PreK - 12 Programs Kindergarten - 2nd Grade
IBIS Programs
(Iddy Biddy Investigative Scientists)
Programs are offered by semester rain or shine as follows: Fall (August-December) or Spring (January-May).
Alternate programs plans will be used when outdoor investigations are limited by weather
Kindergarten
Fall & Spring: Exploring Plants, Animals, Rocks, and Soil
Students will have the opportunity to learn more about plants and animals found in Georgia during fun learning activities and a forest walk. During outdoor time, children will explore rocks and soil and will be encouraged to look, listen, touch and even smell nature’s wonders.
GPS SKCS6; SKL2; SKE2
AKS KSC-1,2,3,4,5,6,8, 13
1st Grade
Fall: Water: A Precious Natural Resource
Students will engage in water conservation activities and learn several ways people can protect this precious natural resource. Students will follow “Carlos the Fish” as he travels downstream and encounters pollutants and other threats to his habitat. The program includes viewing the “Blue Planet” film and a nature walk focusing on the relationship between rain water and the environment.
GPS: S1CS7; S1E2
AKS: 1SC-1,2,3,4,5,6,8,12
Spring: Light, Sound and Living Things
Students will explore how different animals use their senses to communicate and survive in the natural world. Planned activities include interpretive games and an introduction to nocturnal animal adaptations.
GPS: S1CS7; S1P1; S1L1
AKS: 1SC-1,2,3,4,5,6,10,12
2nd Grade
Fall: Life Cycle of the Honeybee
Honeybees are important pollinators that support agricultural and natural systems. Participants will discover how interesting these beneficial insects are through exploration centers and learning activities. Students will learn about the effects of environmental changes upon various life cycle stages of this important organism through an interactive activity. A distant observation of the GEHC beehives will also be included in this program.
GPS: S2CS7; S2L1
AKS: 2SC-1,2,3,4,5,6,13
Spring: Exploring Environmental Changes
The impact of land and water pollution will be investigated as students participate in educational science activities designed to increase awareness and understanding of local environmental problems. Students will learn more about the role of citizen involvement in our communities by participating in an interactive indoor river cleanup simulation. Students will leave with an understanding of their role in the protection of aquatic ecosystems.
GPS: S2CS7; S2E3
AKS: 2SC-1,2,3,4,5,6,9
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_text44754 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //--> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
