Education Programs for Children
What is Seven Ponds Nature Center like?
Seven Ponds Nature Center is a nature sanctuary and environmental
education facility of 468 acres. Over six miles of trails lead
visitors by deep, glacial lakes and through rich wetlands, a tallgrass
prairie, mature oak-maple woods, and a stream with an active beaver
colony. It is an area of rich diversity where every season and
every visit bring new sightings and new insights.
What we offer for children
Children are fascinated by nature yet many have little direct
contact with it. This makes Seven Ponds an ideal outdoor classroom
where children can experience nature first hand. Our experienced
staff and well trained volunteer naturalists guide visitors toward
a greater understanding of their natural environment and humankind's
inseparable role in it. We share our appreciation of the natural
world and encourage a sense of responsibility toward it.
Complement your curriculum
Complementing the state science objectives, we offer a sequential
kindergarten through sixth curriculum, each grade focusing on
a specific ecological concept. We illustrate classroom lessons
and reinforce the work students are doing at school. To encourage
individual participation on the trail, classes are divided into
groups of about 15 students.
Registration information
When teachers reserve a date, they will be sent a confirmation
letter, pre- and post- trip materials, and a map. In addition
to programs at the center, we have a Traveling Naturalist Program
that operates from December through March, special teacher training
workshops, classroom teacher kits, and educational publications.
For more information and for scheduling programs, call the nature
center at (810) 796-3200.
Seasonal Walks
Seasonal Walks are informal and open-ended, emphasizing the changes in nature throughout the year. Each season, indeed each
day, has its own fascinating mysteries for eager students to discover
along our trails. Much of the walk is spontaneous with topics
chosen from interesting events encountered on the trail. How plants
and animals live and interact, the natural laws they follow, and
our ancestor's close relationship with nature are some of the
many themes that may be covered. Seasonal walks are available
for any organized group from pre-school through adult.
Time: 1 1/2 hours Fee: $3.00 per person
Explorer Programs
Explorer Programs, for grades k through 6, use exciting natural
history topics to teach important ecological concepts. These interesting
programs promote greater awareness and appreciation of our surroundings,
often using hands-on-activities, specimens, slide shows and nature
walks.
Time: 2 hours Fee: $4.00 per person
Kindergarten: Learning Through Our Senses
Sensing the Seasons Children will learn to use
their senses to explore the natural areas at Seven Ponds. This
program is designed to highlight the current season. We will look,
feel, hear, and smell different natural items during an indoor
class and nature hike. (LO)III.2 Elem 1; (R)II.1Elem 4; (C) I.1
Elem1
First Grade: Characteristics of Living Things
Exploring the Forest A forest is alive with more
than plants and animals. The children will discover sights, sounds
and smells, from tiny mushrooms on rotting logs to drops of water
dripping from tall trees. This program uses hands on specimens
and a hike in our woods to explore basic questions about living
things. (L)III.2 Elem 1,3; (R)II.1 Elem 4; (C)I.1 Elem 1
The World of the Beaver
Beavers are builders and loggers, and their work stands
out at Seven Ponds! We will visit the beaver's lodge and find
out how it makes its living and interacts with other living things
in our lakes and streams. (L)III.2 Elem 1,3; (R)II.1 Elem 4; (C)I.1
Elem 1
Second Grade: Groups of Living Things
Winter Adventure Winter may be a harsh time but
living things are everywhere, in swelling buds on maple trees
and leaping tracks of rabbits across the snow. A good look at
mammal and bird specimens indoors, followed by a walk through
snowy fields and woods, will give students a clearer picture of
the many kinds of living things in our environment, even in winter!
(LO)III.2 Elem 1,2,5; (R)II.1 Elem 4; (C)I.1 Elem 1
Boatmen to Beavers Our lakes and ponds abound
with animals of all sizes and shapes. A slide introduction and
a dipping session at the water's edge bring students in close
contact with a variety of creatures and their special features!
(LO)III.2 Elem 1,2,5; (R)II.1 Elem 4; (C)I.1 Elem 1
Third Grade: Habitats
Forest Home of the Woodland Indians Michigan's
once vast forests were a giant supermarket to the Woodland Indians.
Indoors, students learn about habitats and how they provide the
needs for all organisms including people. Then they go into the
woods to learn how forest plants and animals were essential to
the Native Americans and their way of life. (LO)III.2 Elem 4;
(R)II.1 Elem 3,4; (C)I.1 Elem 1; (LEC)III.5 Elem 2; (SOC)I.1 Elem
3
Stuck in the Muck Aquatic habitats are center
stage with a trip to the ponds and lakes with dip nets and buckets.
A slide presentation helps students appreciate that more than
fish, frogs and turtles inhabit the water. (LO)III.2 Elem 3,4;
(R)II.1 Elem 4; (C)I.1 Elem 1
Fourth Grade: Adaptations of Living Things
What's Bugging You? Adaptations abound in the
animal world, but no group illustrates this concept better than
insects. They are among the most successful animals on earth,
adapted for living in almost every environment. We will venture
to field or pond with nets and jars to collect these interesting
creatures and other invertebrates, and learn about their amazing
life styles. (LO)III.2 Elem 1,3; (R)II.1 Elem 4; (C)I.1 Elem1;
(LE)III.4 Elem 2
Fur, Fangs and Footprints Winter's harsh conditions
have produced a variety of adaptations in nature that can be explored
on a brisk winter walk. Mammals are especially conspicuous in
winter, leaving trails that reveal their activities. With slides
and specimens to prepare them, students head outdoors to discover
tracks and other clues to the winter lives of familiar mammals.
(LO)III.2 Elem 1; (R)II.1 Elem 4; (C)I.1 Elem1; (LE)III.4 Elem
2
Fifth Grade: Plant and Animal Relationships
Native Americans in the Web of Life Have you
ever eaten sunlight? Do you have plants and animals in your lunch?
What is the origin of your food, clothing and shelter? We will
explore the nature center from the perspective of the Indians
who used this land in the past, and consider our relationship
with the land today. Slides, specimens and a walk get students
thinking about our own significant connections to our environment.
(LO)III.2 Elem 4; (R)II.1 Elem 3,4; (C)I.1 Elem1; (LE)III.5 Elem
1; (SOC)I.1 L. Elem 1,2
The Wetland Connection This program explores
the interactions of plants and animals in a wetland community
through slides and handson collecting of aquatic organisms.
(LO)III.2 Elem 3,4; (R)II.1 Elem 4; (C)I.1 Elem
Sixth Grade: Nature's Communities
Life in the Fall Prairie Students take an in-depth
look at a grassland community through slides and a visit to Seven
Ponds' own tallgrass prairie. They will learn how plants and animals
are adapted for life in the open and how fire is an important
part of prairie ecology. (LEC)III.5 Elem 3, M.S. 1,2; (SOC)I.1
Elem 2,3; (R)II.1 Elem 4; (C)I.1 Elem1
Exploring Communities Seven Ponds is one of the
few places in southeastern Michigan where students can observe
a range of distinct plant communities that include forests, wetlands,
fields and prairie. Along the way, they contrast and compare the
plants and animals that make these communities unique and learn
the importance of biodiversity.(LEC)III.5 Elem 3, M.S. 1,2; (SOC)I.1
Elem 2,3; (R)II.1 Elem 4; (C)I.1 Elem1
Traveling Naturalist Programs
Programs are designed to liven up the science curriculum through
the winter months. The programs are presented in a way which is
appropriate for each grade level and include important concepts
relative to the state's science objectives. Each classroom session
provides students with a hands-on experience which will compliment
their studies of the natural world. Offered from December through
March.
Time: 1 hour average Fee: $2.00 per student
GENERAL PROGRAMS
Native Americans and the Land Through the use of plants,
animal skins, replicated tools and other artifacts we show Indian
survival skills, medicine, artwork and games. Children not only
learn how difficult it was to survive before modern conveniences,
but how we are all still very dependent on the earth and its resources
for our survival. Grades 3-6. (C) I.1 Elem 1,2; (R) II.1 Elem
4; (LEC) III.5 MS 5
Fur, Fangs and Feathers: Wildlife Wonders of MI Examine
the life-styles of owls, coyotes, salamanders, and other wildlife
and explore the unique ways that they are adapted to the seasonal
changes of a Michigan year. Hands-on opportunities are presented
through the use of a variety of study skins and live animals.
Grades K-6. (C) I.1 Elem 1,2; (R) II.2 Elem 4; (LO) III.2 Elem
1; (LE) III.4 Elem 2; (LEC) III.5 Elem 1; (EAW) V.3 Elem 2
GRADE SPECIFIC PROGRAMS
Kindergarten: Field & Forest Friends Live
animals and stuffed specimens provide an opportunity for sensory
exploration. Children will learn about many animals in our area-what
they eat, where they live and how they can be enjoyed. (C) I.1
Elem 1,2; (R) II.1 Elem 4; (LO) III.2 Elem 1; (LE) III.4 Elem
2
First Grade: Wildlife Discovery, Wild vs. Tame Students
explore the difference between wild and tame animals, and learn
about animals that live in Michigan and around the world. They
also meet a live Michigan animal. (C) I.1 Elem 1,2; (R) II.1 Elem
4; (LO) III.2 Elem 1,4; (LE) III.4 Elem 2
Second Grade: Exploring Michigan Animals Investigate
Michigan's animal variety. Stuffed specimens and other props aid
students to discover which animals do or do not have backbones,
the different animal groups, and their special survival characteristics,
especially for winter. (C) I.1 Elem 1,2; (R) II.1 Elem 4; (LO)
III.2 Elem 1,2; (LE) Elem 2
Third Grade: Animal Life Cycles By learning some
animal life cycles, children begin to realize how each animal
is adapted to the place where it lives and why protecting habitats
is important. Through a mystery animal and an interactive game,
they can piece together a variety of animal life cycles. (C) I.1
Elem 1,2; (R) II.1 Elem 4; (LO) III.2 Elem 1,4; (LE) III.4 Elem
2; (LEC) III.5 Elem 2
Fourth Grade: Wildlife Discovery, Predators & Prey
An animal visitor leads students through the important concepts
of adaptation, predatorprey relationships, and the balance
in nature between populations of living things. An activity allows
each student to become a predator. (C) I.1 Elem 1,2; (R) II.1
Elem 4; (LO) III.2 Elem 1,4; (LE) III.4 Elem 2; (LEC) III.5 MS
1,3
Fifth Grade: Food Chains and the Web of Life
Every living thing is a link in the food chain. We demonstrate
how the sun's energy is transferred from plants to herbivores,
from herbivores to carnivores and from everything to decomposers.
A concluding activity connects all the students in a web of life.
(C) I.1 Elem 1,2; (R) II.1 Elem 4; (LO) III.2 Elem 4; (LEC) III.5
Elem 1,2,4; (LEC) III.5 MS 2,3.6
Fifth Grade: Mystery in the Forest Students explore
the interrelationships of plants and animals in the forest (including
food chains and parasitism) by solving a mystery. Students visit
the scene of the crime to look for clues, interview witnesses,
analyze the evidence, and then develop a theory of "whodunit."
(C) I.1 Elem 1,2,5; (R) II.1 Elem 4, MS 1; (LO) III.2 Elem 4,5;
(LE) III.5 Elem 2; (LEC) III.5 Elem 1; MS 1
Sixth Grade: Energy and You Trace energy in natural
and human-made communities, explore the various forms of energy,
and discuss ways we can make the best use of this precious resource.
An activity makes students light rays from the sun, tracing their
movements to the earth and through a simple food chain. (C) I.1
Elem 1,2,5; (R) II.1 Elem 4; (LEC) III.5 Elem 4; (LEC) III.5 MS
5,6
Programs for Scouts
Seven Ponds offers a variety
of badge work, from Brownies through Seniors, from Cub Scouts
through Boy Scouts. The children will not only learn the requirements
for the badges, but will also gain insight and respect for our
natural world. By learning responsibility for nature, the children
will gain an appreciation that will enable them to become stewards
of the land.
Leaders are sent a confirmation letter, and a map when they
reserve a date for a program. Due to time and effort we can only
cover one badge achievement per session. For more information
and for scheduling programs, call the nature center at (810) 796-3200.
Seasonal Walks
Seasonal Walks are informal and open-ended, emphasizing the
changes in nature throughout the year. Each season, indeed each
day, has its own fascinating mysteries for eager scouts to discover
along our trails. Much of the walk is spontaneous with topics
chosen from interesting events encountered on the trail. How plants
and animals live and interact, the natural laws they follow, and
our ancestors' close relationship with nature are some of the
many themes that may be covered. Seasonal walks are for any organized
group from preschool to adult.
Time: 1 1/2 hours Fee: $3.00 per person
Boy Scout Programs
Cub, Wolf & Bear Scouts Programs
Scouts will have their elective and achievement requirements
fulfilled with a seasonal walk customized to their specific needs.
These programs will also create a greater awareness and appreciation
for our surroundings.
Time: 11/2 hours Fee: $3.00 per person
Weblos Programs
Forester Badge
Weblos will fulfill the requirements for this badge by learning
to identify: different parts of trees and layers of the forest,
six different trees, six different plants beneficial to wildlife,
how water and minerals help trees grow, how trees use sunlight,
and three different woods used for building. Weblos will also
learn about wildfires.
Geologist Badge
Weblos will fulfill the requirements for this badge by learning
about: different minerals used in products, different ways land
is formed, and fossils. They will also observe many different
examples of fossils and minerals, and learn methods of identifying
them. The nature center's bookstore will be open to purchase a
variety of rocks and minerals if desired.
Naturalist Badge
Weblos will fulfill the requirements for this badge by learning
about and observing: what a naturalist does and where they work,
birds and how they migrate south, poisonous plants and venomous
animals, ecosystems and the different parts of them, and also
how humans affect the ecosystem. Weblos will also receive a grand
tour of the nature center.
Time: 2 hours Fee: $4.00 per person
Girl Scout Programs
Brownie Try-its
Watching Wildlife
Brownies will fulfill the activities for this Try-it by learning
about: animal architects through investigation of their homes,
how animals communicate, why an animal's "wardrobe"
changes from season to season, and what animals might eat by making
shopping lists for them.
Animals
Brownies will fulfill the activities for this Try-it by learning:
the difference between wild and domesticated animals, how to watch
wildlife safely, the many ways animals move, the different ways
animals communicate, and that animals can be put into groups by
the way their bodies look.
Earth and Sky
Brownies will fulfill the activities for this Try-it by investigating:
the soil to see what is hidden inside, how erosion affects soil,
the energy the sun provides, the different kinds of clouds found
in the sky, different creatures that travel through the air, and
eclipses.
Eco-Explorer
Brownies will fulfill the activities for this Try-it by learning:
how to discover nature through observation, what a habitat is,
what a food chain is, and what they can do to help the natural
world. The girls will also get a chance to "construct"
habitats for various animals.
Time: 2 hours Fee: $4.00 per person
Junior Girl Scouts
Wildlife
Scouts will finish this badge by learning: about Michigan's
different state symbols, how the size and shape of a bird's beak
depends on what the bird eats, how animals are grouped together
by their characteristics, and about different poisonous plants
and animals. Also, they will become field biologists by observing
creatures in their natural setting.
Finding Your Way
Scouts will finish this badge by learning: about different
kinds of maps, how to use a compass to find north, south, east
and west, and what to do if lost without a compass and map. They
will make different kinds of maps to further their understanding
of maps.
Earth Connections
Scouts will finish this badge by becoming ecologists for the
day, and learn: how plants and animals adapt and change, how American
Indians and early pioneers used the natural world, and different
things that are being done to help protect the environment.
Rocks Rock
Scouts will finish this badge by discovering and learning:
how land is shaped, what soil is, to identify the three major
categories of rocks, and how the past is preserved in fossils.
Our bookstore will be open for the scouts to start their rock
collections.
Frosty Fun
Scouts will finish this badge by learning: how to stay safe
in the cold winter season, about snow, and how no two snowflakes
are alike. The girls will become detectives and discover who has
been traveling through the snow.
Time: 2 hours Fee: $4.00 per person
Cadets
With the combination of skill builders, technology, service
projects, and career exploration, cadets can earn their badges
in any of the following:
- Wildlife
- Eco-Action
- Digging Through the Past
- All about Birds
- Plant Life
Time: 3 hours Fee: $4.00 per person
Advanced Badges
Older Scouts working on advanced awards can find service project
opportunities at Seven Ponds. Call for more information.
Nature Study Series for Homeschoolers
Seven Ponds Nature Center is an ideal outdoor classroom where children can experience nature first hand. In this series of programs, our experienced staff and well trained volunteer naturalists guide children toward an awareness and appreciation of our natural world, using hands-on activities, specimens, slide shows, and nature walks. These programs complement state science objectives and focus on specific ecological concepts. To encourage individual participation on the trail, children will be divided into groups of about 15 students. For more information or to pre-register your child, please call 810-796-3200.
Exploring the Forest
September 24, 1:00 p.m.
Concept: Characteristics of Living Things
A forest is alive with more than plants and animals. The children will discover sights, sounds, and smells, from tiny mushrooms on rotting logs to drops of water dripping from tall trees. This program uses hands-on specimens and a hike in our woods to explore basic questions about living things. For children in grades 1-2. Time: 2 hours; Fee: $4.00 per person.
What's Buggin' You - Field
September 24, 1:00 p.m.
Concept: Adaptations
Adaptations abound in the animal world, but no group illustrates this concept better than insects. They are among the most successful animals on earth, adapted for living in almost every environment. We will venture to the field with nets and jars to collect these interesting creatures and other invertebrates, and learn about their amazing life styles. For children in grades 3-4. Time: 2 hours; Fee: $4.00 per person.
Native Americans In the Web of Life
September 24, 1:00 p.m.
Concept: Natural Communities
Have you ever eaten sunlight? Do you have plants and animals in your lunch? What is the origin of your food, clothing and shelter? We will explore the nature center from the perspective of the Indians who used this land in the past, and consider our relationship with the land today. Slides, specimens, and a walk get students thinking about our own significant connections to our environment. For children in grades 5-6. Time: 2 hours; Fee: $4.00 per person.
Important Information
All groups must make prior arrangements with the nature center
before coming. Early scheduling is recommended due to the great
demand for programs and may be done up to a year in advance.
- Dress for the weather and natural setting. The desire to
learn rapidly fades when children are cold or wet.
- Sack lunches may be eaten in the picnic area. We have no
indoor eating facilities.
- Groups have access to the trails only under the supervision
of a naturalist.
- Seven Ponds is a nature sanctuary-collecting plants and animals
is not permitted.
- When scheduling a program let us know about children with
special needs-physical, emotional or learning. This allows us
to make the appropriate arrangements prior to your arrival.
- The bookstore also carries a wide selection of nature oriented
materials appropriate for students to buy as gifts and souvenirs.
SPNC
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