Kindergarten
Program Theme: BEEP Jr. Explorers (PSR/LTR)
Lab Study: Critter Taxidermy
Field Study: Our Leafy Friends
Eco-Hike: Animal Detectives Hike
Students will make observations of taxidermy animals using their senses and simple tools. A hands-on classifying activity will focus on plant parts, and crawling through a soil tunnel, students will see what grows underground. After examining a germinating plant seed, they will plant some seeds to take home. An eco-hike will involve an exploration of the natural world while looking for clues that animals live in the forests of Bridgestone.
GA Science Standards of Excellence: SKL1a, SKL1b, SKL2a, SKL2b
Program Theme: "Good-Natured" Detectives (PSR/LTR)
Lab Study: Critter Taxidermy
Field Study: Nature Observers
Eco-Hike: Scavenger Hunt
Students will go on a hike to observe the wonders of nature and the world around them. While on the hike, students will collect items to be used in their Field Study lesson where they will use scientific tools to observe, measure, and sort their collected items. In the Lab Study, students will discover how their items are used by critters and people in their daily lives.
GA Science Standards of Excellence: SCE2.C, SCP1.A, SCP1.B, SCP1.C, SCL1.A, SCL1.B, SCL2.A, SCL1.C
1st Grade
Program Theme: Green Things (PSR/LTR)
Lab Study: Our Leafy Friends
Field Study: Adopt-a Tree
Eco-Hike: Adventures with Stickman
Students will dive head long into all that is green and blooming! Through observation, investigation, and experimentation, students will gain a better understanding of the structures, functions, and life cycles of plants. Students will "adopt" of their very own tree, using technology and measurement tools to make wonderful observations of their own! Go on an adventure with Stick Man and make some great observations about the world around them!
GA Science Standards of Excellence: S1L1a, S1L1b, Math: MGSE1.MD.1, MGSE1.MD.2, MGSE1.G.1
Program Theme: Life Cycling (PSR/LTR)
Lab Study: Plant Power!
Field Study: Life Cycle Detectives
Eco-Hike: BINGO Scavenger Hunt
Students will learn the amazing engineering behind seed dispersal and pollination! They will plant their own seeds to take back to school as an ongoing science experiment. Students will discover how living things miraculously cycle through life, beginning with a scavenger hunt, and then collaborate with a hands-on classifying and sequencing activity to determine the life cycle of a mystery organism. A life cycle hike will enhance understanding and appreciation for the uniqueness of each organism's life journey!
GA Science Standards of Excellence: S2L1a, S2L1b, S2L1c
Program Theme: Mother Nature’s Math
Lab Study: Gee, I’m a Tree!
Field Study: EnviroMath
Eco-Hike: Follow the Math Trail
Through the use of natural objects, students will explore basic geometry, measurement, and number concepts while honing their skills in engineering, observing, and classifying! The students will participate in an immersive nature hike that will open their eyes to math in the real-world.
GA Science Standards of Excellence: MGSE1.OA.1, MGSE1.OA.2, MGSE1.MD.1, MGSE1.MD.2, MGSE1.G.1 , MGSE1.G.2
3rd Grade
Program Theme: Eco-Venture
Lab Study: Creek Life
Field Study: Into the Forest
Eco-Hike: Meadow Madness
Join us on an extended eco-hike adventure, participating in standards-based STEAM environmental activities including observations of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems along the way. The hike will cover about 1 mile. Along the way students will make careful observations of their environment; looking for critters hidden in plain sight, discovering the wonders of a different habitats. Participants should wear long pants and closed-toe walking shoes.
GA Standards of Excellence: S3L1a, S3L1b, S3L1c
Program Theme: Dirt Detectives (PSR/LTR)
Lab Study: CSI: Soil
Field Study: Archaeology Adventure
Eco-Hike: BINGO Scavenger Hunt
There is so much going on just below our feet! Investigations of soil types and properties will be used to help students solve a mystery of a missing bike. Students will participate in an archaeology adventure that takes them back in time. Lastly, students will explore and make observations of the forest habitat at Bridgestone.
GA Standards of Excellence: S3E1b, S3E1c
Program Theme: Engineering Insects (PSR/LTR)
Lab Study: Ninja Skills Unlimited
Field Study: Build-A-Bug
Eco-Hike: Insect Hunt
Students will investigate the ninja skills of insects and discover how to compare them to their own abilities. They will learn about the anatomy of an insect and special adaptations of certain insects. Students will then go on a scavenger hunt to gather materials to engineer their own anatomically correct insect. During the eco-hike, students will have their own exploration time with nets, collections containers, and guide books!
GA Science Standards of Excellence: S3L1.b, S3L1.c
4th Grade
Program Theme: Water Dance (ORR; 2 groups per day)
Lab Study: Water Cycle Game
Field Study: Creek Life
Eco-Hike: BINGO Scavenger Hunt
Students will investigate the water cycle and the role it plays on earth. Students will be immersed in the movement of water through simulation activities. Also, students will determine water quality through macro-invertebrate collection at a pond on site. Finally, students will hike to exercise their ecosystem vocabulary!
GA Standards of Excellence: S4E3a, S4E3b, S4La, S4L1b
5th Grade
Program Theme: Dazzling Diversity (ORR)
Lab Study: Critter Taxidermy
Field Study: Animal Detectives
Eco-Hike: BINGO Scavenger Hunt
Students will immerse themselves into the dazzling diversity of organisms that live in their own backyard! Close-up investigations of native taxidermy and live animals will allow for observation and inference of just how each critter is adapted to its individual habitat. Students will also become nature explorers searching for a wide diversity of animals and their clues in the forest. An eco-hike in the forest will provide dazzling examples of diversity.
GA Standards of Excellence: S5L1a
6th Grade
Program Theme: Water, Water Everywhere (ORR; 2 groups per day)
Lab Study: We All Live Downstream
Field Study: Pondering Life
Eco-Hike: Ecosystem Explorers
Students will investigate the wonderful world of water through macro-invertebrate collection of a local pond. In addition, watershed modeling and problem-solving will enhance student understanding of the land-water-human connection. Finally, students will compare aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems through observations made on an eco-hike.
GA Standards of Excellence: S6E3a, S6E3b, S6E6b
9th-12th Grade
Program Theme: Wet World (2 Groups Per Day) (ORR)
Lab Study: We All Live Downstream (Advanced)
Field Study: Pondering Life (Advanced)
On our blue planet, humans play a vital role in the protection and preservation of our watery resources. Students will learn more about these effects through experimenting with human behaviors that influence the location, quality, and quantity of water within a watershed. Biological analysis will reveal the quality of a local pond.
GA Science Standards of Excellence: SEV1a, SEV1c, SEV1d, SEV1e
