PreK - 12 Programs Exploratory Programs • 3rd - 5th Grade
Programs are offered by semester, rain or shine as follows: Fall (August-December) or Spring (January-May). Alternate program plans will be used when outdoor investigations are limited by weather.
3rd Grade
Fall: Habitats of Keystone Species
Keystone species are organisms that play a critical role in maintaining the integrity of an ecosystem. Students will create a model of an alligator habitat found in the Okefenokee Swamp of Georgia and learn about several native animals that depend upon it. We will also discuss a local keystone species, the beaver, and how wetlands can be enhanced through its behaviors.
GPS: S3CS8; S3L1
AKS: 3SC-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,12,13
Spring: Sun, Soil, Organisms
Dig in deep for a closer look at soil as an essential foundation of the food web. Soil characteristics will be explored and tested. Meet some live decomposers up close and personal and learn about other organic and inorganic factors that contribute to the formation of our valuable soil.
GPS: S3CS8; S3E1; S3P1
AKS: 3SC-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,12
4th Grade
Fall: Water Matters
Students will have the opportunity to follow an imaginary rain drop through the water cycle at the Center. We will also highlight how the Center’s use of potable water is minimized and even re-used. Students will see the short “Blue Planet” film and enjoy educational activities to heighten awareness for water conservation.
GPS: S4CS8; S4E3,4
AKS: 4SC-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,10,11,12,13
Spring: Ecosystems & Animal Adaptations
Wild animals and plants have amazing physical and behavioral adaptations to help them survive in Georgia. Planned activities include interpretive learning about bird and alligator adaptations and a study of animal skulls to better understand predator-prey relationships.
GPS: S4CS8; S4L1; S4L2
AKS: 4SC-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,15,16
5th Grade
Fall: Classification
There are so many living organisms in our world. Students will have a chance to organize (classify) specimens into animal groups (classes) by using their observation skills and dichotomous keys. An outdoor walk will explore our local flora and fauna, focusing on observation and identification techniques. Small groups of students will explore fallen logs using Brock Magiscopes and other investigative tools.
GPS: S5CS8; S5L1
AKS: 5SC-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,12,13,15
Spring: Harnessing Energy from the Sun
Leaves act as solar collectors while they carry out the process of photosynthesis. Likewise, photovoltaic cells convert energy from the sun directly into electric currents. Students will participate in building a model using solar cells and see other applicable uses of employing solar energy.
GPS: S5CS8; S5P3
AKS: 5SC-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,9.10,11
AKS 5SC-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,9.10,11
Gifted Education and Science Clubs
Water Quality Investigations: Students participate in biological and chemical stream monitoring to assess the physical and chemical properties of water and then assess the stream habitat.
Contact the Education Registrar for more details!
Museum Tour For All Grade Levels
Students will learn about the history and importance of water resources in Georgia through a guided tour of the Blue Planet Theater, Discover H20, and Water Ways exhibits. An outdoor interpretive walk is included in this program. Traveling exhibits are offered throughout the year and if applicable, will be included in a museum tour.
For reservations, call our Education Registrar at 770.904.3513 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) maintains a partnership with the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center (Center) through its on-going support of educational programs designed to advance student achievement in science. The GCPS Director of Science oversees the educational content of the programs offered at the Center and welcomes your suggestions.
For questions concerning curriculum content and matters, please contact:
Mary Elizabeth Davis, Director of Science at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text76944 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //--> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
