Wet and Wild

Get ready for a wet and wild time! Children will learn about life cycles and the needs of insects, fish and amphibians by exploring outdoors and examining the environments in which they live. Ecosystem concepts will be explored as we discuss how plants and animals fit into an aquatic food chain. A “creek walk” in knee-deep water enables ecology to come alive for students as they use nets and magnifying boxes to capture everything from minnows to dragonfly nymphs.
 
Principles:
  • Many insects are aquatic in their larval or nymph form, and are terrestrial as adults after undergoing a metamorphosis.
  • Aquatic insects have survival strategies and physical structures that enable them to thrive in particular aquatic habitats.
  • Aquatic ecosystems are comprised of producers, consumers and decomposers just as terrestrial ecosystems are.
  • The presence of aquatic insects in a stream provides insight into water quality, which may be impacted by human activity.
Duration: 1.5 hours
 
Cost: $5.00 per student. Payment should be given to the instructor at the start of the program. No charge for one teacher/adult for every five students. 
Months Offered: September through October, mid-March through May.
 
NC Science Curriculum Goals: 
            First Grade: 1.02, 1.04, 1.05
Second Grade: 1.01, 1.02, 1.03, 1.04
Fourth Grade: 1.01, 1.02, 1.03, 1.05
Fifth Grade: 1.01, 1.02, 1.03, 1.04, 1.05, 1.06, 1.07
 
Starting Location: In front of the Production Greenhouse (support facility) at the program start time (either 9:30 am or 12:00 pm) set upon booking the program. Groups arriving early may enjoy the property and facilities. 
 
What do my students need?
Students should wear clothing that is appropriate for the weather. In addition, students must be ready to enter the creek at the beginning of the program. Sandals or old tennis shoes may be worn in the creek. A change of clothing is recommended.  Students with physical disabilities or limitations are capable of participating in the creek walk, but the instructor should be told prior to day of the program to make any special arrangements.
 
Want to schedule this program? Contact Lauren Pyle, Environmental Education Specialist, at lpyle@ncarboretum.org or (828) 665-2492 ext. 224