Grade 7 & 8
Biodiversity Basics ($20 per student)
Humans depend heavily on the Earths biodiversity. Join us as we discover what biodiversity is, its importance for humans and what we can do to preserve it. Students will conduct a bird survey in DeKorte Park and participate in a game-based simulation of threats to biodiversity and the consequences an ecosystem experiences when this biodiversity is compromised. NGSS & NJSLA-S: HS-LS2-1, HS-LS2-2, HS-LS2-3, HS-LS2-6, HS-LS2-8 *NOTE: this program costs $20 per student and the cost on your confirmation will be incorrect. An accurate invoice will be emailed.
Climate Change Conundrum ($25 per student)
After reviewing the evidence of climate change distilled from the National Climate Assessment, students will consider their own contribution to global warming by conducting a brief carbon footprint survey. This, along with a simple climate-modeling tool, will transition to a debate-style discussion of potential solutions to climate change with concerns of various interest groups being considered. NGSS & NJSLA-S: MS-ESS3-5, MD-ESS3.D Cost: $25 per student *NOTE: this program costs $25 per student and the cost on your confirmation will be incorrect. An accurate invoice will be emailed.
Eco-Engineers ($30 per student)
This program on sustainable building challenges middle school students to contend with some of the complex questions that confront (and confounds!) real-world professionals. Which building materials are best for the environment? Can we afford these materials based on our budget? Utilizing computer based resources and our LEED platinum certified building as an example, students will answer these questions and more while designing a model home, the culminating project for the program. NGSS/NJSLA: MS-ESS3-3, MS-ETS1-2, MS-ETS1-4 *NOTE: this program costs $30 per student and the cost on your confirmation will be incorrect. An accurate invoice will be emailed.
Estuary Explorers ($20 per student)
Not Available: 12/01/2024-03/31/2025
Come discover the salt marsh! Field experiences will have students testing water samples, collecting live specimens and examining plant life. Students will also practice microscope skills in observing live plankton. Food chains, adaptations and wetland values will be discussed. This program includes a self-guided scavenger hunt. NGSS & NJSLA-S: 4LS1-1, 5PS3-1, 5-LS1-1, 5-LS2-1 *NOTE: this program costs $20 per student and the cost on your confirmation will be incorrect. An accurate invoice will be emailed.
Studying Stars Near and Far ($20 per student)
This program will introduce students to our closest star (the SUN!) and the energy it emits. Activities related to the electromagnetic spectrum, spectroscopy and telescope optics will demonstrate how we currently study the Sun and other stars. Students will visit our observatory and its research-grade telescope. Weather permitting, we will also safely view the Sun. NGSS & NJSLA-S: MS-PS3-3, MS-PS4-2 *NOTE: this program costs $20 per student and the cost on your confirmation will be incorrect. An accurate invoice will be emailed.