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 2009-2010 Environmental Education Program 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: On A Voyage To Recycle!
Students will hop aboard the Mobro Trash Ship and discover how trash is managed in their community! They will evaluate their own trash and find ways they can cut down on the waste they produce daily. Science Standards 5: 1.6, 6.1, 1.7
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
- Boot Lake Nature Preserve Trail Map
Published: Thursday, November 19, 2009
Print out your own copy of the Boot Lake Trail map to enjoy a day outside hiking at Boot Lake Nature Preserve.
- 2009 Fall & Winter Green Gazette
Published: Wednesday, November 11, 2009
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.
- Fall 2009 Environmental Division Volunteer Brochure
Published: Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Are you looking for an opporunity to help the environment? If so please check out the Environmental Division's Fall Volunteer brochure to discover ways you can help your community and environment.
- 2009-2010 Environmental Education Brochure
Published: Wednesday, August 26, 2009
The Elkhart Environmental Division offers hands-on, environmental curriculum for Elkhart Community and Concord Schools. Curricula are available for grades kindergarten through sixth on topics such as recycling, water conservation, and the benefits of trees.
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