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K-12 School Programs

Merry Lea Homeschool Series 2008-09

For Home School Students grade 1-12

Thursday, 9/18/08 Nature's Recyclers (Learning Center)
Students become detectives to search for as many of nature’s recyclers as they can find. In the process, they learn that there is nothing in the natural world that is not eventually recycled – broken down to its basic parts to be used again by some other part of the natural system. Students discover how this happens & why it is important to the environment.

Thursday, 10/23/08     Rock Cycle (Glacial Retreat Center)
Dig into northeastern Indiana’s rich geological history! Students start inside for a slide introduction explaining glaciers & their impact on this area. The rest of the program time is then spent outside experiencing the results of glacial activity firsthand. Students hike down an esker, moving through layers of top soil & glacial till until they finally reach a peat bog at the bottom. Students also explore & identify rocks in an abandoned gravel pit discovering the variety of treasures left behind by receding glaciers.

Thursday, 11/13/08     Feathered Frenzy (Learning Center)
Answer questions about birds, their seasonal adaptations & behaviors. Students will inspect mounts, examine feathers, explore flight & make nests. Outdoors students will learn correct use of binoculars & use them to observe & identify birds in a variety of habitats.

Thursday, 2/12/09        Winter Nature (Learning Center)
Enjoy the wonders of winter! Students explore how people, plants & animals cope with winter. Outdoors they search for signs of life in the wintry woods & meadows. Some indoor activities are also included to allow time for warming up.

Thursday, 4/23/09        Land Ethic (Start at Learning Center / End at Farmstead)
During an extended hike, students will increase their awareness of the land & explore ways they can become better stewards of that land. Students will discover how land is a community that yields a cultural harvest. They will also explore the meaning of "land ethic". This program is based on the writings & ideas of Aldo Leopold, known as the father of wildlife management. Leopold was a conservationist, forester, teacher, writer, philosopher & outdoor enthusiast. His best-known book is The Sand County Almanac.

Thursday, 5/28/09      Bog to Swamp to Marsh (Luckey's Landing)
Wetlands are a vital part of Indiana and we don't know a whole lot about them. Hiking from wetland to wetland we will compare and contrast different types of wetlands, we will identify various soil types and we will get into a wet area to explore it first hand!  Bring a complete change of clothes!!

Time: 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Cost:
$7.50 per student for each session or
$40 per student for all 6 sessions if paid at the September session.    
$20 maximum per family per session.

*Please register at least one week in advance by calling 260-799-5869.

Directions to Merry Lea