Grade: Kindergarten

26 Feb 2021

Nature Exploration: Senses

August-June

This program engages students in a hands-on exploration of Ohio’s natural areas.  We will focus on using our senses while building observation skills and applying them to learning about our environment. This is an ideal program for a first time visit to Greenacres or for students to become more comfortable in nature.

Ohio Science Standards:

  • SWK Grade K-2: The world is discovered through exploration.
  • SWK Grade K-2: Exploration leads to observation. Observation leads to questions.
  • PS Grade K: Objects and materials can be sorted and described by their properties.
  • PS Grade K: Some objects and materials can be made to vibrate to produce sound. 

NGSS Standards:

  • K.LS1.1. Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.
  • K.MD.A.2. Directly compare two objects with a measurable attribute in common, to see which object has “more or”/”less of” the attribute, and describe the difference.

Video Introduction and Vocabulary:

senses, sight, sound, smell, touch, taste, observation

26 Feb 2021

Maple Discovery (K- 3rd)

Jan 21-Feb 25, 2026

Maple sugaring is the tradition of making maple syrup from the sap gathered from maple trees in late winter. Many animals and people benefit by using the sap of maple trees. Plan to visit our sugar bush and our working evaporator at Greenacres as you use your senses to discover how maple sap is turned into syrup. (Jan 21-Feb 26, 2026)

Ohio Science Standards:

  • SIPA Grade K-2: Employ simple equipment and tools to gather data and extend the senses.
  • LS Grade K: Living things have specific characteristics and traits.
  • LS Grade K: Living things have physical traits and behaviors, which influence their survival.
  • ESS Grade 1: Weather changes are long-term and short-term.
  • ESS Grade 1: The sun is the principal source of energy.
  • ESS Grade 1: Water on Earth is present in many forms.
  • LS Grade 1: Living things have basic needs, which are met by obtaining materials from the physical environment.
  • LS Grade 1: Living things survive only in environments that meet their needs.
  • ESS Grade 2: Long and short term weather changes occur due to changes in energy.
  • LS Grade 2: Living things cause changes on earth.
  • LS Grade 3: Individuals of the same kind of organism differ in their inherited traits. These differences give some individuals an advantage in surviving and or reproducing.

NGSS Standards:

  • K-LS1-1. Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.
  • 1-ESS1-2. Make observations at different times of year to relate the amount of daylight to the time of year.
  • 2-LS4-1. Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats.
  • 3-LS3-2. Use evidence to support the explanation that traits can be influenced by the environment

    Vocabulary:

    spiles, sap, gallons, sugar shack, sugar bush, evaporation, tap, sapsucker

    Video Introduction: CLICK HERE for Maple video with a Greenacres educator

    26 Feb 2021

    Living and Nonliving in Nature

    August-June

    Students will explore the difference between living things and nonliving things.   Learn about the characteristics that define a living, nonliving, and once-living thing as we explore the various natural habitats of Greenacres.

    Ohio Science Standards:

    • LS Grade K: Living things have specific characteristics and traits.
    • LS Grade K: Living things have physical traits and behaviors, which influence their survival.

    NGSS Standards:

    • K-LS1-1. Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.

      Video Introduction and Vocabulary:

      living, nonliving, once alive, behaviors, traits, observe, grow, breathe

      18 Feb 2021

      Pond Exploration

      April – October

      Exploring nature is an important part of developing a relationship with our environment. Ponds are an essential resource to many Ohio plants and animals. Students will make observations, while visiting the pond at Greenacres, and discover what creatures call this habitat home.

      Ohio Science Standards:

      • LS Grade K: Living things have specific characteristics and traits.
      • LS Grade K: Living things have physical traits and behaviors, which influence their survival.

      NGSS Standards:

      • K-LS1-1. Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.
      • K-ESS3-3. Communicate solutions that will reduce the impact of humans on the land, water, air, and/or other living things in the local environment.

      Vocabulary: observation, living, nonliving, compare, physical traits, behavior

      Video Introduction: CLICK HERE for a pond video with a Greenacres educator

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