High School

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

Extended Study Programs:
Advanced Placement Biology Labs (for AP Biology students only)
Time: 8am-1pm
Group size: Minimum of 16 students; Maximum of 32 students
Chaperones: Teacher attendance and participation is required; no chaperones are necessary
Program Description: In this intensive program, students will complete 2-3 labs during their visit. Students are expected to have read and be very familiar with lab procedures prior to their visit. Program time is devoted to lab activity completion. Approximately 30 minutes will be scheduled for lunch.
Lab Choices: Teachers will choose any 2-3 of the following College Board labs for students to complete:

• Lab #1: Diffusion and Osmosis
• Lab #2: Enzyme Catalysis
• Lab #4: Plant Pigments and Photosynthesis
• Lab #5: Cell Respiration
• Lab #11: Animal Behavior – Part A
• Lab #12: Dissolved Oxygen and Primary Productivity

Water Quality Field Study
Time: 9am-1pm
Group size: Minimum of 15 students; Maximum of 60 students
Chaperones: A minimum of 1 chaperone per 15 students is required; maximum chaperone number is 4.
Program Description: Students will participate in chemical and biological stream-water monitoring as well as take a guided walking tour of the F. Wayne Hill Water Resources Center, Gwinnett’s most advanced wastewater treatment facility.
GPS/AKS: This program meets academic standards for the following courses – Environmental Science, AP Environmental Science, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, Biology, Chemistry, and Microbiology.

Introduction to Gel Electrophoresis
Time: 9am – 12pm
Group size: Minimum of 15 students; Maximum of 32 students
Chaperones: Teacher attendance and participation is required; no chaperones are necessary
Program Description: Students will be required to complete a pre-lab activity prior to their visit to familiarize them with gel electrophoresis. During their visit, students will gain hands-on experience with a variety of lab equipment as they separate fragments of DNA using gel electrophoresis to help solve a fictitious crime!
GPS/AKS: This program meets academic standards for the following courses – Biotechnology, Biology or Forensic Science.

Tours

F. Wayne Hill Water Resources Center Tour
Time: 10:30-12:30
Group size: Minimum of 21 students; Maximum of 112 students
Chaperones: 1 chaperone per 28 students is required; maximum chaperone number is 4
Program Description: Take a guided, walking tour of Gwinnett’s state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facility! Students will follow the path of wastewater as it is treated through numerous fascinating processes at the F. Wayne Hill Water Resources Center near GEHC.
GPS/AKS: This program meets academic standards for the following courses – Environmental Science, AP Environmental Science, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, Biology, Chemistry, and Microbiology.

Museum Tour
Time: 11:00-12:30
The Museum Tour option is available for High School 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.

Coming soon….
Introduction to GIS (Geographic Information Systems)
Program Description: Students will be required to complete a pre-lab activity prior to participating in this program to familiarize them with GIS. During their visit, students will gain hands-on experience with environmental or ecological data collection how GIS can be used to analyze data in some very unique ways!  Check back to our website for updates.

High School Program Reservation Information

• Reservations are required.  Programs are offered during their advertised times only.
  Please note:  Late arrival will reduce program time.
• Chaperones are not required for lab programs.  The number of chaperones varies for extended study programs.
• Chaperones must be a minimum of 18 years old.
• Chaperones should make other arrangements for younger siblings.
• Lunchroom is available on a reservation-only basis. Please inquire with the registrar.

Admission for High School Programs
Gwinnett County Student or Chaperone $7.00
Out-of-County Student or Chaperone $10.00

AP LABS
Gwinnett County Student or Chaperone $8.00
Out-of-County Student or Chaperone $11.00

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

For reservations call 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 our programs, 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