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 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)

Ohio Science Standards:

  • 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 have physical traits and behaviors, which influence their survival.

NGSS Standards:

  • 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.

Ohio Social Studies Standards:

  • History Strand: Historical Thinking and Skills: Personal history can be shared through stories and pictures.
  • Geography Strand: Human Systems: Humans depend on and impact the physical environment in order to supply food, clothing and shelter.

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.

Ohio Science Standards:

  • LS Grade K: Living things are different from nonliving things.
  • 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

    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.

    Ohio Science Standards:

    • LS Grade K: Living things are different from nonliving things.
    • 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.

    Video Introduction and Vocabulary:

    observation, living, nonliving, compare

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