Half Day
The Schuylkill Center’s Half-Day Programs include a themed trail hike that capitalizes on your students’ sensitivity toward nature and fosters a sense of wonder and appreciation of the natural world. Program schedules allow time for students to explore the interactive Discovery Center and visit the Bookstore/Gift Shop. Choose from the following programs:
Storybook Stroll (Grades pre-K and K; year-round)
Reading and nature exploration – a perfect combination! We will introduce your young students to life in the forest with the storybook “In the Woods: Who’s Been Here?” Afterward, we will take a walk specially designed to reinforce the concepts of animal life and animal interactions presented in the story.
Sensory Nature Ramble (Grades pre-K and K; year-round)
Hear birds sing, see dragonflies soar, smell flowers and leaves, feel the different textures of nature – and much more! Students will learn how animals, including humans, use their senses in order to survive as they explore nature in our fields, forest and ponds. (EE standard: 4.6)
First Look at a Pond (Grades pre-K – 2; Sep – Nov and Apr - Jun)
Explore two unique ponds and learn about the variety of plants and animals that live there. Discover why a pond is such a great habitat! The diversity of animal and plant life in and around our five ponds and hands-on exploration of this ecosystem combine to make this a popular, memorable program. (EE standards: 4.1, 4.3, 4.6, 4.7)
Pond Community (Grades 3 – 12; Sep – Nov and Apr - Jun)
In this lesson, we take a deeper look at the life of a pond. Following a review of the organisms that make-up a pond community, we explore the dynamic relationships that exist between organisms and with the non-living components of the ecosystem. We also focus on the impact of humans on freshwater environments. (EE standards: 4.1, 4.3, 4.6, 4.7)
Ecosystem Exploration (Grades 1 – 12; year-round)
We will explore field, forest, and pond ecosystems to observe the interactions between plants, animals and fungi and learn how organisms rely on the non-living components of an ecosystem. For older students, we focus on the concept of energy flow through an ecosystem, and highlight the influence of successional changes and human impacts an ecosystem. (EE standards: 4.1, 4.3, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8)
Amazing Adaptations (Grades 3 – 12; year-round)
The abundant biodiversity at SCEE is a wonderful context for learning first-hand about the characteristics that help plants and animals survive to reproduce in their habitat. Students will come to understand why some organisms are very successful, and how human impacts to the environment can imperil populations. (EE standards: 4.3, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8)
Winter Adaptations & Animal Tracking (Grades 1 – 12; Nov – March)
The winter months are an ideal time of year to see signs of animals. Tracks, scat, nests and owl pellets are easier to find when the leaves fall. Learn the strategies of local plants and animals for surviving Pennsylvania winters. (EE standards: 4.6, 4.7)
Wetlands Ecology (Grades 4 – 12; Sep – Nov and Apr - Jun)
Students will discover the importance of wetlands as they experience first-hand the features and functions of our riparian wetlands. Wetlands are defined by the presence of certain plants and soil types, and students learn to identify a wetland based on the presence or absence of these characteristics. (EE standards: 4.1, 4.3, 4.6, 4.7)
Incredible Insects (Grades 1 – 8; Sep – Nov and Apr--Jun )
Explore our fields, forests and ponds to learn about the many species of insects and other arthropods living at SCEE! This lesson focuses on the physical characteristics of arthropods, their adaptations for survival in a variety of ecosystems. Students will come to appreciate how diverse insects are, and how dependent the environment is on these small creatures. (EE standards: 4.3, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7)
Solar Energy & the Environment (Grades 4-12; year-round)
The Schuylkill Center’s 10.2 kW solar array provides a dramatic backdrop to this lesson about how energy naturally flows through the environment, and how people both utilize energy-producing resources. A hike through the meadow will emphasize how energy moves within an ecosystem. Students will use photovoltaic cells to power their own creations. (E&E standards: 4.1, 4.2, 4.6, 4.8)
Seeds to Trees to Soil (Grades 4 - 8; Sep – Nov and Mar--Jun)
From the creation of soil to the survival strategies of trees, this program will engage students in the natural history of trees and their vital function in the forest ecosystem. Students will learn how to identify trees by observing leaves, bark, tree shape and fruits, and they will explore for evidence of the many animal, fungal and plant species that depend on trees. (EE standards: 4.2, 4.3, 4.6, 4.7)
Water Survey (Grades 4 – 12; year-round)
Discover the importance of water to all life. Students review the water cycle in the context of our landscape as they consider the source and quality of their drinking water. Hike to a pond, stream, or wetland and learn to assess the health of a stream through a variety of chemical and biological tests. Students also learn the basics of habitat assessment. (EE standards: 4.1, 4.3, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8)
Alien Invaders & the Balance of Nature (Grades 4 – 12; Sep – Nov and Apr - Jun)
How can an organism become a pest? We explore how some plants and animals upset the natural balance within an ecosystem. Learn about how some invaders have altered The Schuylkill Center’s landscape and how Integrated Pest Management (IPM) can control these organisms without the use of chemicals. Ideas for how students and teachers can use IPM to address their own pesty issues are also part of the study! (EE standards: 4.3, 4.5, 4.6)
Biodiversity (Grades 4 – 12; Sep – Nov and Apr - Jun)
Variety is the spice of life! We focus on the biodiversity found in the fields, forests and ponds at SCEE. Learn some of the methods scientists use to measure biodiversity, and why biodiversity is so important to the health of the environment, and the quality of our lives. (EE standards: 4.3, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8)
