Photo: Story Preservation Initiative
Rock Cycle
NGSS: Earth’s Materials & Systems ESS2.A
- What Rock is This?
Enhance your study of rock cycles and rock formation by bringing rock samples into your classroom for a thorough scientific investigation of some of Earth’s materials. Through small group activities, students deepen their understanding of the rock cycle as they examine a collection of rock samples noting the different characteristics and exploring the history of common rock types: igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.
Any time of year – In classroom, Length: 1.5 hours
Ecosystem Cycles
Through interactive models and habitat hikes investigating ecosystems students dive deeper into ecosystem interactions to understand energy flowing and matter cycling, as well as the impacts of disturbances on ecosystems.
NGSS: Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems LS2.A, LS2.B, LS2.C
- Intro to Energy and Matter in Ecosystems
Students are introduced to the concepts of energy flow and matter cycles through an interactive model. This program sets the foundation for the following Forest Ecosystems program.
Any time of year – In classroom, Length: 1 hour - Energy and Matter in Forest Ecosystems
Venturing on a hike to compare different forest ecosystems, students make note of the features and interactions found in each type of forest. Equipped with this first-hand information, students dive into the complexities of forest ecosystem interactions as they become energy flowing and matter cycling by creating their own models.
Any time of year – Outdoors, Length: 2 hours - Forest Disturbances
On this guided walk through the forest of Heifer Hill, students discover the history of the land as they find clues to ascertain the disturbances to the forest and consider the impacts these events have had and how the forest has responded over time.
Fall or spring – Outside at BEEC, Length: 2 hours - Intro to Tracks & Signs 2.0
Students revisit the basics and then deepen their skills in art of interpreting tracks and signs, to be able to ponder some mysteries together.
Winter – Classroom, Length: 1 hour - Tracks & Signs of Ecosystem Interactions
Students explore outdoors to discover evidence of ecosystem interactions through the tracks and signs that animals leave behind.
Winter – Outdoors, Length: 1 – 2 hours
Engineering Design
NGSS: ETS1.A, ETS1.B, ETS1.C
EL Sixth Grade: Critical Problems & Design Solutions
- Shelter Challenge for Grades 3-6
A scenario will set the stage for the adventure, communication will be required during the design process, and creations will be tested based on established criteria. In the fall or spring debris shelters will be created, while in the winter snow shelters will be created.
Any time of year – Outdoors, Length: 2 – 3 hours