The Explorer Magazine Fall 2023 | Page 18

HOMESCHOOL ECOLOGY AT MCCLOUD NATURE PARK

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Homeschool Ecology series provides hands-on , age-appropriate , interactive activities about ecology topics . These topics are designed to build on each other , but students may register for the lessons that interest them and fit their schedules . Sessions are available in September , October , and November .
One session is for ages 6 – 11 ($ 5 / student ). Younger siblings under age 6 are free . A separate session for ages 12 – 18 ($ 10 / older student ) is held simultaneously . The sessions will have some interaction with each other but will not be the same program .
Please contact the naturalists at ( 765 ) 676- 5437 or mccloudnp @ hcparks . net for additional information .
Advanced registration is required . All programs are approximately two hours long .
Park-itects Friday , September 22nd
10:00 a . m . Be a park architect and design a park ! Which features will you include to keep wildlife and people happy and safe ? Tour McCloud
Nature Park and learn about park design while practicing map reading and observation .
Additionally , ages 12-18 , will work in groups to come up with solutions to various dilemmas that public lands face .
Birds in Flight Friday , November 17th • 10:00 a . m . How do you measure up to a bird ? Compare yourself to a bird to see how well you could compete and survive migration ! Birds have amazing skills to live in a variety of habitats , but they also face dangers . Discover all of this for yourself during this active lesson !
Additionally , ages 12-18 , will learn some simple techniques and then go out and apply them . Looking at a bird ’ s size , shape , special markings , behavior , and habitat can help with identification . Discover some easy apps that are helpful for birding and practice your bird watching skills with binoculars .
Frontier Skills Friday , October 13th • 10:00 a . m . Would you be able to survive on the frontier ? Learn and practice a variety of outdoor skills such as compass reading , atlatl throwing , shelter building , and more !
Photo by Deb Stukenborg
Additionally , ages 12- 18 will also learn focus , self-control , discipline , and patience through archery .
18 • www . HendricksCountyParks . org