3-5th Grade

3-5th Grade Exploratory Programs

Programs are offered by semester, either Fall (September – December) or Spring (January – May).  They do not include the exhibits or Blue Planet Theater.

3^rd Grade Exploratory Program

Fall: Habitats of Keystone Species
Keystone species are organisms that play a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecosystem. Students will investigate which keystone species are found in Georgia and develop an appreciation for the role that conservation plays in protecting these vital organisms.
GPS S3CS8; S3L1
AKS 3LA_A2005-2, 3; 3MA_A2007-16; 3SC_A2006-1,2,3,4,5,6,7; D2006-12,13; 3SS_A2008-4,6,7

Spring: Sun, Soil, Organisms
The Sun and its flow of energy through an ecosystem will be explored as it relates to the composition of soil and the organisms that depend on soil for survival. Through outdoor investigations and classroom labs students will collect data and record their discoveries.
GPS S3CS8; S3E1; S3P1
AKS3LA_A2005-2,3; 3MA_A2007-16; 3SC_ A-1,2,3,4,5,6,7; B2006-8; D2006-12; 3SS_A2008-4,6,7

4^th Grade Exploratory Program

Fall: Water Matters
The importance of water for sustaining life and as a factor in the growth of communities will be explored through outdoor and classroom labs. The elements of green building practices displayed in the Center’s construction and architecture will be explored from the viewpoint of natural resources conservation.
GPS S4CS8; S4E3
AKS4LA_A2005-3,4; 4MA_A2007-14; 4SC_A2006-1,2,3,4,5,6,7; B2006-10,11; C2006-12,13; 4SS_A2008-6,7,8

Spring: Ecosystems & Animal Adaptations
Plant and animals in the Center’s forest will be examined on the basis of their adaptations through outdoor investigations and classroom labs. Students will compare and contrast similarities and differences of organisms in this ecosystem.
GPS S4CS8; S4L1 & S4L2
AKS 4LA _A2005-3,4; 4MA_A2007-14; 4SC_A2006-1,2,3,4,5,6,7; D2006-15,16; 4SS_A2008-6,7,8

5^th Grade Exploratory Program

Fall: Classification from Micro to Macro 
Identification of microscopic and macroscopic organisms that inhabit the forest around the Center will be explored as students gain experience from using scientific instruments.
GPS S5CS8; S5L1
AKS 5LA_A2005-1,2; 5MA_A2007-14; 5SC_A2006-1,2,3,4,5,6,7; D2006-12,13,15
5SS_A2008-6

Spring: Harnessing Energy from the Sun   
Leaves act as solar collectors as they carryout the process of photosynthesis. Likewise photovoltaic cells convert energy from the Sun directly into electrical currents. The use of solar cells for energy transformation will be investigated through a series of student simulations and labs.
GPS S5CS8; S5P3
AKS 5LA_A2005-1,2; 5MA_A2007-14; 5SC_A2006:1,2,3,4,5,6,7; C2006-9,10,11; 5SS A 2008-8,11,12

Museum Tours
The Museum Tour option is available for 3rd – 5th Grade groups. Students will learn about the history and importance of water through a guided tour of the Blue Planet Theater, Discover H20, Rivers to Reefs and Water Ways exhibits. Our Gold Certified LEED Building tour will allow students to gain more knowledge about reusing materials and sustainable practices. The Museum Tour does not include a trail walk.

Gifted Education Programs
Offered September 8 – May 7
3^rd Grade: Botany
4^th Grade: Coastal Ecosystems
5^th Grade: Hydrology
Contact the Lead Teachers for program details!

2009-2010 Guidelines
3^rd – 5^th Grade
September 8 – May 7

• Reservations are required. Exploratory and Gifted Education Programs  are offered daily Monday-Friday from 10:30am - 12:30pm. Museum Tours are offered daily Monday-Friday from 11:00am - 12:30pm.
  Please note: late arrival will reduce program time.
• Minimum class size is 21 students. Class size is limited to 27 students maximum. Total group size is limited to 81 students.
• The ratio for chaperones is 1:9. The maximum number of chaperones per class is 3. The minimum age for chaperones is 18 years old. Chaperones should make other arrangements for younger siblings.
• Lunch space is available on a reservation-only, first-come, first-served basis.
• The Exploratory Program does not include the exhibits or the Blue Planet Theater. Groups should register for the Museum Tour in order to utilize those amenities. The Museum Tour does not include a trail walk.
  

Admission for 3^rd – 5^th Grade Programs
Gwinnett County Student $7.00
Out-of-County Student $10.00

Gwinnett County Chaperone $7.00
Out-of-County Chaperone $10.00

There is no charge for teachers or staff with a valid school ID.

For reservations call our Education Registrar, Leslie Morris, at 770.904.3513

Gwinnett County Public Schools maintains a partnership with the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center through its on-going support of educational programs designed to advance student achievement in Science. GCPS Lead Teachers supervise the educational content of the programs offered at the Center and welcome your suggestions. For questions concerning curriculum, please contact:

For Pre-Kindergarten- 5th Grade Programs
Contact: Kathy Barrett at kathy_barrett(at)gwinnett.k12.ga.us

For Middle & High School Programs
Contact: Holly Rutledge at holly_rutledge(at)gwinnett.k12.ga.us