SARETT

The Nature Explorer program is a series of classes designed to supplement homeschooling curriculums. We explore various topics through interactive lectures as well as hands-on activities both inside and outside. We also provide a Parent Page, an outline of the day’s presentation for review and/or portfolio use.

Families can choose to sign up for all the classes or choose only those that best fit their needs; most of the classes are not sequential. Registration is ongoing throughout the year. We prefer that registration fees be paid in advance to allow for the purchase of materials; however other arrangements can be made, if necessary. Fees for each class vary depending upon the type of materials needed for that class. Families may register through the mail ( 2300 Benton Center Rd., Benton Harbor, MI 49022) or in person at the nature center (Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

We request the parents of our six- to nine-year-old students stay to assist their children unless they also have younger children who require supervision (outside the classrooms, please). Parents of our older students (10 years and up) are welcome to stay and share the discoveries, but their presence is not necessary.

A description of the 2007-2008 programs as well as a registration form follows. For any further information, contact Eileen at Sarett Nature Center (927-4832) or Sarett@sarett.com.

NATURE EXPLORERS 2007-2008

Sept. 12, 2007 $3.00	ROCKS FIELD STUDY : We’ll discuss techniques to identify the main types of rocks then drive to a local quarry where we’ll put those skills to use to build a basic rock collection.
Sept. 26, 2007 $2.00	PRAIRIE HABITAT : Many years ago Michigan was covered with prairies. We’ll learn about the adaptations of the plants and insects that prefer to live in this habitat.
Oct. 10, 2007 $2.00	INVASIVE PLANTS : Sarett is being invaded!! Many of the plants you see did not originate here but now have established populations that grow very well in this area. Learn which the “bad” plants are.
Oct. 24, 2007 $2.00	POISONOUS PLANTS : Poison ivy is just one of many plants that can make humans miserable. We’ll identify and discuss the adaptations that make those plants poisonous.
Nov. 14, 2007 $2.00	OH DEER : How much do you really know about the white-tail deer so common around here? Learn their adaptations and hunt for signs of their activity.
Nov. 28, 2007 $2.00	NATURE PREPARES FOR WINTER : Animals prepare for this harsh season by staying put, sleeping or getting away. We’ll study the survival strategies of hibernation and migration.
Dec. 12, 2007 $2.00	RABBITS : Rabbits are one of the animals that can stay active during winter. Learn about their adaptations then survey an area for rabbit activity.
Jan. 9, 2008 $2.00	WINTER INSECTS : Insects survive the winter using a variety of strategies that we will study. A few are actually active during this time and we’ll try our hardest to find them.
Jan. 23, 2008 $2.00	WINTER WILDFLOWERS : The winter shape of many plants makes them very easy to see and identify so we’ll go on a winter wildflower hike.
Feb. 6, 2008 $2.00	WOODPECKERS : Many people believe that they peck for and eat wood. Learn the truth about woodpecker behavior and identify the species that live here.
Feb. 20, 2008 $2.00	BIRD IDENTIFICATION : Late winter is a good time to learn and practice basic bird identification techniques. We’ll observe birds from the windows then head out on the trail.
Mar. 5, 2008 $2.00	SQUIRRELS : They’re all around but how much do you really know about our three species of squirrels? Become an expert and try your hand at building a drey.
Mar. 19, 2008 $3.00	EROSION : Erosion is a powerful force that can change mountains into grains of sand. After examining erosion models we’ll look for examples around the property.
Apr. 2, 2008 $4.00	MAP POWER : Younger students will learn to use a trail map and produce their own map. Older students will use GPS units on a geocaching adventure.
Apr. 16, 2008 $2.00	SYMMETRY IN NATURE : Designs in nature are usually symmetrical. After discussing symmetry we’ll find as many examples as possible. Which team will come up with the most?
Apr. 30, 2008 $2.00	SPRING WILDFLOWER WALK : We will meet at Love Creek County Park to discover the vast array of spring ephemerals located on the grounds of the park.

NATURE EXPLORER REGISTRATION

2007-2008

KEEP This Copy

PARENT NAME:			PHONE:
ADDRESS:
STUDENT NAME:			AGE:
STUDENT NAME:			AGE:
STUDENT NAME:			AGE:
STUDENT NAME:			AGE:
EMERGENCY CONTACT (other than parent):
EMERGENCY CONTACT PHONE:

DATE	CLASS	NUMBER OF STUDENTS		X FEE	TOTAL
Sep. 12	Rocks Field Study			$3.00
Sep. 26	Prairie Habitat			$2.00
Oct. 10	Invasive Plants			$2.00
Oct. 24	Poisonous Plants			$2.00
Nov. 14	Oh Deer			$2.00
Nov. 28	Nature Prepares for Winter			$2.00
Dec. 12	Rabbits			$2.00
Jan. 9	Winter Insects			$2.00
Jan. 23	Winter Wildflowers			$2.00
Feb. 6	Woodpeckers			$2.00
Feb. 20	Bird Identification			$2.00
Mar. 5	Squirrels			$2.00
Mar. 19	Erosion			$3.00
Apr. 2	Map Power			$4.00
Apr. 16	Symmetry in Nature			$2.00
Apr. 30	Spring Wildflower Walk			$2.00
		REGISTRATION TOTAL

NATURE EXPLORER REGISTRATION

2007-2008

RETURN This Copy

PARENT NAME:			PHONE:
ADDRESS:
STUDENT NAME:			AGE:
STUDENT NAME:			AGE:
STUDENT NAME:			AGE:
STUDENT NAME:			AGE:
EMERGENCY CONTACT (other than parent):
EMERGENCY CONTACT PHONE:

DATE	CLASS	NUMBER OF STUDENTS		X FEE	TOTAL
Sep. 12	Rocks Field Study			$3.00
Sep. 26	Prairie Habitat			$2.00
Oct. 10	Invasive Plants			$2.00
Oct. 24	Poisonous Plants			$2.00
Nov. 14	Oh Deer			$2.00
Nov. 28	Nature Prepares for Winter			$2.00
Dec. 12	Rabbits			$2.00
Jan. 9	Winter Insects			$2.00
Jan. 23	Winter Wildflowers			$2.00
Feb. 6	Woodpeckers			$2.00
Feb. 20	Bird Identification			$2.00
Mar. 5	Squirrels			$2.00
Mar. 19	Erosion			$3.00
Apr. 2	Map Power			$4.00
Apr. 16	Symmetry in Nature			$2.00
Apr. 30	Spring Wildflower Walk			$2.00
		REGISTRATION TOTAL

SARETT HOURS: Nature Center Building
                                  Tuesday-Friday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
                                  Saturday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
                                  Sunday 1:00-5:00 PM
                                  Phone: (269)927-4832

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Our trails are open dawn to dusk every day.

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