HOMESCHOOL ECOLOGY SERIES
Homeschool students are invited to join Hendricks County Park Naturalists for ecology lessons at McCloud Nature Park !
Our Homeschool Ecology Series provides hands-on , ageappropriate , interactive activities about ecology topics . The programs are designed to build on each other , but students may register and attend only the lessons that interest them and fit into their schedules .
All programs are held at McCloud Nature Park . Programs for ages 6-11 are $ 5 per student . Programs for ages 12-18 are $ 10 per student . Advance registration required .
Please contact Park Naturalist Sarah Wolf at ( 765 ) 676-5437 or swolf @ hcparks . net for additional information .
Winter Experiments Friday , February 18 , 10 a . m . Ages 6-11 Explore winter through experimentation ! What happens to ice when sprinkled with food coloring , salt , or sugar ? Build shelters and learn about insulation by trying to keep gelatin “ animals ” from freezing . Finish the lesson off with s ’ mores !
Survival Shelters and Fire-Starting Friday , February 18 , 1 p . m . Ages 12-18 People can only survive 3 hours in harsh weather without shelter or fire . Hopefully you won ’ t find yourself in a survival situation , but if you do , you ’ ll be well prepared to survive in comfort after practicing shelter building and fire-starting techniques . Finish the afternoon off with s ’ mores !
Wacky Weather Friday , March 18 , 10 a . m . Ages 6-11 Floods , tornadoes , and rain , oh my ! After learning about these weather phenomena and how to be safe during these , put your knowledge to practice by completing a STEAM challenge of building a miniature house to survive severe weather .
McCloud Micro-Climates Friday , March 18 , 1 p . m . Ages 12-18 Why do spring wildflowers bloom first on south-facing slopes ? How can eastern hemlock trees grow at McCloud Nature Park when they aren ’ t found in many other places in Indiana ? Micro-climates are the answer – they are small areas where the temperature and other conditions are different from the surrounding area . Investigate the micro-climates around McCloud Nature Park by taking the air and soil temperatures .
Soil Superstars Friday , April 22 , 10 a . m Ages 6-11 Get the scoop on soils , erosion , composting , and worms during this hands-on lesson ! Students will participate in an erosion demonstration and explore worm composting through building their very own worm farms .
Sustaining Soils Friday , April 22 , 1 p . m . Ages 12-18 Healthy soils are vital for life on Earth ! Acquire a solid foundation on soils : how they form , why healthy soils are important , and how to take care of our soils . Hands-on activities will bring soil and water conservation to life !
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