onsc parent-teacher meeting presentation_2011-2012
DESCRIPTION
The presentation for 2011-2012 school-hosted parent-teacher meetings in preparation for the Ozark Natural Science Center field excursion.For questions, please contact ONSC at 479-789-2754 or visit www.onsc.usExecutive Director: Beth Stephens (479-633-7619 or [email protected])Program Manager: Rob Seal ([email protected])Office Manager: Sonja Rodden ([email protected])School Program Coordinator: Maggie Bailey ([email protected])TRANSCRIPT
A Guide For Parents and FamiliesA Guide For Parents and Families
Residential Field Science Programs at the Ozark Natural Science CenterResidential Field Science Programs at the Ozark Natural Science Center
The Ozark Natural Science Center School Program
Ozark Natural Science Center
479.789.2754 • www.onsc.us
ONSC is best known for 5th grade school excursions:
Immersive, hands-on, experiential learning
NOT a field trip – aligns with state benchmark exams
Overnight – typically 2 days, 1 night (sometimes 3/2)
Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale, Fayetteville, Siloam
Springs, Berryville, Little Rock, Mounds, Tahlequah
Ozark Natural Science Center – Background
Ozark Natural Science Center
479.789.2754 • www.onsc.us
Private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.
Field science and environmental education.
Founded in 1990 by Ken and RuAnn Ewing.
Has served more than 40,000 children overall.
Will host more than 4,000 children this year.
Overnight programs for school children.
Summer camps, adult and family programming.
Corporate retreats, family reunions, private groups.
ONSC – Location and Facilities
Ozark Natural Science Center
479.789.2754 • www.onsc.us
Rural Madison County between Huntsville/Eureka Springs, northwest Arkansas
Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission – Bear Hollow Natural Area
Satellite office at the Center for Nonprofits at St. Mary’s in Rogers
Campus includes:
Three lodges for up to 68 guests, staff housing
Indoor and outdoor classrooms
Observation deck, eight miles of hiking trails
SAFETY
Direct adult supervision at all times
Wilderness First Aid, CPR Training
Member NWA Air Evac LifeTeam
On-site helipad
Constant field group contact: 2-way radio
Wilderness First-Aid kits with each field instructor
Ewing CentreDining, library, administrative offices
Ewing Centre
Library and Commons Area
Dining Hall
Education BuildingIndoor classrooms and lab
Lewis Pavilion
Other Teaching Facilities
Observation Deck
Stewart Springfield Memorial Outdoor Classroom
Bear Hollow Natural Area
Lodges
Lodging
Lodging by gender
Heated/Air-conditioned
Handicap accessible
Gender-appropriate adult chaperones
Kitchen and Dining
All meals are prepared in a clean, professionally run kitchen facility and include a balance of freshly prepared hot food and a delicious salad bar.
Approach
Hands-on, experiential learning in a natural setting
Sample 2-Day ScheduleDay 1
10:00am Arrival, lodge move-in
11:00 Field Group Orientation & “Mini-hike”
12:00 Lunch
12:45 Natural History Field Investigation
5:00 Dinner
6:00 1st Evening Class
7:00 2nd Evening Class
8:00 Campfire Activities / Night Discoveries
9:30 Return to Lodges
Day 2
7:30 Breakfast
8:00 Morning Field Investigation
10:00 Art on the trail, conservation discussion
11:30 Lunch
12:15 Group photo
12:30 Load Bus, Return to Civilization
Field Investigations
~1 mile trail hikes
Topics include cultural history, mammals, tracks and scat, plants of the Ozarks, hydrology, geology, and trail art.
Staffing: 1 ONSC Teacher Naturalist: ~10 campers: 1 extra adult from school
Campfire and Night Discoveries
Songs, stories, and discussions around a crackling campfire followed by a moonlight forest investigation – the highlight of most campers’ trip!
Teacher Naturalists
Have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in the natural sciences
Wilderness First Aid and CPR certified at a minimum
Experienced, professional, and passionate
Live onsite during programming
Undergo full background checks
The Ozark Natural Science Center Team
Ozark Natural Science Center
479.789.2754 • www.onsc.us
24 team members
Includes Teacher Naturalists, or field staff
Background: aquatic resources to zoology
“Teachers in an outdoor classroom”
Training and certifications in first aid, CPR, wilderness first aid, swift water rescue
Specialty areas, research and publications
Unique teaching styles and approach
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Preparing for Your Child’s Visit
What to Pack
Several pencils
Reusable water bottle (no bottled water – we can provide a water bottle if you don’t have one)
Poncho or rain gear
Weather appropriate clothing (Layers!)
Long pants (no shorts allowed)
Closed toed, closed heeled shoes
Hats and gloves (cheaper than hand warmers!)
Sleeping bag & pillow or sheets and blankets
Towel and washcloth, toiletries
List is included in parent handouts from teachers.
Optional Items
Cameras (labeled with camper’s name)
Lip balm / chap stick
Please Do Not Pack:Commercial bottled water (Dasani, Aquafina, Sam’s)
We can provide a water bottle if needed
Umbrellas
Electronic devices (of any kind).
Knives of any kind
Candy, gum, soft drinks, or snacks
Flashlights or headlamps
Jewelry, makeup, or aerosols
Rolling luggage is discouraged
Chemical hand warmers are discouraged
List is included in parent handouts from teachers.
Forms
Medical Information Form
Prescription and over-the-counter medications
Please note: allergies and dietary restrictions are different and handled separately
Responsibility Statement
Media Release Statement – please sign so your child can be included in the group photo
Please complete and sign all forms in full!Please complete and sign all forms in full!
completecomplete before campers can participate in before campers can participate in anyany ONSC activity. ONSC activity.
Medications
Place all over-the-counter and prescription medications in a zip-lock bag in their original containers. No loose pills please!
Carefully write name of medication with detailed dosage instructions on a card and place it in the bag.
Please label the bag with the child’s name.
Please ensure that your child is familiar with their medications and routine.
Support ONSC/Getting Involved
Ozark Natural Science Center
479.789.2754 • www.onsc.us
Call of the Wild (April 21, 2012)
Membership/Gifts (www.onsc.us)
Corporate retreats & partnerships
Summer camps and family programs
Volunteer through ONSC Corps
Speaking engagements
New schools!
Needs list on website
Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not.” (Dr. Seuss – The Lorax)
Contact the Ozark Natural Science Center
Ozark Natural Science Center
479.789.2754 • www.onsc.us
1905 Madison 1305 • Huntsville, AR 72740
479-789-2754 • www.onsc.us
Website (www.onsc.us)and blog
Facebook: Ozark Natural Science Center
Group: Ozark Natural Science Center
@OzarkNatSci