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Environmental
Education
Programs
For Students
and Teachers
Inside:
School Field Trips
Teacher Workshops
Nature in the Classroom
Registration Forms
Overview
Thank you for your interest in Irvine Nature Center, your new place to Explore Nature
where you and your students will experience your field (trip) of dreams! We offer a wide
variety of environmental education programs for students and teachers, including high
quality field trips, engaging classroom presentations and informative teacher workshops.
The 2008-2009 school year will be a pivotal one for Irvine,
as we recently moved to a brand new state-of-the-art “green”
building in Owings Mills. The new Irvine Nature Center
building offers many green features, more classroom space,
and an expanded exhibit hall to explore nature indoors, and
is situated on 116 acres of land complete with wetlands,
woodlands and meadows to explore nature outdoors.
We are revising many of our school trips to take advantage
of the features of the new campus. Our field trips also com-
plement recently revised Baltimore County public school sci-
ence curricula. We will keep you advised of enhancements
via our website – www.ExploreNature.org. If your class is
unable to make a trip to Irvine, we also offer Nature in the
Classroom, an outreach program that allows children to inter-
act with nature within the comfort of their own classroom.
School field trips and Nature in the Classroom programs require mail-in registra-
tion – see forms on pages 7, 8 and 10. If you are interested in finding out more,
please call Courtney Sagal at (410) 484–2413 ext. 24.
Irvine Nature Center also offers education programs to the general public
(children, families, adults, scout groups, community
organizations, etc.). For more information,
please call Courtney Sagal at (410)
484–2413 ext. 24, or Irvine Nature Center
go to www.ExploreNature.org!
Established as a non-profit in
1975, Irvine Nature Center offers
programs of environmental studies to
children and adults of the greater
Baltimore area. Its mission is to inspire
appreciation and respect for the natural
world, to increase awareness of environ-
mental issues, and to encourage
individuals to sustain earth’s
ecosystem.
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School Field Trips
Irvine offers ten different field trips for Field Trip Preparation:
school groups. To schedule a trip, complete Field trips take place outdoors. Children
and return the enclosed registration and adults should dress appropriately for
form(s) as soon as possible for Fall 2008 weather conditions. If the weather is
(page 7) or Winter/Spring 2009 (page 8). unsafe, an Irvine staff member will tele-
See pages 5 and 6 for registration instruc- phone the contact person at least one hour
prior to the start of the program. Please be
tions. Registration will begin on August
sure that all of your students have
20, 2008, and forms will be processed in
nametags. Irvine provides one leader for
the order in which they are received. A
each trail group of 10 students. It is help-
small fee is charged for each student.
ful if students are broken into trail groups
During most trips, students work in small prior to arriving at the Center. Exhibit Hall & Nature Store:
groups to make observations, collect data, You should plan to stay for a brief time
compare and classify organisms, and Chaperones and Carpooling: after the conclusion of the field trip so
draw conclusions. Students who visit the The school should bring a minimum of your students can visit Irvine’s expanded
Center will receive the maximum benefit if one, but no more than two adults for every exhibit hall. The Irvine Nature Store is
the trip is taught as one part of a school 10 students. Adults include teachers, open year round, and features nature toys,
teacher aides and parents. There is no gifts, books and birding supplies. If you
unit. To help enrich the experience, Irvine
charge for accompanying adults. would like to visit the Nature Store as part
sends background information and
Carpooling is strongly encouraged. of your field trip experience, please include
pre/post field trip activity suggestions to
extra time and advise your group prior
teachers. Many of our field trips comple-
to the visit.
ment the Baltimore County School science
curriculum (see table below) and National
Science Education Standards.
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School Field Trip topics
Sensing Nature Wild Animal Survival Geology Rocks!
(4 years old - kindergarten) (4th - 5th grades) (4th - 6th grades)
Maximum Group Size: 50 Maximum Group Size: 50 Maximum Group Size: 30
Cost: $3 per student Cost: $4 per student Cost: $5 per student
Trip Length: 1.25 hours Trip Length: 2 hours Trip Length: 2.5 hours, morning only
Seasons: Fall & Spring Seasons: Fall & Spring Months: April & May Only
Children will be encouraged to use all of Animal adaptations, survival and the chal- This field trip focuses on the significance
their senses as they explore the woods, lenges of habitat competition will be high- of rocks and minerals we encounter every
meadows and other habitats surrounding lighted during an indoor presentation fea- day. The program includes an indoor pres-
Irvine Nature Center. This program com- turing both live and stuffed animals. entation, a series of hands-on stations, and
plements the Baltimore County kinder- Students will then walk through a variety a trail walk. Activities include identifying
garten unit Animals and Plants. of ecosystems, conduct a habitat assess- rock types and properties, testing soil,
ment, and participate in activities that observing signs of weathering, sedimenta-
Seasonal Changes illustrate the cycles of energy and interac- tion, and human influence.
(1st - 3rd grades) tions of plants and animals. This program
Maximum Group Size: 50 complements the Baltimore County 4th Maple Sugaring
Cost: $3 per student grade unit Eco Scouts. (4 years old - college)
Trip Length: 1.5 hours Maximum Group Size: 50
Seasons: Fall & Spring Introduction to Birds Cost: $3 per student
(4th - 5th grades) Trip Length: 1 hour (4 yrs. old & K)
Plants and animals adjust their growth and
Maximum Group Size: 50 1.5 hours (1st - college)
activities based on seasonal changes in light
Cost: $4 per student Month: February
and temperature. This field trip encourages
Trip Length: 2 hours, morning only
youngsters to explore (using all of their Sugar making has been an early spring
Seasons: Fall & Spring
senses) the natural events characteristic of activity for centuries. This program focuses
the current season. Fall topics include An indoor presentation (featuring both live on teaching students how to recognize
migration, seed dispersal, insects and how and stuffed birds, nests and feathers) will maple trees, how sap moves within trees,
animals prepare for winter. Spring topics introduce the unique adaptations of birds and how the sap is collected and made
include bird nesting, flower pollination, in comparison with other vertebrates. into syrup and candy. This program com-
seed germination and the emergence of During a walk along the Center's trails, plements many Baltimore County units
new plant leaves. This program comple- students will conduct a bird census and such as Animals and Plants (K), Skeeters
ments the Baltimore County 1st grade unit record observations of behaviors, flight (2nd), and Origins (4th). Note: Program
Eco-Explorers. patterns, field marks, and habitats. length varies with age (see above)
4
MIDDLE SCHOOLS, HIGH
SCHOOLS, COLLEGES
Field trips for middle schools, high schools
and colleges are tailored to the needs of the
specific class. Modifications of the above
trips can be arranged for older age groups
and we welcome requests for other topics.
Teachers should call the Center to discuss
their options.
Introduction to
Environmental Education HIGH SCHOOL INTERNSHIP
(college) (SENIORS)
Maximum Group Size: 30 Duties will vary by season, but may include
Cost: $3 per student preparing for programs/special events, ani-
Trip Length: 1.5 hours HOME SCHOOLS mal care, trail work, gardening and special
Seasons: Fall & Spring In addition to the above listed field trip projects. Positions are available during the
Learn how to make science come alive topics, home school groups can call the school year on a full or part-time basis
through an outdoor field trip. Discuss how Center to arrange programs tailored to depending on academic schedules. Call the
to effectively use the resources of a nature their science curriculum. Center for more information.
center, how to prepare yourself and your
students for a field trip, as well as experi- SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS
ence an outdoor walk involving hands-on, Children with special needs can benefit
environmental games and activities. from brief nature walks and hands-on, live
Recommended for college majors in natu- animal demonstrations either at the Center
ral sciences, education, psychology, and or as an outreach program. Call the Center
other related areas. for details.
Seasonal Changes 1.5 $3.00 50 1st-3rd grade AM & PM Fall & Spring
Wild Animal Survival 2 $4.00 50 4th-5th grade AM & PM Fall & Spring
Native Americans 2.5 $5.00 40 4th-5th grade AM Only April & May Only
Geology Rocks! 2.5 $5.00 30 4th-6th grade AM Only April & May Only
Introduction to Ecology 1.5 $3.00 30 6th grade- college AM & PM Fall & Spring
5
Field Trip Registration Procedures
To schedule an Irvine field trip General Field Trip Information Completing The
for the 2008/2009 school year: Registration Form(s)
2008/2009 Field Trip Seasons:
1. Read these instructions and the Fall: September 30 - November 14 1. Read all instructions thoroughly and
registration form(s) carefully. Winter: February 2 - February 26 make certain form(s) are complete and
Spring: March 16 - May 15 accurate. Incomplete forms will delay
2. Complete the appropriate school your registration.
registration form in this brochure or Forms
online at our website There are separate forms for Fall 2008 2. Fill out Section I of the Field Trip
www.explorenature.org (page 7) and Winter/Spring 2009 (page 8). Registration form(s)
Fall 2008 Season located on page 7 Registration will begin on August 20, 2008. (preliminary information).
or Winter/Spring 2009 Season located Please return your form(s) promptly as they
on page 8. will be processed in the order in which they 3. Complete the chart in Section II
are received. No registrations will be taken requesting specific field trip
3. Return the form to Irvine as soon as over the telephone. You will be notified by information for each group that you
possible either via mail, fax mail as to your field trip status. would like to schedule.
410-484-3573 or hand delivery. Note: Morning time slots fill more
Group Size rapidly than afternoon slots.
4. Registration will begin on August 20, Irvine can accommodate a maximum of 50
2008. Forms will be processed in the students in one morning or afternoon, 4. Select dates: IMPORTANT - Review
order in which they are received. You unless otherwise specified on Field Trip the calendar on the registration form
will be notified by mail as to your field Summary table. Teachers who wish to and cross off any dates you would not
trip status. schedule groups larger than 50 can divide be able to visit the Center (remember
their class into smaller groups. One group school holidays and teacher workshops).
5. Phone registrations are not accepted. can be scheduled in the morning and Circle your preferred dates. Those dates
another in the afternoon of the same day. not circled or crossed off remain viable
Please note that separate checks for each Groups can also be scheduled on different options. If your preferred dates are not
program is preferred. days. Please note that we cannot accom- available, we may use any unmarked
modate groups of less than 5 students. dates to schedule your trip.
Groups between 5 and 10 students will be
charged for 10 students. Field Trip Confirmation
Once your school is scheduled, you will be
Note: the count you give us upon reserva- mailed a confirmation packet. Upon
tion is how we calculate the amount you receiving your packet, we ask that you sign
owe upon arrival. If your counts change and return the Policy Guidelines
you must notify us at least 3 days prior to Acceptance postcard. Your Field Trip is not
your visit or you will be responsible for the considered confirmed until receipt of your
full amount at time of the reservation. postcard. We will notify teachers by post-
card if we are unable to schedule a field
Starting Times trip and the group will be placed on a
Morning trips usually begin at 10 a.m. and waiting list. The contact person will be
afternoon trips at 12:30 p.m. or later notified via telephone if a time slot
(school transportation often makes starting becomes available. If you have any ques-
later than1 p.m. unfeasible). However, tions, please call Courtney Sagal at 410-
start times are flexible. Read the descrip- 484-2413, ext. 24.
tion of your desired field trip to learn of
any limitations.
Weather Conditions
If the weather is unsafe, the contact person
will be telephoned at least one hour prior
to the start of the program.
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Office Use Only:
Date received:_______________
School Field Trip Registration Form
Conf. Sent: _________________
FALL SEASON - 2008
I. PRELIMINARY INFORMATION
INSTRUCTIONS: Please write clearly and
complete all sections of this registration Contact Person __________________________________________________________
form. Submit form via mail, fax, or in-per- School or Organization ____________________________________________________
son as soon as possible. Retain a copy for
❏ Public ❏ Private
your records. Trips will be booked after
August 20, 2008. Address: ❏ Home? ❏ School?
Street _________________________________________________________________
III. AVAILABLE DATES: Cross out
City______________________________________ State______ Zip_______________
dates when you cannot come and circle
preferred dates. Dates not circled remain Phone # (school) ___________________________ (home) ______________________
viable options and will be booked if Best time to contact you via telephone ________________________________________
your preferred dates are not available.
Email _________________________________________________________________
SEPTEMBER
M T W T F Location: ❏ Balt. Co ❏ Balt. City ❏ Other: If other, please specify_____________
X 30
II. FIELD TRIP INFORMATION
Please note: A minimum of one, but no more than two adults per ten students is allowed.
OCTOBER
M T W T F Picnic Lunch
Desired at Irvine?
1 2 3 Group # Grade Walk Type # of Children Starting Time (Y or N)
X 7 8 X 10
EXAMPLE 3RD Sensing Nature 35 10:00 a.m Y
X 14 15 16 X
Group 1.
X 21 22 23 24
Group 2.
27 28 29 30 X
Group 3.
I. PRELIMINARY INFORMATION
INSTRUCTIONS: Please write clearly and
complete all sections of this registration Contact Person __________________________________________________________
form. Submit form via mail, fax, or in-per-
School or Organization ____________________________________________________
son as soon as possible. Retain a copy for
your records. Trips will be booked after ❏ Public ❏ Private
August 20, 2008.
Address: ❏ Home? ❏ School?
III.AVAILABLE DATES: Cross out
dates when you cannot come and circle Street _________________________________________________________________
preferred dates. Dates not circled remain City______________________________________ State______ Zip_______________
viable options and will be booked if
your preferred dates are not available. Phone # (school) ___________________________ (home) ______________________
Best time to contact you via telephone ________________________________________
FEBRUARY Email _________________________________________________________________
M T W T F
2 3 4 5 6
Location: ❏ Balt. Co ❏ Balt. City ❏ Other: If other, please specify_____________
9 10 11 12 13
X 17 18 19 20 II. FIELD TRIP INFORMATION
23 24 25 26 X Please note: A minimum of one, but no more than two adults per ten students is allowed.
Group 2.
APRIL
M T W T F Group 3.
1 2 3
6 7 8 9 X Is this a title one school? ❏ Yes ❏ No
13 14 15 16 17 How many students have an IEP?_____ How many students have a 504 plan? ______
20 21 22 23 X If your group is large and/or you are booking more than one day or program, please tell us:
27 X X 30 Total number of trips with this program = ________________
Check all that you are able (you may rank preferences):
MAY Same program on various days ❏ Yes ❏ No
M T W T F Same program consecutive days ❏ Yes ❏ No
1 Multiple programs on same date ❏ Yes ❏ No
4 5 6 7 8
What is the latest time your class could begin an afternoon walk?
11 12 13 14 15
(Remember bus schedule.)________ p.m.
X = No walks scheduled this day Are there any special needs students of which staff should be aware? ❏ Yes ❏ No
If you prefer a morning, but morn- If yes, please explain: _____________________________________________________
ings are filled, would you accept an ______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
afternoon walk? ❏ Yes ❏ No
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Nature in the Classroom
Irvine's Nature in the Classroom program is especially useful for schools that cannot visit
the Center for field trips. The programs take place at your school and are scheduled dur-
ing December and January (scheduling is limited in spring and fall). The cost for each
program is outlined below. If a program is given twice on the same day, the combined
cost is reduced by $25. Traveling expenses of $25 will be added for schools located
more than 20 miles from Irvine. Registration will begin August 20, 2008. To register for
a classroom outreach program, complete and return the form on page 10. If you have
questions, call Courtney Sagal at 410-484-2413, ext. 24.
11
11201 Garrison Forest Road
Owings Mills, MD 21117
Ph: 410.484.2413
2008-2009
Education Programs
Environmental