Sawnee Mountain Preserve School Environmental Education Programs

2011/2012

Forsyth County Parks and RecreationSawnee Mountain Preserve Visitor Center

4075 Spot Road Cumming, GA 30041 770-781-2217 www.forsythco.com www.sawneemountain.org

ContEntS

Types of programs 3

KINDergarTeN 4

fIrsT graDe 5

seCoND graDe 7

THIrD graDe 9

foUrTH graDe 11

fIfTH graDe 13

program fees 15

regIsTer for a program 15

Contact: Carrie Toth, fCprD program supervisor770-781-2217, cmtoth@forsythco.com

Forsyth County Parks and Recreation

We offer two types of programs!The Outdoor Division of Forsyth County Parks and Recreation’s

talented naturalist staff provide your class with dynamic, interactive and memorable programs that are designed in

correlation with the Georgia Performance Standards.

Sawnee Mountain Preserve (on site) Environmental education classes that take place at Sawnee Moun-tain Preserve are two hours long. Most programs consist of an in-door and outdoor portion. Indoor components of programs take place in the lab/classroom at the Sawnee Mountain Visitor Center. outdoor components occur along the trails of the preserve. There is a maximum of 75 students per visit.

Outreach Programs (at your school)We offer many environmental education programs that can be brought to your classroom. These outreach programs last for one hour. There is a minimum of 2 programs per day.

Programs can be revised to suit the unique needs of your class. Call Carrie Toth, outdoor program supervisor, at 770-781-2217 or email cmtoth@forsythco.com to have a program designed for your group (fees vary).

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KInDERGARtEn Sawnee Mountain Preserve

Nature SensesChildren will hike the trails of Sawnee Mountain while exploring the natural world using their eyes, noses, ears and sense of touch. GPS: Science SKCS3, SKL1, SKL2, SKP1

Plants and AnimalsSpend time on the trails to discover the differences and similarities between plants and animals.GPS: Science SKCS3, SKCS4, SKL1, SKL2

Get Dirty!Investigate the gritty details of rocks and soil through naturalist-led interactive investigations. GPS: Science SKCS3, SKCS4, SKE2, SKL1, SKP1

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Staying Alive Through exciting interactive games, observations and discussions students will discover what Georgia plants and animals need to survive, and how they obtain these resources.gps: science s1Cs3, s1L1

Future Forecasters What’s the weather for today? Students learn how to use simple weather instruments and discover how to spot patterns in weather to predict the forecast.gps: science s1Cs3, s1e1, s1e2

All the Water in the World Water covers 3/4 of the earth’s surface but there is a limited amount of usable fresh water. Students learn how important it is to take care of our water while gaining an appreciation for the many ways they need water.gps: science s1e2, s1L1

My Life as a Drip/ Nature-Where does water comes from? Where does it go when it goes down the drain? Students will learn the answers to all these questions through hands-on experiments and a guided nature walk. gps: science s1Cs7, s1e2, s1L1

FIRSt GRADE Programs at Sawnee Mountain Preserve

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FIRSt GRADEOutreach Programs

Outreach Programs take place at your school. Each program lasts one hour, with a minimum of 2 programs per day.

Future Forecasters What’s the weather for today? Students learn how to use simple weather instruments and discover how to spot patterns in weather to predict the forecast.GPS: Science S1CS3, S1E1, S1E2

Watershed DetectivesThe land we live on is divided into watersheds, which is the area of land that catches precipitation such as snow and rain and drains into a stream, river, lake, or marsh. Students will be introduced to this concept and learn how and what affects it. GPS: Science S1CS2, S1CS7, S1CS4

A House of Seasons (water cycle)Through a variety of demonstrations, songs and hands-on activities students will learn all about the water cycle. Included in this lesson students will observe the role of water in each of the different seasons. GPS: Science S1E1, S1E2

Watershed DetectivesThe land we live on is divided into watersheds, which is the area of land that catches precipitation such as snow and rain and drains into a stream, river, lake, or marsh. Students will be introduced to this con-cept and learn how and what affects it. GPS: Science S1CS2, S1CS7, S1CS4

A House of Seasons (water cycle)Through a variety of demonstrations, songs and hands-on activities students will learn all about the water cycle. Included in this lesson students will observe the role of water in each of the different seasons. GPS: Science S1E1, S1E2

FIRST GRADE (continued)Sawnee Mountain Preserve

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Bio-Cycles Collect and observe plant and animal life at Sawnee Mountain to discover cycles and changes that living organisms go through as they grow.GPS: Science S2CS3, S2CS4, S2L1

Native Georgia HistoryStudents hike to the Indian Seats while learning how and where the Creek and Cherokee lived through hands-on activities, games and stories.GPS: Social Studies SS2H1, SS2H2, SS2G1, SS2G2

Water Address Students will learn about the three states of water and then try to correctly identify plants and animals and their habitats by analyzing clues that describe water-related adaptations of aquatic and terrestrial organisms. GPS: Science S2E3, S2P1

Every Drop CountsStudents will learn how developing natural habitats affects both plants and animals species as well how important it is to preserve water, an essential resource.GPS: Science S2E3, S2L1

The Incredible Journey Water circulates from one point or state to another in the water cycle. In this lesson students will simulate that movement of water within the water cycle. GPS: Science S2P1, S2E3

Giving Back Students will discuss all the items that the earth has given us, then take a nature walk to collect items that can be reused in an art collage project. GPS: Science S22L1, S2CS1, S2CS6

SEConD GRADESawnee Mountain Preserve

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SEConD GRADE Outreach Programs

Outreach Programs take place at your school. Each program lasts one hour, with a minimum of 2 programs per day.

Bio-Cycles Collect and observe plant and animal life at Sawnee Mountain to discover cycles and changes that living organisms go through as they grow.GPS: Science S2CS3, S2CS4, S2L1

Water Address Students will learn about the three states of water and then try to correctly identify plants and animals and their habitats by analyzing clues that describe water-related adaptations of aquatic and terrestrial organisms. GPS: Science S2E3, S2P1

The Incredible Journey Water circulates from one point or state to another in the water cycle. In this lesson students will simulate that movement of water within the water cycle. GPS: Science S2P1, S2E3

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Ancient Storytellers Students hike through the Preserve and learn about the fascinating geologic features of Sawnee Mountain. They will take a close look at fossils, visit the historic gold mines, and hunt for gold or gems! GPS: Science S3CS3, S3E1, S3E2

Animal Homes and HabitatsStudents will collect, study and observe various plants and animals to discover how they can live in the Piedmont region of Georgia as well as learn the characteristics and inhabitants of Georgia’s other regions. GPS: Science S3CS3, S3L1, S3L2

Just Passing ThroughIn this activity students investigate water and conservation facts in a fun cooperative card game. Students will then role play how vegetation affects the movement of water over land surfaces. GPS: Science S3E1, S3L2

BiodiversityStudents will learn that Biodiversity is short for biological diversity and means the variety of living things found on earth. Through observing, classifying and creative thinking students will investigate the amazing diversity that can be found in any given area. GPS: Science S3CS1, S3CS3, S3CS7, S3L1

Conservation and Recycling Students will identify the general problems associated with pollution. Through demonstrations they will be able to categorize types of pollu-tion and how to help prevent it. (Eviroscape Demonstration) GPS: Science S3CS8, S3L2

tHIRD GRADE

Sawnee Mountain Preserve

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Rocks and ErosionStudents will develop an understanding of the Earth’s landscape. They will investigate rocks and minerals that form in these areas, and why these habitats are so important for healthy watersheds and the species that inhabit them. GPS: Science S3L1, S3E1

Capture, Count, Release Students learn how organism have basic needs and only survive in environments in which their needs are met. They will sample soil in different areas. They will then simulate a biologist’s job of overseeing fish raised for release back into the wild. GPS: Science S3L1, S3CS7, S3CS3

THIRD GRADE (continued)Sawnee Mountain Preserve

tHIRD GRADE Outreach Programs

Outreach Programs take place at your school. Each program lasts one hour, with a minimum of 2 programs per day.

Animal Homes and HabitatsStudents will collect, study and observe various plants and animals to discover how they can live in the Piedmont region of Georgia as well as learn the characteristics and inhabitants of Georgia’s other regions. GPS: Science S3CS3, S3L1, S3L2

Conservation and Recycling Students will identify the general problems associated with pollution. Through demonstrations they will be able to categorize types of pollution and how we can help prevent it. (Eviroscape Demonstration) GPS: Science S3CS8, S3L2

Capture, Count, Release Students learn how organism have basic needs and only survive in environments in which their needs are met. They will sample soil in different areas. They will then simulate a biologist’s job of overseeing fish raised for release back into the wild. GPS: Science S3L1, S3CS7, S3CS3

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Native Georgia HistoryStudents hike to the Indian Seats while learning how and where the Creek and Cherokee lived through hands-on activities, games and stories.gps: social studies ss4H1, ss4H2, ss4g1, ss4g2

OrienteeringStudents will learn how to use a compass and read topographical maps, then navigate through the wilderness of Sawnee Mountain.gps: science s4Cs2,, s4Cs3, s4Cs4; math m4N3, m4p1, m4p4

Predator PreyIn this exciting activity, participants play the roles of wildlife trying tosurvive in their ecosystem, avoiding predators along the trails while searching for their habitat needs.gps: science s4Cs2, s4Cs4, s4L1, s4L2

Lone Wolf DebateStudents learn that destroying habitats has a negative effect on its inhabitants. They will participate in a debate concerning the controversy in the northern Rockies to delist wolves as an endangered species. gps: science s4Cs5, s4Cs6, s4L1, s4L2

Web of LifeStudents will learn what an ecosystem is and the necessities of the physical environment. Hands-on activities will teach them about the living things in an ecosystem (producers, consumers, and decomposers). They will have to use clues to create a habitat map gps: science s4L1, s4L2

FoURtH GRADE

Programs at Sawnee Mountain Preserve

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Dilemma DerbyStudents debate the pros and cons of different solutions to water management issues. (Enviroscape Demonstration) GPS: Science S4CS1, S4CS4, S4CS6, S4L1

Fire on the Mountain Students will learn how to use a compass and read a topographical map, then navigate through the wilderness of Sawnee Mountain. Then will participate in a simulation game using compasses to locate points on a map and solve problems typical of those a forest service look-out may have. GPS: Science S4CS2, S4CS3, S4CS6

FOURTH GRADE (continued)Sawnee Mountain Preserve

FoURtH GRADE Outreach Programs

Outreach Programs take place at your school. Each program lasts one hour, with a minimum of 2 programs per day.

Lone Wolf DebateStudents learn that destroying habitats has a negative effect on its inhabitants. They will participate in a debate concerning the controversy in the northern Rockies to delist wolves as an endangered species. GPS: Science S4CS5, S4CS6, S4L1, S4L2 Web of LifeStudents will learn what an ecosystem is and the necessities of the physical environment. Hands-on activities will teach them about the living things in an ecosystem (producers, consumers, and decomposers). They will have to use clues to create a habitat map GPS: Science S4L1, S4L2 Dilemma DerbyStudents debate the pros and cons of different solutions to water management issues. (Enviroscape Demonstration) GPS: Science S4CS1, S4CS4, S4CS6, S4L1

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Geology: Weathering and ErosionStudents explore Sawnee Mountain’s geologic features to identify different types of erosion and hike to the Indian seats to examine landforms created by different geological processes.gps: science s5Cs3, s5e1, s5p2

Classification and Identification Using a simple dichotomous key students will learn to classify species while exploring the forest and identify the trees of Sawnee Mountain Preserve.gps: science s5Cs3, s5L1, s5L3

Wetland WealthStudents will develop an understanding of the important functions provided by a wetland. Students also participate in a game demonstrating the effects of diminishing wetlands on wild-life survival. (Enviroscape demonstration) gps: science s5Cs8, s5e1, s5L1

For the BirdsStudents will be introduced to the different types of bird and their adaptations, including beaks, feathers, and feet. Students will identify birds by their body shapes, relative size, and feather coloring and markings. They will gain an understanding of how birds’ adaptations help them survive and thrive in a variety of habitats.gps: science s5L1, s5L2Water Island Students will learn the importance of sharing a limited natural resource, (water) throughout a given area. They will use higher-level thinking skills to solve a water distribution problem by designing an efficient water system. They will be able to recognize the effects of human activity on our water sources. gps: science s5e1, s5L4

FIFtH GRADE Sawnee Mountain Preserve

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Aquatic EcologyStudents will visit Pooles Mill and to collect and identify aquatic insects, and determine water quality.GPS: Science S5CS4, S5CS2, S5L1

FIFTH GRADE (continued)Sawnee Mountain Preserve

Wetland WealthStudents will develop an understanding of the important functions provided by a wetland. Students also participate in a game demonstrating the effects of diminishing wetlands on wild-life survival. (Enviroscape demonstration) GPS: Science S5CS8, S5E1, S5L1

Salt Marsh PlayersThrough multiple activities students will learn that organisms can survive only in environments, and distinct environments support the life of different types of organisms. GPS: Science S5L1, S5L2, S5L4

Water Island Students will learn the importance of sharing a limited natural resource, (water) throughout a given area. They will use higher-level thinking skills to solve a water distribution problem by designing an efficient water system. They will be able to recognize the effects of human activity on our water sources. GPS: Science S5E1, S5L4

FIFtH GRADE Outreach Programs

Outreach Programs take place at your school. Each program lasts one hour, with a minimum of 2 programs per day.

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ScHEDUlE yOUR PROGRAM!• Decide if your class will travel to us, or if our staff will travel to your school.• Choose a program for your class.• pick a date (or dates if the group has over 75 students for a field trip to Sawnee Mountain Preserve) and time.• Call Carrie Toth, outdoor program supervisor, at 770-781-2217 or email cmtoth@forsythco.com to book your program.• You will receive a letter confirming your reservation. Sign and return the letter to hold your spot.• You will also receive a waiver form that each student must have completed and signed by a parent. Collect these forms and submit on the day of the program along with payment.

PRoGRAM FEESPrograms at Sawnee Mountain Preserveone 2-hour program........................$6.00 per student* ($72.00 or 12 student minimum)Two 2-hour programs extended stay..........$10.00* per student ($120.00 minimum or 12 student minimum)A $50.00 deposit is required at time of reservation. Fees include program only, schools must provide their own transportation. Chaperones and teachers are admitted free, please have a 1:12 adult to student ratio. Groups of up to 75 students can be accommodated at one time. Outreach Programsone 1-hour program...................................$3.00 per student* (minimum of 2 programs per day, 30 students per program maximum)A $50.00 deposit is required at time of reservation.Confirmations are sent by email to the person who registered. Messages should be forwarded to all participating teachers. All students who attend programs at Sawnee Mountain Preserve must submit a completed and signed FCPRD waiver.

*Prices are for Forsyth County schools only. Schools outside Forsyth County are subject to a 20% fee increase.*

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What others are saying about our programs:

“Our students gained more knowledge of predator- prey relationships and loved the program!”-4th grade teacher

“This program extended our learning about insects and habitats. I think it was a wonderful experience!”-1st grade teacher

“The kids learned a lot and had fun!”-1st grade mom

“Your program complemented the ecosystems lesson taught at school.”-4th grade teacher

“A great learning experience with active learning. This is what a field trip should be all about!”-4th grade teacher

“Very hands-on and great reinforcement of performance standards.”-2nd grade teacher