HOMESCHOOL ECOLOGY AT MCCLOUD NATURE PARK
The Homeschool Ecology series provides hands-on , age-appropriate , interactive activities about ecology topics . This series is developed and taught by our Senior Park Naturalist who was homeschooled . The programs are designed to build on each other , but students may register for the lessons that interest them and fit their schedules .
Please contact Senior Park Naturalist Sarah Wolf at ( 765 ) 676-5437 or swolf @ hcparks . net for additional information .
The morning sessions are for ages 6-11 ($ 5 / student ); younger siblings under age 6 are free .
The afternoon sessions have separate sessions for ages 12-18 ($ 10 / older student ) AND younger siblings ages 6-11 ($ 5 / younger student ); younger siblings under age 6 are free .
Advance registration required by Tuesday before the program .
Science Spy School Friday , February 24 • 10 am Train to be a spy by learning how to take fingerprints , write in invisible ink , decode messages , and practice your observation skills ! Shhhh , don ’ t tell the kids that we are sneaking in lots of science and literacy into this engaging lesson .
Environmental Detectives Friday , February 24 • 1 pm
The “ crime ” is a mysterious environmental calamity – a fish die-off that began five years ago . The scene of the crime is the “ Gray Area ,” a watershed that includes forests , a city , a town , a coast , three rivers , a lake , and a pond . Student sleuths are challenged to identify the culprit by assessing the statements of various suspects , analyzing reference materials and files , and conducting water quality tests .
Gardening and Greenhouses Friday , March 24 10 am
Spring is for gardening and greenhouses that allow us to start growing plants earlier . Investigate seeds and how they sprout , fling seedballs in the prairie , press flowers to take home , and make mini greenhouses to watch a plant grow at home ! Be sure to wear your galoshes while gardening because it ’ s often muddy this time of year .
Ecosystem Investigations Friday , March 24 • 1 pm
There are specific plants that grow in the main habitats of McCloud Nature Park , but why do they grow there ? What makes these ecosystems stand apart from each other ? Let ’ s really dig in by taking soil samples , and temperature and wind measurements to answer these questions .
Park Pests Friday , April 21
10 am
Can you track down the pests of McCloud Nature Park ? Discover how plants and animals are spread by accident and on purpose .
Learn how to identify some invasive plants and animals while walking trails and playing games to show how these species can cause problems in the forest .
Undesirable Flora and Fauna Friday , April 21 • 1 pm
Even in protected areas such as McCloud Nature Park , park managers battle plants and insects that are from other parts of the world . These are called “ invasive species ” and live in our area due to accidental or planned introductions . We ’ ll consider why these species are problematic , participate in real-world dilemma discussions , and improve the park by removing invasive plants .
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