Standard: Science

08 Dec 2023

Ecological Biodiversity

August-June

The connections and interactions of energy and matter between Earth’s spheres are shown during the study of the unique habitats at Greenacres. Students will investigate the interconnectedness within habitats and the understanding of the complex relationships between them, including both abiotic and biotic factors. Students will conduct research that includes looking at population dynamics and carrying capacity. 

Ohio Science Standards:

  • B.DI.1: Biodiversity – Species diversity
  • B.DI.2: Ecosystems – Equilibrium and disequilibrium
  • B.DI.3: Loss of Diversity – Invasive species
  • ENV.ES.1: Biosphere – Ecosystems (equilibrium, species interactions, stability), population dynamics
  • ENV.ES.5: Movement of matter and energy through the hydrosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere and biosphere-Ecosystems
  • ENV.ER.1: Energy resources – Renewable and nonrenewable energy sources and efficiency

NGSS Standards:

  • HS-LS4-4. Construct an explanation based on evidence for how natural selection leads to adaptation of populations.
  • HS-LS4-5. Evaluate the evidence supporting claims that changes in environmental conditions may result in (1) increases in the number of individuals of some species, (2) the emergence of new species over time, and (3) the extinction of other species.

Vocabulary:

 Ecosystem, population dynamics, habitat, species interactions

07 Nov 2023

Farm Exploration

This program engages students in a hands-on exploration of Greenacres Farm.  We will focus on building age specific skills and apply them to learning about farming practices and the places where we farm.  This is an ideal program for a first time visit to Greenacres or for students to become more familiar with farming.

Ohio Science Standards:

  • K.LS.1: Living things have specific characteristics and traits.
  • 1.ESS.1: The sun is the principal source of energy.
  • 2.LS.1: Living things cause changes on Earth.
  • 3.LS.3: Plants and animals have life cycles that are part of their adaptations for survival in their natural environments.
  • 5.LS.1 Organisms perform a variety of roles in an ecosystem.
  • 7.LS.2 In any particular biome, the number, growth and survival of organisms and populations depend on biotic and abiotic factors. Elements can be organized by properties

Indiana and NGSS Standards:

  • 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.
  • K-2-ETS1-1. Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.
  • 1-LS1-1. Use materials to design a solution to a human problem by mimicking how plants and/or animals use their external parts to help them survive, grow, and meet their needs.
  • 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
  • 4-LS1-1 From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes
  • Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.
  • 5-LS2-1. Develop a model to describe the movement of matter among plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment.
  • MS-LS1-4 From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes. Use argument based on empirical evidence and scientific reasoning to support an explanation for how characteristic animal behaviors and specialized plant structures affect the probability of successful reproduction of animals and plants respectively.
  • MS-LS2-1 Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics. Analyze and interpret data to provide evidence for the effects of resource availability on organisms and populations of organisms in an ecosystem. 

Ohio Social Studies Standards (K-8):

  • History – Heritage: Ideas and events from the past have shaped the world as it is today. The actions of individuals and groups have made a difference in the lives of others.
  • Geography – Places and Regions: A place is a location having distinctive characteristics, which give it meaning and character and distinguish it from other locations. A region is an area with one or more common characteristics, which give it a measure of homogeneity and make it different from surrounding areas. Regions and places are human constructs.
  • Economics – Economic Decision Making and Skills: Effective economic decision making requires students to be able to reason logically about key economic issues that affect their lives as consumers, producers, savers, investors and citizens. Economic decision-making and skills engage students in the practice of analyzing costs and benefits, collecting and organizing economic evidence and proposing alternatives to economic problems.
  • Economics- Scarcity: There are not enough resources to produce all the goods and services that people desire.
  • Economics – Production and Consumption: Production is the act of combining natural resources, human resources, capital goods and entrepreneurship to make goods and services. Consumption is the use of goods and services.

    Vocabulary:

    farming, livestock, observation, senses, tools, living, nonliving, adaptations, soil, water, air, energy, produce, habitats, and ecosystems

    11 Mar 2023

    Eco Village 2nd Grade

    August-June

    Let your students lead as they create their own village in our Greenacres forest habitat. This program is play-based, imagination-driven, and student led. Students will decide what they will contribute to the village, the laws, businesses and services all while fostering a sense of community. 3-4 hour program.

    Ohio Science Standards

    • SWK Grade K-2: The world is discovered through exploration.
    • LS Grade 2: Living things cause changes on Earth.

    NGSS Standards

    • 2-PS1-1. Plan and conduct an investigation to describe and classify different kinds of materials by their observable properties

    Ohio Social Studies Standards

    •  Government Strand: Civic Participation and Skills: Respect for the rights of self and others includes making responsible choices and being accountable for personal actions.
    • Government Strand: Civic Participation and Skills: Groups are accountable for choices they make and actions they take.
    • Government Strand: Rules and Laws: There are different rules and laws that govern behavior in different settings.
    • Economics Strand: Scarcity: Resources can be used in various ways.
    • Economics Strand: Markets: People use money to buy and sell goods and services.
    • Economics Strand: Financial Literacy: People earn income by working.
    • Economics Strand: Production and Consumption: Most people around the world work in jobs in which they produce specific goods and services.

    Vocabulary:

    Environment, community, resources, goods, services, scarcity, law, rule, choices, income

    27 Jan 2023

    Arts in the Natural World Series: Clay

    August-October 31; March 15-June

    From the creek to the art studio, this program explores all things clay! Students will learn the procedures of hiking to the creek to harvest clay from natural creek beds and processing it in an art studio. This is a hands-on program that includes an uphill hike (weather permitting), so come prepared to get your hands dirty and your body moving! Programs in the Arts in the Natural World series seek to demonstrate intersections between the arts and the world around us. This program only operates in warmer months (August-October 31; March 15-June).

    Fine Arts Standards:

    • VA.4.1PE Engage and persist in artistic risk-taking.
    • VA.4.2PE Select and vary materials, tools, and processes to achieve innovative outcomes.

    Ohio Science Standards:

    • ESS.4.1 Earth’s surface has specific characteristics and landforms that can be identified.
    • NGSS: 4-ESS1-1: Identify evidence from patterns in rock formations and fossils in rock layers to support an explanation for changes in a landscape over time.

    Vocabulary:

    clay, natural resource, hand building, wheel throwing, stages of clay

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