Thompson Junior High School Outdoor Education 2014 October 7 th, 8 th, 9 th (Tues, Wed, Thurs) Kendall County Outdoor Ed Center- Initiatives/Team Building Morton Arboretum- Field Study (Ecosystem Comparison) Waakeesha Forest Preserve- Core Class Curriculum Connections

Lisle, Illinois Field Trip Times: 9:30AM-1:15 PM Morning Field Study Lunch (Bring a sack lunch- No glass Please!) Afternoon Field Study

Prairie Study Students study the non-living (abiotic) and living (biotic) factors affecting the prairie. Students will study samples of the prairie site including: soil, rocks, roots, moisture levels and textures of various items. Students will also take readings of various items: air and soil temperature, soil color, wind speed and available light.

Wetland Study Students will determine dominant vegetation in this type of ecosystem. Students will study abiotic and biotic factors affecting wildlife and plant life in the wetlands. Students will determine the significance of samples and readings of the area.

Students will illustrate the diversity of vegetation and animal life in this ecosystem. Students will observe the effects of the natural Earth cycles: water cycle, nitrogen cycle, and carbon dioxide/oxygen cycle. Woodland Study

Waakeesha Field Trip Times: (Four rotational activities: Orienteering, Ecosystem Awareness, Basic Survival Skills, Texture Art) Departure at 9:00am Arrival at Forest Preserve area at 9:15am Introduction/Welcome (9:30-9:45am) Session 1 (9:45-10:40am) Session 2 (10:40-11:35am) Lunch 11:35-11:50am (Bring a sack lunch- No glass Please!) Session 3 (11:50-12:45pm) Session 4 (12:45-1:40pm) (Clean up) Board Busses/Departure 1:40-1:45pm

Orienteering Cross-terrain field race in which students use a map and compass, navigating through an orienteering course to a final destination.

Ecosystem Awareness Students will engage in a predator-prey simulated environment to learn the interaction of organisms for individual and global survival through food pyramids and food webs.

Basic Survival Skills Identify the seven steps to survival. Explore water resources, produce/build a shelter, and identify relevant environmental foliage.

Texture Art Students will analyze techniques, tools, and sensory elements to create texture rubbing designs using created and natural elements found in the environment.

Kendall County Outdoor Education Center Schedule Departure 9am Arrival at Arboretum 9:45am Session 1: Wetland, Prairie or Woodland Lunch Session 2: Wetland, Prairie or Woodland Departure back to Thompson 1:15pm Arrival 2pm 2-3pm Reflection Activities- Café

Kendall County Outdoor Education Center Team Building/Initiatives Students will complete initiatives and navigate low ropes courses. Students will learn about cooperation, communication, problem solving, trust, and team building.

Initiatives Solve a task or complete a given challenge as a team to achieve a common goal.

Low Ropes Elements

What to Bring Backpack Items Lunch! Large Water Bottle Suntan Lotion Bug Spray (non-aerosol) Pencil/Pen- ALL THREE DAYS Morton Arboretum: - Clipboard

Clothing Closed Shoes (ABSOLUTELY NO OPEN SHOES) Hat/Sun Visor/Sunglasses Long Sleeves (preferred- to avoid insects) Long Pants Must have socks Water proof coat/jacket- large plastic bag MUST HAVE NAME TAG No expensive jewelry or watches What you wear could get dirty or possibly ruined!

Parent Chaperones Needed! - Join us for 1,2, or ALL 3 days - Mrs. Nance please Due Monday, September 15 th : - Kendall County Forms (2) - Registration Payment $30.00 (Checks= Thompson Junior High)

Where do we go at the beginning of the day? ***Meet in the Cafeteria FIRST! Then break off into different locations…… Morton Arboretum- Front Entrance (Foyer) Kendall County Outdoor Education Center- Cafeteria Waakeesha- Multipurpose Room

Your choices determine how much fun you have and how much knowledge you gain! Carpe Diem- “Seize the Day” Work together- Be cooperative Learn……… Have fun!