Our curriculum for grades 3-5 introduces students to essential ecological principles through interactive, hands-on learning stations at The Preserve. Designed to engage young minds, the experience is divided into three parts: a classroom introduction with a pre-test, a curriculum-based field trip to The Preserve, and a final post-test to assess their understanding.

Ecological Concepts Covered:

• Photosynthesis: How energy from the sun powers life on Earth.
• Nutrient Cycles: The building blocks of life are continuously cycled and recycled through ecosystems.
• Energy Flow: Energy and resources flow through ecosystems to support all living organisms.

Interactive Learning Stations:

During their visit, students rotate through six interactive learning stations, each covering a key ecological concept. Due to time constraints, students will participate in five of the following six topics:

1. Food Chains and Energy Pyramids: Explore how energy flows through ecosystems, from producers to consumers.
2. Human Interactions: Understand the impacts of human activities on ecosystems and biodiversity.
3. Adaptations: Discover how organisms have evolved traits to survive in their environments.
4. The Importance of Water: Learn about the critical role water plays in supporting all forms of life.
5. Ecosystem Interactions: Study the relationships between different species and how they depend on each other.
6. Abiotic and Biotic Factors: Explore how living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components of an ecosystem interact.

Classroom Preparation:

Before the guided field trip, we ask teachers to prepare students for the visit by completing the following:

• Pre-Test: A brief test to gauge students’ current understanding of ecological concepts (graded by Preserve staff).
• Vocabulary Review: Reinforce key terms related to ecosystems and ecology.
• Homework Assignment: Allow students to complete a short journal activity to prepare them for their visit.
• Presentation: Watch a brief presentation about The Preserve, highlighting its importance and the activities they’ll participate in.
• Behavior and Outdoor Prep: Discuss appropriate outdoor clothing, gear, and trail-side behavior that reflects school pride.
• Group Organization: Divide students into groups of about eight, using color-coded nametags for easy identification during the visit.

Post-Visit Classroom Work:

After the field trip, students will:

• Complete Journal Work: Finish any activities from their Preserve journal in class.
• Post-Test: Take a post-test (graded by Preserve staff) to assess the knowledge they’ve gained during the experience.

Program Goals:

By the end of the curriculum, students will have a deeper understanding of the complex relationships in ecosystems, the importance of energy flow, and how organisms adapt and interact with their environment. This hands-on, interactive approach encourages curiosity and fosters a lasting connection to the natural world.