Grades 9-12
Biodiversity: Balancing Act ($20 per student)
Students with a basic understanding of biodiversity will enjoy this program where they will learn how to conduct a biodiversity survey here in DeKorte Park in order to estimate the health of our ecosystem. We will also demonstrate through a hands-on activity how disruptions from human communities can affect ecosystems. Concepts such as food chains, food webs, trophic levels, and resilience will be discussed. NGSS & NJSLA-S: HS-LS2-3, HS-LS2-4 *NOTE: this program costs $20 per student and the cost on your confirmation will be incorrect. An accurate invoice will be emailed.
Estimating Local Carbon Capture (Climate Change - $25 per student)
Students will appreciate the potential role of trees in atmospheric CO2 capture and perform an outdoor field survey of trees. With three pieces of information, students will calculate estimated carbon capture in local specimens. Conditions permitting, we may also hike additional park trails or discuss other carbon capture strategies. OPTIONAL: To expedite field data collection, we can provide background info in advance and recommend smartphone apps for download prior to the session. NGSS & NJSLA-S: HS-ESS3-4 ; HS-ETS1-1 ; HS-ETS1-3 *NOTE: this program costs $25 per student and the cost on your confirmation will be incorrect. An accurate invoice will be emailed.
Fish Murder Mystery ($30 per student)
In this exciting and challenging program, students solve a fish kill mystery in the Hackensack River. Using hands-on water sampling techniques and problem-based learning strategies, students decide what is responsible for causing a massive fish kill. NGSS/NJSLA: HS-LS2-1, HS-LS2-2, HS-LS2-6 *NOTE: this program costs $30 per student and the cost on your confirmation will be incorrect. An accurate invoice will be emailed.
Heavy Metals: Up Berrys Creek Without a Paddle ($20 per student)
This program will introduce some of the toxic metals of concern in the Meadowlands. Students will conduct a bioassay lab, getting a first-hand look at the impacts of these substances on living organisms, as well as how scientists attempt to quantify toxicity. Self-guided activity stations also address local history and remediation strategies for contaminated sites. NGSS & NJSLA-S: MS-PS1-4 *NOTE: this program costs $20 per student and the cost on your confirmation will be incorrect. An accurate invoice will be emailed.
Power Trip: Exploring Renewable Energy ($20 per student)
Take a real-world look at sustainability in the human environment using our science building as a working model of green design principles. Hands-on activities will have students gathering data to analyze the factors that affect photovoltaic performance. Students will also experiment with wind turbine models in a challenge to engineer the best blades. NGSS & NJSLA-S: HS-PS3-3 *NOTE: this program costs $20 per student and the cost on your confirmation will be incorrect. An accurate invoice will be emailed.
Urban Estuary Ecology ($20 per student)
Not Available: 12/01/2024-03/31/2025
Explore the interactions of the local tidal community. Through field collections, water chemistry, and other observations, students will be exposed to our urban estuary and examine how humans have impacted the Meadowlands. Indoor observations will focus on how scientists study an aquatic food web. This program includes a self-guided scavenger hunt. NGSS & NJSLA-S: HS-LS1-2, HS-LS2-3 *NOTE: this program costs $20 per student and the cost on your confirmation will be incorrect. An accurate invoice will be emailed.