours for self-guided exploration of CNC’s grounds and trails). All Naturalists are CPR/First Aid certified and experienced paddlers. CNC provides all equipment – canoe, paddles, and personal flotation devices for all participants. No prior canoeing experience is necessary.
The maximum capacity is 27 students/adults per pond.
Chattahoochee River Study with Guided River Canoe Trip Plus Film
(available April – October only)
This 3-hour guided canoe trip introduces students to the Chattahoochee River, its history, current issues surrounding our watershed, and how students can impact the river. Each trip is led by experienced CNC canoe guides and offers a unique introduction to the ecology of the Chattahoochee River.
After your trip, view our movie “The Chattahoochee: Re-Imag¬ine our River.” This 22-minute film will lay the groundwork for a better understanding of the Chattahoochee River and its surrounding watershed.
CNC provides all equipment – canoe, paddles, and personal flotation devices for all participants. No prior canoeing experience is necessary.
The maximum number of participants is 24 students/adults.
STARLAB Programs
Using an inflatable planetarium, a CNC Naturalist will lead students on a journey through the night sky to view constellations and the solar system. Please inquire about space limitations when booking the StarLab as an outreach program. (The maximum number of participants is 60)
STARLAB III | 6th grade
GSE: S6E1 b,c,e
Students will explore our earth’s position in the solar system and the solar system’s position in the Milky Way. We will also discuss deep sky objects, moon phases, seasons, and lunar and solar eclipses.
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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.
Advanced Web of Life
GSE: S7L4 a,b,c
Students examine connections between organisms in a hands-on natural environment, while focusing on different symbiotic relationships and energy flow in a food pyramid.
Georgia Rocks | 6th Grade
GSE: S6E5 b,c,h
Learn about the rocks and minerals of Georgia with a hands-on investigation. Students will identify rocks in a discovery lesson by examining their characteristics and the processes involved in their formation.
Engineered from Nature
GSE: STEM-FET-6; STEM-FET-8.1; STEM-EC-5.2; ELAGSE7SL1
How can nature help us solve human problems? Engineers use the adaptations of plants and animals to design products that improve people’s lives. Students will be introduced to biomimicry, and after meeting one of CNC’s non-releasable raptors, will apply the adaptations of raptors and other animals to engineer solutions to real-life issues.
StarLab Programs
Using an inflatable planetarium, a CNC Naturalist will lead students on a journey through the night sky to view constellations and the solar system. Please inquire about space limitations when booking the StarLab as an outreach program.
The maximum number of participants is 60
StarLab III | 6th Grade
GSE: S6E1 b,c,e
Students will explore our earth’s position in the solar system and the solar system’s position in the Milky Way. We will also discuss deep sky objects, moon phases, seasons, and lunar and solar eclipses.
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: S2L1 a
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: S2L1 a
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: S2L1 a
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.
NOTE: Audience limits are set to ensure an optimal experience for every student participant. Audience size may not exceed the published limits without permission of the Chattahoochee Nature Center. Audiences who do exceed the published limits will incur additional session fees. Please contact us if you have any questions about our policies.Â