fourth grade on-site field studies and outreach programs
Chattahoochee Nature Center offers a variety of science education programs for all ages and grade levels. Our programs are designed to engage students’ natural curiosity and provide experiential learning opportunities in nature.
On-site Field Studies
All on-site field studies are conducted at CNC utilizing our trails, gardens, and other greenspaces, and include a guided trail hike and an encounter with one of CNC’s resident non-releasable animals. We recommend planning at least 2.5 hours for the full experience, which includes your 75-minute field study and additional time for lunch in our picnic areas, as well as exploring our interactive Watershed Gallery exhibit, Wildlife Walk, and gardens.
All programs are rain or shine. CNC utilizes indoor classroom space during times of inclement weather.
Core Grade Level Programs
These programs are available throughout the school year! Enhance your science curriculum with hands-on learning, live animals, and a nature-based experience.
Nature’s Recyclers: Discovering Decomposers
GSE: S4L1 a,b,c
Explore the nature center trails and garden compost piles to learn all about the role of decomposition in the
energy flow of an ecosystem. Investigate decomposers such as insects and fungus through hands-on activities.
Web of Life
GSE: S4L1 a,b,c
Students examine the connections between living and non-living elements in nature while focusing on specific predator/prey behaviors and exploring CNC trails for examples of food webs.
Special Topic Programs
Special topics are available too! While these programs are also correlated to classroom standards, you’ll find these programs go deeper into topics and/or include other learning areas, such as social studies, or English/Language Arts.
Amphibian Survival
GSE: S3L1 a,b,c: S3L2 a,b
While viewing amphibian monitoring stations, students will examine some of the factors affecting the survival of amphibians, and therefore, the survival of other species in the ecosystem.
Insect Investigation
(available March-September only)
GSE: S2L1 a,d
This program explores the trails of CNC to learn about and discover insects and what positive things these fascinating animals do for the environment.
Mammals
GSE: S2L1 a,c
In this warm and fuzzy program, the Naturalist will explain the identifying characteristics of mammals and tell you what species to look for around your home. This program will conclude with an opossum presentation.
Nature Journaling and Field Sketching
GSE: VA2.CR.1 a,b; VA2.CN.2 a
This field-based experience combines science, writing, and art to help students develop a broader understanding of the natural history of their environment by using the wonderful natural setting at the Chattahoochee Nature Center.
Plants and Trees
GSE: ELAGSE2SL3; S2E3 a,b; S2L1 c,d
Students discover how plants and trees grow, and learn about the relationships between humans, plants, and animals.
Raptors
GSE: S3L1 a,b,c
This program focuses on the birds of prey that call Georgia home. Habitats, adaptations, and conservation issues will be discussed. Hands-on owl pellet dissection is included.
Reptiles and Amphibians
GSE: S2L1 a
Focusing on Georgia native species, students will learn about these fascinating animals while exploring the grounds and looking for them in the wild.
Wildlife Discovery
GSE: S2L1 a
Become a Naturalist and hone your observation skills as you explore CNC. Hike the forest trails, search high and low for signs of life, and study the plants and animals that call Georgia home.
WATER & WETLANDS PROGRAMS
Enhance your science curriculum with onsite hands-on learning in our local waterways, live animals, and a nature-based experience. 2 time slots available per date.
Pond Study I
(available March-November only)
GSE: S3L1 b,c; S3L2 a,b
Using dip nets, students collect macroinvertebrates to identify and use them to make inferences about the condition and health of the pond habitat.
This program is limited to 75 students per time slot.
Wild Wetlands
GSE: S3L1 b,c; S3L2 a,b
Students hike our river wetlands boardwalk to learn about the unique relationships of this very fragile and important ecosystem.
Canoe Skills and Team Building
(available April – October only)
Groups with little or no paddling experience can learn how to paddle with a 3-hour introductory canoe program in one of our ponds (includes 1.5 hours of instruction and paddling and 1.5 hours for self-guided exploration of CNC’s grounds and trails). All Naturalists are CPR/First Aid certified and experienced paddlers. CNC provides all equipment – canoe, paddles, and personal flotation devices for all participants. No prior canoeing experience is necessary.
The maximum capacity is 27 students/adults per pond.
STARLAB Programs
Using an inflatable planetarium, a CNC Naturalist will lead students on a journey through the night sky to view constellations and the solar system. Please inquire about space limitations when booking the StarLab as an outreach program.
The maximum number of participants is 60
STARLAB II
GSE: S4E1b,c,d; S4E2a,c
Students discover the difference between stars and planets.Â
Lewis and Clark StarLab
GSE: S4E1 a; SS4H3 c
Students will explore the navigation technology used by Lewis & Clark by measuring distances between the stars. They will determine the latitude and longitude of their current location based on Lewis & Clark’s techniques. They will also consider how Lewis & Clark adapted to their environment for survival.
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OUTREACH PROGRAMS
Transportation issues? Not a problem. CNC Naturalists can bring high-quality programming directly into your school. In addition to the programs listed below, all of our On-site Programs (except water programs) can be conducted at your school in individual classrooms, and include an animal encounter and hands-on activities. All programs are GSE-correlated for each grade and include Small Group and Large Group programs.
Programs can be booked Monday through Sunday, mornings, afternoons, and evenings, year-round. Spaces are limited during spring and fall due to high demand. All programs must be booked a minimum of 3 weeks prior to the program date.
Small Group Programs
These programs are designed for 30 or fewer participants. Programs include a live animal presentation; biofacts such as bird wings, turtle shells, or animal furs; an activity; and a question & answer session with a CNC Naturalist. Unless otherwise stated, these are one-hour programs.
Mammals
GSE: S2L1 a,c
In this warm and fuzzy program, the Naturalist will explain the identifying characteristics of mammals and tell you what species to look for around your home. This program will conclude with an opossum presentation.
Plants and Trees
SE: ELAGSE2SL3; S2E3 a,b; S2L1 c,d
Students discover how plants and trees grow, and learn about the relationships between humans, plants, and animals.
Raptors
Participants in this program will learn all about our native birds of prey. Habitats and adaptations will be discussed, and conservation and protection issues surrounding these creatures will be examined. Hands-on owl pellet dissection is included. This program will conclude with a live raptor presentation.
Reptiles and Amphibians
GSE: S2L1 a
Focusing on Georgia native species, students will learn about these fascinating animals while exploring the grounds and looking for them in the wild.
Web of Life
GSE: S4L1 a,b,c
Students examine the connections between living and non-living elements in nature while focusing on specific predator/prey behaviors and exploring CNC trails for examples of food webs.
Wildlife Discovery
GSE: S2L1 a
Become a Naturalist and hone your observation skills as you explore CNC. Hike the forest trails, search high and low for signs of life, and study the plants and animals that call Georgia home.
StarLab Programs
Using an inflatable planetarium, a CNC Naturalist will lead students on a journey through the night sky to view constellations and the solar system. Please inquire about space limitations when booking the StarLab as an outreach program.
The maximum number of participants is 60
StarLab II
GSE: S4E1 a,b,c,d; S4E2 a,c
Students discover the difference between stars and planets.
Lewis and Clark StarLab
GSE: S4E1 a; SS4H3 c
Students will explore the navigation technology used by Lewis & Clark by measuring distances between the stars. They will determine the latitude and longitude of their current location based on Lewis & Clark’s techniques. They will also consider how Lewis & Clark adapted to their environment for survival.
StarLab II
GSE: S4E1 a,b,c,d; S4E2 a,c
Students discover the difference between stars and planets.
Lewis and Clark StarLab
GSE: S4E1 a; SS4H3 c
Students will explore the navigation technology used by Lewis & Clark by measuring distances between the stars. They will determine the latitude and longitude of their current location based on Lewis & Clark’s techniques. They will also consider how Lewis & Clark adapted to their environment for survival.
StarLab II
GSE: S4E1 a,b,c,d; S4E2 a,c
Students discover the difference between stars and planets.
Lewis and Clark StarLab
GSE: S4E1 a; SS4H3 c
Students will explore the navigation technology used by Lewis & Clark by measuring distances between the stars. They will determine the latitude and longitude of their current location based on Lewis & Clark’s techniques. They will also consider how Lewis & Clark adapted to their environment for survival.
Large Group Programs
These programs are ideal for 31 to 150 seated participants. We offer auditorium and festival programs to meet your needs.
Georgia Wildlife Journey
GSE: S2L1 a
This popular one-hour educational program focuses on animals that make their home in the Georgia Piedmont. This program will include presentations of an opossum, snake, and bird of prey.
Ages 6+ | 150 or fewer participants
Hunters in the Sky
GSE: S2L1 a
This one-hour educational program focuses on raptors, some of our most fascinating native predators. A CNC Naturalist will utilize fun activities with large props and audience involvement to teach participants about these native birds and their impressive abilities. This program will include presentations of an owl and a hawk.
Ages 6+ | 150 or fewer participants
On the Road with Reptiles
GSE: S2L1 a
This Information Booth is available for an unlimited mobile audience in a festival setting. With this program, CNC will bring a collection of fascinating reptile information to you. Using biofacts – such as skulls, turtle shells, and snake sheds – and hands-on activities, the Naturalist will share information about the many amazing reptiles found in Georgia. This program includes a live reptile, viewable in an aquarium.
All ages | Festival-style presentation
PLEASE NOTE: A six-foot table in a shaded area is required for this program. The program must be held indoors when the temperature is less than 60 degrees.
NOTE: Audience limits are set to ensure an optimal experience for every student participant. Audience size may not exceed the published limits without permission of the Chattahoochee Nature Center. Audiences who do exceed the published limits will incur additional session fees. Please contact us if you have any questions about our policies.Â