Environmental Courses
These classes are primarily designed for 3rd-9th graders and allow the students to investigate their surroundings and discover things about the environment. In no way are these classes limited to younger students. Depending on the goals for older students, the material can be adapted to include instruction, discussion and field investigation.
Aquatic Ecology
Exploring Ponds and Streams
Students
explore several aquatic ecosystems and discover first hand (and feet!) what
lives there. Students learn where aquatic animals live, what they eat and
about their interactions with each other. Key concepts/vocabulary: hydrology,
water cycle, metamorphosis, invertebrate, bog, pond, lake and stream.
- 3 hours
- Very experiential
- Ideal for 3rd-8th graders
- Has been adapted successfully for older students
Forest Ecology
The Wonder and Mystery of Forests
Examine a leaf up close to see what you can learn.
By exploring healthy forests, students learn there is much more to a forest than just trees. They will learn how a tree works, why certain species grow where they do and why humans and animals need trees. Students also discuss forests as a system of plants, animals and decomposers. Key concepts/vocabulary: dichotomous key, habitat, erosion, photosynthesis, decomposers, deciduous/evergreen, xylem, phloem, seed dispersal and succession.
- 3 hours
- Ideal for 3rd-8th graders
- Has been adapted successfully for older students
General Ecology
Web of Life
This
class focuses on the interactions and dependencies of the smallest animals,
such as phytoplankton, to the largest animals, or keystone species. Through
discussion, activities and exploration each students will see how their
everyday actions affect the world around them. Several different communities
will be examined in order to see the interconnectedness between animals
and their environment. Key concepts/vocabulary: food chain/web, predator/prey,
consumers, producers, energy transfer and biomagnification.
- 1 1/2 hours
- Ideal for 3rd-6th graders
Geology
How the Blue Ridge Came to Be
Students learn how the Blue Ridge Mountains were formed and how they are still changing. Key concepts/vocabulary: formations, fault, geomorphology, geologic time, plate tectonics, metamorphic/igneous/sedimentary and geologic processes such as volcanism and erosion.
- 1 1/2 hours
- Ideal for 5th-8th graders
Mountain Ecology
Bio-Regional Ecology
The view from the top.
This course is an exploration of the unique Southern Appalachian Mountain Ecosystem through an active hike to one of Kanuga's viewpoints. Students examine how flora and fauna communities change with exposure to the sun, elevation and human disturbance. Key concepts/vocabulary: mixed deciduous, cove, hard wood, heath, microclimate, erosion and human impact.
- 3 hours
- Ideal for 7th-9th graders
Wildlife Ecology
Animals and Their World
This course focuses on the wildlife of the area and the importance of a healthy habitat. Students learn about the ecological niches of local mammals, invertebrates, birds, reptiles and amphibians. Participants explore and observe the area for wildlife and evidence of animal activity. Key concepts/vocabulary: adaptations, ecosystem, habitat, niche, competition, predator/prey, food web and classification.
- 3 hours
- Ideal for 3rd-8th graders
- Has been adapted successfully for older students
Take a look at our adventure courses.
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