Kindergarten - 2nd Grade

IBIS Programs for K-2
(Iddy Biddy Investigative Scientists)
Young learners meet the idbids™ and increase their understanding of the nature of science.
Programs are offered by semester, either Fall (September-December) or Spring (January-May). These indoor and outdoor classroom investigations provide an integrated approach to the selected educational standard.  They do not include the exhibits or the Blue Planet Theater.

Kindergarten IBIS Program

Fall: Exploring Plants and Animals
Using the senses to explore plants and animals though nature walks, learning center investigations and structured games, students discover how to take small steps to conserve Georgia’s plants and animals.
GPS SKCS6; SKL2
AKS KLA_A2005-4; KMA_A2007-4; KSC_A2007-1,2,3,4,5,6; D2007-13; KSS_B2008-2,4

Spring: Exploring Rocks & Soil
The dirt under our feet is explored using the senses during nature walks, learning center investigations and structured games. Soil conservation is explored and the small steps necessary for the sustainability of plant and animal life are explained.
GPS SKCS6; SKE2
AKS KLA_A2005-4; KMA_A2007-4; KSC_A2007-1,2,3,4,5,6; B2007-8; KSS_B2008-2,4

1st Grade IBIS Program

Fall: Water: A Precious Natural Resource
More than rain, snow, sleet and hail, water is a natural resource available to everyone if used wisely. Students will explore the small steps that can ensure abundant, drinkable water is available for communities through nature walks, learning center investigations and structured games.
GPS S1CS7; S1E2
AKS 1LA_A2005-1,2; 1MA_A2007-16; 1SC_A2007-1,2,3,4,5,6; B2007-8; D2007-12; 1SS_C2008-11; K2008-35

Spring: Light, Sound and Living Things
Students will explore the basic needs of plants and animals as well as learn how sound and light contribute to growth and development in natural systems. Students will explore the basic needs of living things. Through nature walks, learning center investigations and structured games, students will learn small steps they can take towards conserving natural resources.
GPS S1CS7; S1P1; S1L1
AKS 1LA_A2005-1,2; 1MA_A2007-16; 1SC_A2007-1,2,3,4,5,6; C2007-10; D2007-12; 1SS_C2008-11; K2008-35

2nd Grade IBIS Program

Fall: Life Cycle of the Honeybee
Through the life cycle of a honeybee, students will understand the effects of environmental change on this small but important organism. Students will investigate the small steps they can take to help provide for the basic needs of plants, animals and people through nature walks, learning center investigations and structured games.
GPS S2CS7; S2L1
AKS 2LA_2005-4,5; 2MA_A2007-16; 2SC_A2007-1,2,3,4,5,6; D2007-13; 2SS_A2008-6

Spring: Exploring Environmental Changes
The impact of changing climates and periods of flood and drought on plants and animals will be explored through nature walks, learning center investigations and structured games. Students will learn the small steps they can take to reduce environmental stress on ecosystems.
GPS S2CS7; S2E3
AKS 2LA_A2005-4,5; 2MA_A2007-16; 2SC_A2007-1,2,3,4,5,6; B2007-9; 2SS_A2008-6

Museum Tours
The Museum Tour option is available for Kindergarten – 2nd 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.

2009-2010 Guidelines
Kindergarten – 2nd Grade Programs
September 8 – May 7

• Reservations are required. IBIS 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.
• For Kindergarten – 2^nd Grade Programs, 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 IBIS 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 IBIS Programs and Museum Tours
Gwinnett County Student $7.00
Out-of-County Student $10.00

In 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 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