Extension Programs

A Glen Helen Naturalist will bring the Glen to your classroom with these exciting programs! 

This outreach program caters to classroom and group settings.  Programs are geared to 3rd-6th grade levels, although adjustments may be made depending on the request.  All programs involve hands-on activities and are designed for specific ability levels.  Programs cover a range of Ohio Academic Content Standards, and can be scheduled as a single event, part of a multi-visit curricular unit, or as a pre- or post-Schoolcamp experience.  Unique programs can be developed to address specific needs for a school or classroom.

Naturalists leading the Extension programs have previously completed a rigorous academic environmental education internship while leading Schoolcamp programs at Glen Helen.  College age or older, the Extension Naturalists are selected for their knowledge in education and their sensitivity, creativity, and enthusiasm for working with children.

Program Themes

Animals

Meet the animals!  A naturalist brings live, Ohio native animals to your school.  Discover adaptations, habitats, survival and environmental needs of animals first hand.  2nd grade and up only.

Hungry Like a Wolf

Learn how energy flows through ecosystems with food webs and food chains.  Feel the energy as learners discover how creatures use everything they can to survive and take advantage of their place in nature.

Environmental Problem Solving

Everything we use comes from nature, and some supplies are limited.  Use creative problem solving techniques in hands-on activities to learn where the goods we use come from.  Learn about conservation, landfills, composting and recycling.

Roots

So much life depends on the planting of a tiny, cold, hard seed.  Discover the mysterious lives of plants as the secrets of photosynthesis unfold before your eyes.  Students can even become parts of their very own “living tree” in this fun and exciting program.

Frontier Kids

Life on the frontier was much different than it is today.  Learn what Ohio was like in 1796, before it was named a state.  Get an historical perspective on tools for survival, food, fashion, and life as a kid in the pioneer days by exploring costumes, replicas, and artifacts.

Fossils Rock!

Rock and roll through the geologic cycle as you explore how rocks are formed.  Learn about igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks and the fossils they can create.  Make plaster fossil castings while you learn about this remarkable process.  $5.00 additional supply fee per program for fossil castings.

Going Underground

Without decomposers the world be in a “heap” of trouble.  Through hands-on activities, find out how these amazing organisms interact with their environments.  Explore the wonderful world of decomposers through the eyes of an earthworm in this down and dirty program.

Water Wonders

Where does the water you drink come from?  Where does it go?  Tour the world of water as it cycles through watersheds to the ocean and back.  Learn about local water issues and how the water cycle can be protected.

Pre- or Post-Schoolcamp Extension Program

If your class is visiting Glen Helen for a Schoolcamp program, consider scheduling an Extension program as a pre- or post-trip visit.  The program will feature curriculum that you students are exposed to during Schoolcamp, and is a great way to introduce or further develop these concepts.  Pre- or post-Schoolcamp programs are $1.50 per student.

Program Scheduling & Fees

Fees are $2.00 per student
$50 minimum per program
Maximum of 30 students per program, and 6 programs per day.
Program fees subject to change; please call to confirm.

To schedule a program or for more information, please contact us at:
Rebecca Jaramillo, Assistant Director of the OEC
(937) 767-7648 or 1-800-538-4893
<rjaramillo@antioch.edu>