EARTH EXPLORERS For grades 4-6, here's a science program unlike any other. A typical three-day program starts with a nice uneventful arrival and peaceful lunch. But then everything goes out the window when a wild eyed, half-crazed mountain man storms in and steals the whole group away into an old mountain folktale. This tale becomes its own reality and generates a momentum that rifles joyfully through the next two days of dynamic experiential learning.

First comes "The Quest" as students in small groups search for the meaning of the name of the mythological (or is it real?) character 'ICECA.' On this quest they discover five mysterious learning laboratories hidden deep in the woods. These stations will focus on the following: Geology - Hands-on study of the rock cycle, rock types, mountain building, and chemical and mechanical weathering. Hydrology - Not just hands on but "feet in"! Students will experience the water cycle, forces of erosion, sedimentation, rock hardness and more. Botany - Shrinking students will travel into a chloroplast to marvel first hand at one of nature's central mysteries: photosynthesis. Connectedness - Students become prey and predator as the forest reveals the complex and unexpected ways members of a community rely on each other. Adaptation - Through a close up study of our farm animals (goats, sheep, chickens, ducks and geese) students analyze how living things adapt to changing conditions in establishing a niche in their habitat.

With the Quest complete, the bigger task is at hand: applying new found knowledge and concepts to the community of man. Resources Limited provides the vehicle for a wild and challenging simulation of governing, economics, the wise use of natural resources, and population growth on the world stage. By the time our Sharing Circle rolls around on the third day students have experienced nature like never before and leave with new perspectives on humankind's place on the planet.

We can gladly send references upon request. Give us a call to come up and witness the program in action or we'll send a representative to speak to you. You're gonna love it.