THIRD 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.
Cherokee and Muscogee (Creek)
GSE: SS2H2 a; SS2G2 b,c,d
This program explores how the native peoples used the local land, river, wildlife, and other natural resources for hunting, farming, medicine, shelter, clothing, transportation, music, and games.
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Georgia Eco-Regions (Habitats)
GSE: S3L1 a,b,c
Learn about the different Eco-regions of Georgia and the adaptations of plants and animals in the diverse habitats of these regions.
Georgia Rocks
GSE: S3E1 a,b
Learn about the rocks and minerals of Georgia with a hands-on investigation. Students will identify rocks in a discovery lesson by examining their characteristics.
Pollution Solutions
GSE: S3L2 a,b
This hands-on experience demonstrates the various types of pollution and their causes and effects. Students then discover some possible solutions and recognize ways to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.
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.
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.
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
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.
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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.
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OUTREACH PROGRAMS
Transportation Issues? Not a problem. Our team of knowledgeable and passionate naturalists can bring our high-quality programming directly to your school or outdoor space. All programs are designed to meet curriculum standards while strengthening their connection with nature and building upon their knowledge through hands-on activities. Each program will include a close-up encounter with one of CNC’s resident animals that will be sure to leave your students with an educational and memorable experience.
Programs can be booked Monday through Sunday, mornings, afternoons, and evenings, year-round.
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.
Cherokee and Muscogee (Creek) II
GSE: SS3H1a,b: SS3G3 a
Students gain a deeper understanding of how the native peoples who inhabited this area of Georgia used the land, river, wildlife, and other natural resources for their survival.
Georgia Eco-Regions (Habitats)
GSE: S3L1 a,b,c
Learn about the different Eco-regions of Georgia and the adaptations of plants and animals in the diverse habitats of these regions.
Georgia Rocks
GSE: S3E1 a,b
Learn about the rocks and minerals of Georgia with a hands-on investigation. Students will identify rocks in a discovery lesson by examining their characteristics.
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.
Pollution Solutions
GSE: S3L2 a,b
This hands-on experience demonstrates the various types of pollution and their causes and effects. Students then discover some possible solutions and recognize ways to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.
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.
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.
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.