Grade: Kindergarten

26 Feb 2021

Senses in Nature

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.

Standards:

Ohio

  • 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

  • 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 Syrup

January 29 – February 23 

Maple sugaring is the tradition of making maple syrup from sap gathered from maple trees in late winter/early spring.  Many animals (and people) are benefited by using the sap of the maple trees. Plan to visit our sugar bush at Greenacres as you experience with your senses how maple sap is turned into syrup. (January 29 – February 23, 2024)

Standards:

Ohio

  • SIPA Grade K-2: Employ simple equipment and tools to gather data and extend the senses.
  • ESS Grade K: Weather changes are long-term and short-term.
  • LS Grade K: Living things are different from nonliving things.
  • LS Grade K: Living things have physical traits and behaviors, which influence their survival.
  • History Strand: Historical Thinking and Skills: Personal history can be shared through stories and pictures.
  • History Strand: Heritage: Heritage is reflected through diverse cultures and is shown through the arts, customs, traditions, family celebrations and language
  • Geography Strand: Human Systems: Humans depend on and impact the physical environment in order to supply food, clothing and shelter.

NGSS:

  • K.PS3.1. Make observations to determine the effect of sunlight on Earth’s surface
  • K.ESS2.2. Construct an argument supported by evidence for how plants and animals (including humans) can change the environment to meet their needs.
  • K.LS1.1: Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.

Video Introduction and Vocabulary:

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

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.

Standards:

Ohio

  • LS Grade K: Living things are different from nonliving things.
  • LS Grade K: Living things have physical traits and behaviors, which influence their survival.

NGSS

  • K-LS1-1. Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.
    K-ESS3-1. Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants and animals (including humans) and the places they live.

Video Introduction and Vocabulary:

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

18 Feb 2021

Life at the Pond

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.

Standards:

Ohio

  • LS Grade K: Living things are different from nonliving things.
  • LS Grade K: Living things have physical traits and behaviors, which influence their survival.

NGSS

  • K-LS1-1. Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.
  • K-ESS2-2. Construct an argument supported by evidence for how plants and animals (including humans) can change the environment to meet their needs.
  • 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.

Video Introduction and Vocabulary:

observation, living, nonliving, compare

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