| ENVIRONMENTAL
EDUCATION
Class Descriptions
OUTDOOR SKILLS
Archery- This is a 2 hr class
where students will be introduced to some basic archery skills (Safety,
history, and shooting technique). After going over the history,
types of bows, and safety, students will use what they have learned
to shoot targets on the archery range.
Orienteering- (Limited space
available) Students will be introduced to some basic orienteering
skills (compass
use and pacing). After being refreshed on some math
concepts, students will get an opportunity to test what they’ve
learned by venturing out onto an orienteering course at Fortson.
Wilderness Survival- Students will work in teams while learning
and practicing methods of safety and survival. Students will use
teamwork while building shelters and fires (not lit) in this 2-hour
class.
TEAM BUILDING
Team Initiatives- Students
are introduced to the principles of team building. Without ever
going on the low ropes course, students will explore what it takes
to be an effective team. Topics that may be addressed are trust,
goal setting, challenge, problem solving, and just plain fun! Activities
may be physically and mentally challenging.
Challenge Course (5th grade
and up) - Groups focus on the
principles of team building by working through a progression on
initiatives and elements. The aspects addressed in this 2-hour class
may include goal setting, trust, problem solving, planning, and
cooperation. Most groups will progress onto the low ropes course
during this class. This course is physically and mentally challenging
to groups.
High Ropes- Choose between
our climbing wall or the zip line for this high adventure based
2-hour class. Space is limited. Cost is an additional $5 per person.
ECOLOGY
Entomology- Students will
develop a better understanding of insects through collection, classification,
and observation. During this 2 hour class students will use collection
devices and explore the insect life at Fortson. Concepts learned
will be the basic insect anatomy and the important role insects
play in a healthy ecosystem.
Herpetology- Students get the opportunity to handle,
observe,
and learn about reptiles and amphibians. Characteristics and
adaptations of snakes, turtles, lizards, frogs, and more will be
discussed. Also, many of the misconceptions about these
beneficial, but often misunderstood animals will be dispelled.
Forest Science- Students will have the opportunity
to learn about and study some of the components of a Georgia Piedmont
forest ecosystem. Exploring the forest floor, learning the identifying
characteristics of common species of trees, and learning about the
process of decay in forests are all some of the topics in this class.
Pond Ecology- Students will
use nets to and identify common organisms found in the Fortson Pond.
Aquatic organisms as well as characteristics of ponds will be discussed
through exploration and hands-on activities. Students will need
to bring old shoes that can get wet and muddy.
Water, Water, Everywhere- This class focuses on
the importance of water. Students will learn about the hydrologic
cycle and what function different bodies of water play in our life.
They will also learn what role they play in protecting this natural
resource through discussion, use of a watershed model, and exploration
of the bodies of water found at Fortson.
LIVING
HISTORY
Pioneer Days- Instructors will guide students in
2 hours worth of typical “chores” associated with life
on the farm during this time period. Some chores could include gardening,
cotton seeding, washing clothes, making butter, and making corn
bread over the open fire.
Native American- Students
will learn about the History and Culture of Native Americans of
Georgia through a variety of hands on learning activities. Students
will help in the construction of our waddle and daub house, use
a mortar and pestle to make cornmeal, practice gardening and more
during this 2-hour class.
CONSERVATION
Landfilling, What a waste! -
With global warming and depletion of natural resources becoming
a prominent issue in our society we hope this class will show kids
the simple things they can do on a daily basis to help protect our
environment. This class focuses on different options for waste management,
including recycling and composting. Students will be able to determine
the best method for disposing of different types of waste and the
benefits of alternative methods of waste disposal.
NIGHT CLASSES
(all night
classes are 1 hour long)
Amphibians- Students will
learn what makes amphibians different from reptiles and how metamorphosis
works while observing several captive amphibian species. They will
also get the chance to go on a frog search around the Fortson pond.
Campfire- Instructors lead
students in a fun-filled hour of
songs, skits, and stories! We will offer s’mores for the smaller
groups.
Native American Games- Native
Americans played games not only for fun, but also to build skills
and adults sometimes played them to settle arguments. Students will
be able to enhance their skills as warriors and hunters in games
like Fire Keeper, Zuni kicked stick, and bear rug!
Sensory Awareness- Students
are given the opportunity to explore their environment through sensory
activities and experiences. Emphasis is placed on using the senses
at night as they explore Fortson in the dark with a variety of different
activities.
-click
here for GPS correlations
|
