2125 Elachee Drive, Gainesville, Georgia 30504(770) 535-1976 www.elachee.org

The only SACS-Accredited Nature Center in the Southeast

In the Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve

2015-2016School Programs

STEM-based Environmental EducationClasses for Pre-K, Elementary,

Middle and High School Students

Elachee Nature Science Center’s mission is to promote environmental understanding through education and conservation.2

Animals• A Sense of Wonder• Wheel of Animals• Exploring the Animal Kingdom• Dry Scales and Slimy Skin• Birds of a Feather• No Bones About It• Sorting it out• Life Cycles

Astronomy• Seeing Stars for K, 2 & 4• Astronomy for Middle Schoolers• Telescopes to Go!

Habitats• Habitat is Home• Habitats and Adaptations• Pond Life I & II• Stream Life• Into the Woods

Lake Lanier • Lake Lanier Aquatic Study for

Multiple Grades • We All Live Downstream• Water Quality Index

Plants• Green and Growing• Tremendous Trees

Interdisciplinary• My Side of Elachee• Lessons from the Cherokee• River of Words• Wild Georgia Math for 3rd and

5th Grades• Orienteering I & II

Plus• Fungus Among Us• Back Country Hike• Elachee Rocks• Weather Alert• All About Energy• Energy Options

Elachee Nature Science Centeris pleased to present its innovative and exciting STEM-based environmental education curriculum for2015-16. Each class is correlated with the Georgia Performance Standards (GPS), the available CommonCore Georgia Performance Standards (CCGPS) and Gwinnett County School’s Academic Knowledge and Skills(AKS). A listing of the standards met follows each class description beginning on page 3.

Most classes combine a classroom presentation with an interpretive hike in the Chicopee Woods or othercomplementary outside activities. Others are taught entirely outdoors, and most can be brought to yourschool as an “Elachee in Your Classroom” outreach program.

Why choose Elachee for your students’ field trip? Our organizational commitment to excellence in all that we do ensures that each and every child who participates in an Elachee program will have a memorable and enjoyable educational experience. Our extensive and interactive standards-based curriculum, set in the Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve and Lake Lanier, offers real-world opportunities for your students to explore, discover and learn. We offer the class you want when you want it, andElachee instructors will be with your students from when they arrive until they depart. Plus, we makeevery effort to keep teacher to student ratios low: 1 : 30 or lower for classroom presentations and 1 : 15on the trails.

Classes are grouped according to topic below and by grade level beginning on page 3.

Pre-K, K & 1st GradeWheel of Animals Spin our special wheel to discover some remarkablefacts about an array of unique Georgia animals beforeexploring the needs of animals on a discovery-filledhike in the Chicopee Woods. GPS: S1L1 & 2 AKS: 1SC_D-12

A Sense of WonderDiscover how animals use their senses on this exploratory hike through the Chicopee Woods. GPS:SKL1 & 2, SKP1, A1L1 AKS: KSC_C-9, D-13

Sorting It Out Learn to classify animals in the classroom and on thetrails of the Chicopee Woods. GPS: SKL1 & 2, SKCS1, 2 & 5 AKS: KSC_C-9, D-12 & 13

Green & GrowingThe Chicopee Woods is the ideal place to study theneeds, parts, life cycles and many uses of plants. GPS:SKE1 & 2, SKL 1 & 2, S1CS 6 & 7, S1L1 AKS: KSC_D-12 &13, 1SC_D-12

Seeing Stars - KindergartenAn exciting Starlab session combined with hands-onastronomy activities introduce young students to thesun, moon, day and night.GPS: SKE1 AKS: KSC_B-7

2nd & 3rd Grades Green & Growing (formerly We All Need Plants):The Chicopee Woods is the ideal place to study theneeds, parts, life cycles and many uses of plants. GPS: S2E3, 2L1 AKS: 2SC-13

Seeing Stars – 2nd GradeStudy the size and brightness of stars, constellations,the seasons, moon phases and more in our portableplanetarium, Starlab. GPS: 2E1 & 2, AKS: 2SCB-7 & 8

Lessons from the Cherokee Explore the culture, contributions and history of northGeorgia’s most influential Native American tribe.GPS: 2L1, SS2H2, 2G1 & 2 AKS: 2SC_D-13, 2SS_E-24-26

Life Cycles – NewExplore the life cycles of frogs, honeybees, butterfliesand other animals in the classroom and along the trailsof the Chicopee Woods. Learn about metamorphosis

and see how a variety of fascinating woodland plantsgo through seasonal changes. GPS: S2L1 a,b,c & d AKS:2SC_D-13

“Back Country” Hike – NewJoin our skilled and experienced staff on a 2 or 3-hourfun and educational trek along the back trails of theChicopee Woods Nature Preserve. We’ll design an outdoor experience for your students that will morethan meet your instructional objectives. 60 studentmaximum. GPS & AKS: Based on teacher program selection.

Dry Scales and Slimy SkinCompare and contrast the characteristics and life cycles of reptiles and amphibians.GPS: S2L1, S3L1 & 2 AKS: 2SC_ D-13 3SC _ D-12

Pond LifeUse nets to collect a variety of aquatic animals andthen hike along the beautiful Chicopee Lake trails toidentify those features that allow animals and plantsto live in or around this important habitat. GPS: S3L1 & 2. AKS: 3SC_D2006-12 & 13

Birds of a Feather An introduction to birds and bird ecology at Elachee orChicopee Lake and along the trails of the ChicopeeWoods. GPS: S2L1, S3L1 & 2 AKS: 2SC_D-13, 3SC_D-12

Elachee RocksEnjoy a jam-packed, hands-on investigation of the rocksand minerals of Georgia. GPS: S3E1 & 2 AKS: 3SC_B-8 & 9

Lake Lanier Aquatic StudyExplore and analyze Georgia’s most important lakefrom the deck of the Chota Princess II catamaran.GPS: S3L1 & 2 AKS: 3SC_D-12 & 13

Habitat is HomeDelve into Georgia’s major habitats and the characteristics of the plants and animals that live ineach. GPS: S3L1 & 2 AKS: 3SC_D-12 & 13

Wild Georgia Math – 3rd GradeExplore the characteristics of native Georgia plants, animals and habitats through mathematical problemsolving in the classroom and along the trails atElachee. CCGPS: MCC3.OA (all), NBT (all), NF. 1 & 2, MD. 3-8AKS: 3MA_20-40, D-48-52

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4th & 5th GradesWe All Live Downstream – NewThis dynamic 2-part program combines a community watershed exploration at your school with our popularLake Lanier Aquatic Study program. GPS: S4E3, L1 & 2,S5E1, L1 & 4 AKS: 4SC_D-15, B-10, 5SC_ C-10, and D-12

“My Side of Elachee” – NewHike the trails of the Chicopee Woods and develop someof the same skills and knowledge that help young Sam,the main character in My Side of the Mountain, survivehis time in the wilderness. CCGPS: ELACC 4RL2 & 3, L6,ELACC 5RL2 & 3, L6 AKS: 4LA_B-20 & 21, C-46, 5LA_B-20 &21, C-46

“Back Country” Hike – NewJoin our skilled and experienced staff on a 2 or 3-hour funand educational trek along the back trails of the ChicopeeWoods Nature Preserve. We’ll design an outdoor experience for your students that will more than meetyour instructional objectives. 60 student maximum. GPS & AKS: Based on teacher program selection.

Fungus Among UsExplore the rich and rotten world of fungi and lichens inthe Chicopee Woods. GPS: S4L1 & 2 AKS: 4SC_D-15

Habitats & AdaptationsStudy the behavioral and structural ways plants and animals interact with their habitats. GPS: 4L1 & 2, AKS:4SC_D-15 & 16, 5SC_D-14

Seeing Stars – 4th GradeStudy the physical attributes of planets and stars, theearth, solar system and moon phases in Starlab, ourportable planetarium. GPS: S4E1 & 2 AKS: 4SC_B-8 & 9

Into the WoodsExplore the stream, plant, animal and soil communities ofthe Chicopee Woods. GPS: S4E3, L1 & 2 AKS: 4SC_D-15 &16, 5SC_D-1, 12 & 14

Pond LifeUse nets to sample, identify and classify a variety ofaquatic animals and then enjoy a discovery-filled hike tosee how changes in the Chicopee Lake environment haveaffected the habitat’s energy flows, food webs and theroles and adaptations of the organisms that make up thisimportant community. GPS: S4L1 & 2, 5L1 AKS: 4SC_D-15& 16, 5SC_D1, 12 & 14

Stream LifeCatch and classify aquatic vertebrate and invertebrate animals and then conduct chemical tests in order to evaluate the streams of the Chicopee Woods. GPS: S4L1 &2, E3 AKS: 4SC_D-15 & 16, 5SC _D-1, 12 & 14

Exploring the Animal KingdomClassroom and trail activities help students classify vertebrate animals. GPS: S4L1 & 2, 5L1 AKS: 4SC_D-15,5SC_ D-12

No Bones About ItA hands-on classroom exploration and a discovery-filledhike introduce students to the diverse world of invertebrate animals. GPS: S5L1 & 4 AKS: 4SC_ D-15, 5SC_ D-12

River of WordsExplore the creeks and streams of the Chicopee Woods,playfully recreate the water cycle and learn some writingtechniques to describe your experiences and impressions.CCGPS: ELACC 4L5 & 6, 5L5 & 6 AKC: 4LA_B4, 4SC_B-10, D-15, 5LA_E-76, 5SC_D-12

Orienteering I & IILearn to navigate a trail in the Chicopee Woods with compasses, topographical maps and Global PositioningSystem (GPS) hand-held devices (Orienteering II only).CCGPS: MCC4.MD. 2, 5, 6 & 7 AKS: 4MA_C-47 & 48, 4SS_A-1,4,5,6, & 8 5SS_A-1, 4, 5, 6 & 8

Weather AlertDelve into the water cycle, air pressure systems, humidity,weather instruments and more. GPS: S4E3 & 4 AKS: 4SC_B-10 & 11

Tremendous TreesLearn to use a dichotomous key to identify a variety oftrees of the Chicopee Woods. GPS: S5L1 & 2 AKS: 5SC_D-1,12, & 13

Wild Georgia Math – 5th Grade – NewEstimate, measure, calculate and use problem-solvingskills to explore the mathematical nature of the animalkingdom along the trails of Elachee and in the classroom.CCGPS: MCC5.OA.1, NBT. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 & 7, NF. (All), MD. 2, G.1 & 2 AKS: 5MA_B-20-39, F-63-65

Lake Lanier Aquatic StudyAnalyze and explore Georgia’s most important lake fromthe deck of the Chota Princess II floating classroom. Seepage 6 for more details.GPS: S4L1 & 2, S5L1 & E1 AKS: 4SC_ D-15 & 16, B-10

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Middle School – Grades 6-8Energy Options - NewThis exciting new addition to our curriculum introducesstudents to sources of energy, energy conservation andtechnology and also includes views of the sun througha solar telescope, opportunities to see solar-powered machines at work and a tour of the new Elachee “E-House.” GPS: S6E2c, S6E4a, S6E6a & b, SB4d, SEV4a,b, c, d, e & f AKS: 6SC_G2005-19

“My Side of Elachee” – NewHike the trails of the Chicopee Woods and developsome of the same skills and knowledge that helpyoung Sam, the main character in My Side of theMountain, survive his time in the wilderness. CCGPS: ELACC 6RL2 & 3, L6 AKS: 6LA_B-7-13

“Back Country” Hike – NewJoin our skilled and experienced staff on a 2 or 3-hourfun and educational trek along the back trails of theChicopee Woods Nature Preserve. We’ll design an outdoor experience for your students that will morethan meet your instructional objectives. 60 studentmaximum. GPS & AKS: Based on teacher program selection.

We All Live Downstream – NewThis dynamic 2-part program combines a communitywatershed exploration at your school with our popularLake Lanier Aquatic Study program. GPS: S6E3-6, S7L1 &4 AKS: 6SC_C-14 & 17, 7SC_ B-10-12

All About EnergyHands-on explorations, solar ovens, calorie countingand other irresistible activities help students understandand compare the different forms of energy. GPS: S8P2 & 4 AKS: 8SC_C-13.

Astronomy for Middle SchoolersRelative position of planets, the solar system, solar andlunar eclipses, phases of the moon and more inside Starlab,our portable planetarium. GPS: 6E1 & 2 AKS: 6SC_B-10-12

Elachee Rocks!Study plate tectonics, the rock cycle, rock formations, fossils, erosion, deposition and more. GPS: S6E5 AKS:6SC_E-16 & 17

Telescopes to Go!Our expert astronomers will bring up to 8 telescopes toyour school to conduct an unforgettable celestial tour ofthe evening sky. GPS: S6E1 & 2 AKS: 6SC _B-10-12

Weather AlertWeather patterns, wind systems, air pressure, unequalheating of land and water combine with our new high-techweather center to make for a unique learning experience. GPS: S6E2 & 4 AKS: 6SC_D-15, C-14

Habitats and AdaptationsStudy the behavioral and structural ways plants and animals interact with their habitats. GPS: S7L4 & 5 AKS:7SC_B-10-13, C-14, F-18 & 19

Into the WoodsExplore the stream, plant, animal and soil communities ofthe Chicopee Woods. GPS: SL1 & 4 AKS: 7SC_B-10-13

Lake Lanier Aquatic StudyAnalyze and explore Georgia’s most important lake fromthe deck of the Chota Princess II floating classroom.GPS: S7L4, B4 & C7 AKS: 7SC_B-10, 11 & 13. See page 6 formore details

Pond Life IICollect and classify invertebrate and vertebrate animalsand conduct chemical tests in order to evaluate ChicopeeLake. GPS: S7L1 & 4 AKS: 7SC_B-10-13, F-18 & 19

Stream Life Catch and classify aquatic vertebrate and invertebrateanimals and then conduct chemical tests in order toevaluate the streams of the Chicopee Woods. GPS: S7L1& 4 AKS: 7SC_B-10, 11, & 13, F-18 & 19

Tremendous TreesLearn to use a dichotomous key to identify a variety oftrees of the Chicopee Woods. GPS: S7L1, 3, 4 & 5AKS: 7SC_B-12, 13, 18 & 19, F-19

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High School – Grades 9-12“Back Country” Hike – NewJoin our skilled and experienced staff on a 2 or 3-hour funand educational trek along the back trails of the ChicopeeWoods Nature Preserve. We’ll design an outdoor experi-ence for your students that will more than meet your in-structional objectives. 60 student maximum. GPS & AKS:Based on teacher program selection.

Telescopes to Go!Our expert astronomers will bring up to 8 telescopes toyour school to conduct an unforgettable celestial tour ofthe evening sky. GPS: SAST1-4 AKS: SCAS_B-4-20

Lake Lanier Aquatic Study–Water Quality IndexThis is a perfect choice for an AP Biology or Environmental Science class as students conduct nine(9) different tests aboard the Chota Princess II floatingclassroom to determine the overall water quality of

Lake Lanier. Tests include dissolved oxygen, fecal coliform, pH, biochemical oxygen demand, temperaturechange, total phosphates, nitrates, turbidity and totalsolids. GPS: SEV1-5 AKS: SCES_B-9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16 & 18

Pond Life IICollect and classify invertebrate and vertebrate animalsand conduct chemical tests in order to evaluate ChicopeeLake. GPS: SEV1 – 5 AKS: SCES_B-9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 18

Stream Life Use nets to sample animal life and then chemicallyevaluate this cool and flowing habitat. GPS: SEV1 – 5 AKS:SCES_B-9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 18

This unique program is sponsored by Elachee Nature Science Center, Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, Aqualand Marina and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Join us aboard theChota Princess II catamaran floating classroom as we explore the history, ecology and challenges facing Lake Sidney Lanier, Georgia’s most important reservoir. Your students will increase their understanding and appreciation of the lake when they join with ourknowledgeable and experienced staff to sample plankton, collect lake sediments, measureturbidity and determine pH and dissolved oxygen levels.

Complementary watershed activities including topographical map studies, storm waterrunoff demonstrations, and water treatment plant simulations occur on shore.

Program options include:• Tours of nearby Gainesville City’s Lakeside

Water Treatment Facility or Flat Creek Water Reclamation Facility.

• A “Water Quality Index” program for high school students. See details above.

• “We All Live Downstream”, a 2-part program that combines a community/school watershed study outreach with a Lake Lanier Aquatic Study program. Call us for details at (770) 535-1976.

Lake Lanier Aquatic Study

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“Elachee in Your Classroom” Outreach ProgramsTransform your classroom, media center, gymnasium or outdoor classroom into an environmental learning site by scheduling an“Elachee in your Classroom” outreach program. Our talented and travel-tested staff will present a standards-based program of your choice that your students will love!

Some of our most popular “Elachee in Your Classroom” programs include:

Program DescriptionClass Size: Up to 30 students per sessionCost: $145.00 per session for day programs; $185.00 per session for evening programs (after 5pm). A minimum of two sessions isrequired. Round-trip mileage from Elachee to your school is charged at a rate of $.65 per mile.

If you don’t see what you need, we will work with you to design a program that will exceed your expectations. Call us for detailsat (770) 535-1976.

Program Formats and Rates2 hours Our most popular format. A classroom presentationand hike or, depending on the program, all outdoors. $11.50 per student, $5 per adult, $175 minimum

3 hours A more intensive exploration of topic; an extendedclassroom presentation and hike or, depending on the program,all outdoors or two classroom presentations and a hike. Recommended for the Lake Lanier Aquatic Study Program,$15.50 per student, $5 per adult, $250 minimum

4 hours Combine two 2-hour programs with classroom presentations and hikes. $17.00 per student, $5 per adult, $275 minimum

1 hour An interpretive hike or classroom program, $7.00 per student, $5 per adult, $100 minimum. Please call to schedule.

Self-guided Visit the museums, animal exhibits, and walk thetrails,, $3 per student, $5 per adult. Please call to schedule.

Lake Lanier Aquatic Study2 hours $11.50 per student, $5 per adult chaperone, $250 minimum. 3 hours $15.50 per student, $5 per adult chaperone, $350 minimum

“We All Live Downstream” includes a custom-designed outreach program and a 3-hour Lake Lanier Ecology programand cruise. $18.50 per student, $5 per adult, $350 minimum

“Elachee in Your Classroom” Outreach - $145.00 per 1-hoursession (minimum 2 sessions), plus $.65 per round-trip mile

Evening Outreach Rate (after 5pm) $185 per session, (minimum 2 sessions) plus $.65 per round trip mile

Overnight Programs at Elachee5 hours of instruction, breakfast and snack provided, $55 per participant, $750 minimum, $5 per student for each additional hour of instruction

Overnight Program at Elachee’s Mountain Education Center 10 hours of instruction, 3 meals, snacks and overnight lodging,$110 per participant, $1650 minimum. See page 8 for details.

All programs scheduled at Elachee for our non-peak months of August, September, January or February receive a 10% discount. The discount does not apply to Lake Lanier, outreach,evening or overnight programs.

Cancellation PolicyAll programs take place rain or shine. An alternativecurriculum is planned in the event of inclementweather. You may reschedule if space is available or cancel a program up to four weeks before youroriginally scheduled date without penalty. A paymentof 50% of the program fee is charged for cancellationswithout at least four weeks notification.

Green & GrowingAstronomy for Middle SchoolersHabitat is HomeAll About Energy

Elachee RocksTremendous TreesSeeing Stars for K, 2nd and 4th GradesWild Georgia Math for 3rd & 5th Grades

We All Live DownstreamTelescopes to Go!Habitats & AdaptationsWeather Alert

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Ecology Overnight at Elachee’s Mountain Education CenterJoin us for an unforgettable educational adventure that is perfect for the class, scout troop or small group lookingfor a unique overnight learning experience in the northeast Georgia mountains.

Elachee’s Mountain Education Center and its access to beautiful forests, rushing streams, cascading waterfalls andabundant plant and animal life is located about 2 hours from metro Atlanta near Clayton, Georgia.

Choose classes from our SACS-accredited curriculum to construct a customized program that you and your studentswill never forget.

Call Elachee at (770) 535-1976 for details or to schedule this exciting addition to Georgia’s best environmentaleducation curriculum. See page 7 for pricing information.

The program includes 3 meals, snacks, overnight lodging and 10 hours of instruction. Maximum group size is 25.

A sample program could include the following programs and activities: stream ecology, wildflower and tree ID hike,birding, Native American culture, astronomy, orienteering and a back-country interpretive hike.

What Teachers are Saying About Elachee’s Programs:Yesterday was a wonderful day for us! The lessons were beautifully planned and presented, a good mix of new information and an excellent review of learning experiences we had already done. You made learning... accessible and engaging and provided our studentswith learning experiences they had never before imagined. I know it will be a day long-remembered by our students and staff.

– Global Village Project, Atlanta, GA

Thank you for everything you guys do to help students understand and appreciate their science standards. – Myers Elementary, Hall County Schools

I just want to thank you for making our field trip to Elachee Nature Center a great day! Your staff was very knowledgeable and madetheir presentations interesting and fun for our students. We hope to come back next year!

– Riverview Middle, Dawson County Schools

This was probably the most perfectly aligned field trip in regards to the standards that we have to teach. This was perfect timing! – Parsons Elementary, Gwinnett County Schools

Enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and accommodating... Love working with all at Elachee! Never a worry; very well organized; Great place withgreat people in all positions! – Sagamore Hills Elementary, DeKalb County Schools

I have been teaching a long time, and this was the best field trip we have ever been on! It was fabulous! Thank you so much for what youdo to educate our children about the world they live in. – The Lovett School, Atlanta, Georgia

The presentation was so good (that) the teachers wanted to stop and listen... (Your instructor) will return next year!– Gainesville Exploration Academy, Gainesville City Schools

Elachee Nature Preschool uses a unique child-directed anddiscovery-based curriculum to thoroughly prepare children forkindergarten while developing a lifelong passion for nature. • Classes for 3, 4 and 5 year olds• Daily outdoor exploration• Low student to teacher ratios (1:8)• Specially designed classroom and outdoor nature playscape• Fully licensed by the state of Georgia and accredited by the

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools