Field Trips & Presentations
The Environmental Division offers a wide variety of environmental education programs at the Elkhart Environmental Center and in the classroom year round. Since 1989, over 60,000 elementary school children from area schools have pa
rticipated in the Center's youth education programs. Programs are focused on how kids can help planet earth through recycling, composting and being good 'planet pals.'
The primary school field trip audience is Kindergarten through 6th grade classes in the Elkhart Community and Concord School Districts. Other grades, schools, summer camps, scout troops and home-school groups are also welcome to schedule a trip as space allows (a $1 donation per student is requested).
We are presently scheduling for the 2009/2010 school year. It is preferred that only one class visit at a time, but with the teacher's assistance two classrooms can schedule per time period. Programs can be scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesdays and Thursdays in any season. For more information call 574-293-5070.
Download the 2010-2011 Environmental Education Brochure.
*Please note: Due to transportation costs and extra staff time involved, the presentation in the classroom option is reserved for the Elkhart Community Schools only. All others must plan for a field trip to the EEC.
Kindergarten: Think Earth
This program will focus on simple things young children can do to help the earth while emphasizing recycling. Children will get a chance to discover what materials go in a recycling bin and what goes in the trash! Science Standards K: 1.1, 2.1, 3.1
1st Grade: Hooray for Kerplop!
Kerplop! The Water Drop will lead students on a path of exploration as they discover the dangers of water pollution. Through hands-on activities, students will understand how they can help protect water in their daily lives. Science Standards 1: 1.2, 6.1, 6.2
2nd Grade: Tree Treasures!
Besides wood, what else can trees provide? This program will help students understand why trees are important to the earth. Students will become tree explorers as they learn the different parts of a tree, inside and out, and how they work together. Science Standards 2: 1.3, 1.7, 3.1, 3.4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3
3rd Grade: The Five R's!
Students will learn why recycling is so important by looking at the Waste Pizza and seeing how much trash can really recycle. They will put their new knowledge to the test as they become a wise shopper to help the environment. Science Standards 3: 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.8, 2.1,4.8
4th Grade: Concentrate on Conservation
Did you know that you could conserve energy and save $20-$60 with a few simple adjustments? Conservation will come to life when students interact as energy resources. This unique experience will help students visually interpret and understand the importance of conservation and the impact one person can make! Science Standards 4: 2.4, 3.11, 3.14
5th Grade: Stop the Drop!
Students will be taken on an incredible journey through the water treatment plant and discover how their water is cleaned for everyday usage. They will determine how their actions today can affect the future quality of the Earth's water supply. Science Standards 5:1.3, 1.6, 1.5
6th Grade: Focus on Groundwater
Kids will explore why the Elkhart Environmental Center is covered in clay and the importance of protecting our resources. Students will be able to see trash from different prespectives as they run their own town and decide the fate of their town's trash. Science Standards: 6: 1.8,1.9, 3.8, 3.14, 4.8, 5.2, 7.2
Available to All Grades: Worms Eat My Garbage...
Students will explore the world of worm composting, see what worms do and why they are so important to our earth. They will make a worm bin for their classroom to take care of and educators will recieve a vermicomposting curriculum for year long learning. Limit of one classroom per session. $15 additional fee for worm bin materials. Science Standards 3: 1.2, 1.8, 2.1, 2.2, 2.5, 4.1, 4.3, 4.4 (with worm bin: 3: 1.3, 2.)
News & Notices
- Summer 2010 Green Gazette
Published: Thursday, June 10, 2010
The Green Gazette is a regular publication of the City of Elkhart's Environmental Division. Inside you'll find out about our upcoming events and helpful information and environmental tips.
- Elkhart Environmental Center Biennial Report
Published: Friday, March 19, 2010
Check out all of the accomplishment's of the Elkhart Environmental Center over the last two year. Discover how many people were reached, our partners and much more.
- Adopt-A-Trail Map for Boot Lake Nature Preserve
Published: Tuesday, March 09, 2010
Interested in making a difference in your community while getting outside? You can adopt-a-trail in the City of Elkhart. Volunteers will maintain trails at Boot Lake, the Elkhart Environmental Center, Woodlawn Nature Preserve or the River Green Way. For more information call the Elkhart Environmental Center at 574-293-5070.
- Spring 2010 Green Gazette
Published: Thursday, February 18, 2010
The Green Gazette is a regular publication of the City of Elkhart's Environmental Division. Inside you'll find out about our upcoming events and helpful information and environmental tips.
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