Introduction
Come explore the outdoor classroom at Five Rivers Center! Guided outdoor lessons are led by naturalist instructors (12-15 students per instructor) who guide student observations and hands-on activities. Offered to pre-K through grade 8, these classes cover topics from animal signs to pond study and incorporate NYS learning standards (especially MST living environment). The 1-2 hour lessons focus on concepts like interrelationships, adaptation and life cycles and actively engage students in the learning process.
Five Rivers Guided School Program
Guided Outdoor Class Topics
Reservations and Fees
Fall and Spring:
Exploring the Out-of-Doors
An introduction to science that encourages students to use their five senses to make their own discoveries as they explore wild habitats. Hands-on activities help the students enjoy exploring the outdoors.
Animal Signs
An introduction to New York wildlife and its habitats. Students search for clues such as tracks, holes and nests to learn about animals’ needs and interrelationships. Seasonal changes in wildlife behavior are also explored.
Insects
Tools including hand lenses and nets are used to study these small but fascinating creatures. Students learn some basic classification skills, discuss insect life cycles, and investigate the importance of insects in the food web.
Stream Life
Discover the stream habitat from its currents to its wildlife. Students wade in the stream to collect aquatic organisms, which they observe and identify and then draw conclusions about the health of the stream.
World of the Pond
Investigate interrelationships within pond/wetland ecosystems. Students collect, observe and identify aquatic organisms, noting adaptations to the pond habitat. Discussion also includes human interactions with the pond community.
January - February:
Snowshoeing & Winter Challenges
The lesson begins with an indoor discussion of animal habitats and winter survival adaptations. Outdoors, the students search for animal signs and tracks. When weather allows, students wear snowshoes and learn basic snowshoeing techniques.
March:
Marvelous Maples
Students use all five senses during this hands-on lesson to watch the sap drip from trees, smell the sap boiling in the evaporator, and taste the sweet result. This 50-minute lesson includes an over-view of how a tree grows.
Reservations
Call Five Rivers Center at 475-0291 for more information or a reservation. Before your lesson you will be sent a letter of confirmation and pre-visit materials to help prepare your class for their outdoor adventure.
Fee Schedule
A fee is charged to cover the cost of running to program. This fee is based on the number of instructors needed. In all but the Maples classes, the fee is $35 for each instructor-led group:
1 instructor (up to 15 students) $35
2 instructors (up to 30 students) $70
3 instructors (up to 45 students) $105
4 instructors (up to 60 students) $140
5 instructors (up to 75 students) $175
6 instructors (up to 90 students)$210
Maples: $2 per student ($20 minimum per group).
Reimbursement is available through BOCES Arts in Education & Exploratory Enrichment Program.
Grade 2 - 4:
Pre-K - Grade 1:
Grade 3 - 4:
Grade 5 - 8:
Grade 4 - 8:
Pre-K - Grade 3:
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