PreK - 12 Programs Exploratory Programs • 6th – 8th Grade
Programs are offered by semester, rain or shine, as follows: Fall (August-December) or Spring (January-May). Programs are offered Monday - Friday from 10:30am - 12:30pm. Alternate program plans will be used when outdoor investigations are limited by weather.
6th Grade
Fall: Soil Rocks!
Earth’s soil layers support our trees, agricultural systems and houses. Students will explore soil formation in Gwinnett County by collecting and analyzing field samples using instruments. Participants will gain a greater understanding and appreciation for the diversity of life in rich soil layers and the importance of soil conservation efforts.
GPS: S6CS4; S6E5
AKS: 6SC-14; 6SC-17; 6SS-1; 6SS-11
Spring: Meteorology & Hydrology
Students will collect current meteorological data using scientific instruments and make a prediction for tomorrow’s weather forecast. In addition, students will learn more about hydrology, the role of water in earth processes, visit our H2O exhibit, and view the “Blue Planet” film.
GPS: S6CS4; S6E3; S6E4
AKS: 6SC-14; 6SC-15; 6SS-1; 6SS-2
7th Grade
Fall: The Dynamic Environment
Students will have an opportunity to try stream monitoring, collect environmental data, and examine how it relates to found or absent aquatic organisms. The wet nature of the field work in this program is popular with many students.
GPS: S7CS4; S7CS9; S7L4
AKS: 7SC-10; 7SC-12; 7SC-13; 7SC-16; 7SS-11
Spring: Georgia Wildlife: Classified!
Participants will sharpen their classification skills as they have an opportunity to observe and classify skulls from various classes of Georgia animals. Using a dichotomous tree key, students will also have time to learn about a few native trees in our forests. Conservation issues concerning
exotic and invasive plants will also be introduced and discussed.
GPS: S7L1
AKS: 7SC-18; 7SC-19; 7SS-12
8th Grade
Magnetism Matters
Students will investigate the properties of magnets from the nano-scale to the macro scale using hands-on activities. During the program, students will also learn about the role of magnetism during bird migration and have an opportunity to use compasses to “follow the directions”.
GPS: S8P1; S8P5
AKS: 8SC-11; 8SC-20; 8SC-21
Tour of the F. Wayne Hill Water Resources Center
(Offered to 6th-8th grades)
Time: 10:30am - 12:30pm
Group Size: Minimum 21; Maximum 112
(Groups smaller than 21 will be considered.)
Students will learn how wastewater is cleaned through many fascinating processes as they take a guided walking-tour of this state-of-the-art facility.
*Transportation is needed for your students from GEHC
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_text82018 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //--> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
