Environmental Education

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Discovery

Students explore the property using their senses, experiencing sights, sounds, smells, and textures that they may not otherwise notice.  It can be tailored to reflect the season of your visit or a specific area of study (trees, plants, water, birds, etc.).                                                                                                                                              Standards: 4.3, 4.7

Water

Students of all ages expand their knowledge of the water cycle, watersheds, and wetlands.  All lessons include a visit to Awbury's pond and a focus on stewardship including storm water management, pollution, and conservation issues.

Standards: 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.6, 4.8 

Trees

The Arboretum offers students the opportunity to investigate trees, both native and exotic.  Students will discover ways to differentiate and identify trees using seeds, bark, and leaves. The lesson also includes information about plant lifecycles and uses for trees.

                                                                      Standards: 4.2, 4.6, 4.7

 

Invasive Plants

Students will learn about plants considered to be "invasive" in the state of Pennsylvania and why certain plants receive that label.  They will explore the property looking for native and non-native invasive plants, study their impact on the health of the environment, and consider the role humans play in maintaining an ecosystem.                                                                                                                                                           Standards: 4.5, 4.6, 4.9

Recycling and Sustainability

Students will learn about the importance of recycling, composting, and hazardous waste disposal.  They will also explore a variety of concepts and techniques that can help them become better stewards of environmental health at home, at school, and in their communities.                                                                                                   Standard: 4.3

Insects 

The contribution of insects to the natural world is often misunderstood.  Depending on the age and readiness of the students, this lesson will explore insect identification and anatomy, useful and pest insects, and safe ways to deal with insect infestations.           

Standards: 4.3, 4.5, 4.8

 

Adaptations

Students will discover special adaptations of animals that allow them to meet survival needs of food, water, shelter, and space.  The lesson investigates various external shelters utilized by prey animals as well as a variety of physical adaptations that provide protection from predators and external forces.                                        Standards: 4.6, 4.7

 

Farm Studies

Students explore urban agriculture and the primary needs of all living things - food, water, shelter, and space.  They will spend time in the Awbury Children's Garden learning how food grows and about the different plants that we eat.  This lesson is offered as a single introductory visit or as a 3 part series that explores the farm in greater depth.                                                                                                                            Standard: 4.4

 

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History and Culture

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Native American

This lesson explores the lives of the Lenape and other Eastern Woodland tribes that used to live in Pennsylvania. Students will learn about uses for native plants and wildlife.                                                                                          Standard 8.2

Artful Arboretum

The Arboretum is an inspiration for art.  Students analyze a variety of landscape paintings and create their own art, from drawings to fiber art, using natural materials.

                                                                                         Standard: 9.2

African American Scientists

In honor of Black History Month we offer a special lesson throughout February.  Students will learn about African Americans who have contributed to science and the process through which these contributions were made - the scientifc method.                                                                                          Standard: 8.2