Residential Field Science Programs

The Ozark Natural Science Center is a private, nonprofit, residential environmental education center, conference and retreat facility whose mission is to enhance the understanding, appreciation, and stewardship of the Ozark natural environment. ABOUT ONSC ONSC offers K-12 th grade science education, teacher workshops, general public programs, and serves as a site for conferences, meetings, retreats and special events of all types.

BEAR HOLLOW NATURAL AREA

Direct adult supervision at all times Teacher Naturalists are First Aid & CPR certified and equipped with First Aid kits Constant field group contact via 2-way radios ONSC is a member of NWA Air Evac Life Team SAFETY At ONSC your child’s safety is our #1 priority!

FACILITIES

LEWIS PAVILION

Dining, Library, Administrative Offices EWING CENTRE

Library and Commons Area EWING CENTRE Dining Hall

Indoor Classrooms and Lab EDUCATION BUILDING

Observation Deck OTHER TEACHING FACILITIES Stewart Springfield Memorial Outdoor Classroom

LODGING

Lodging by gender Heated/Air-conditioned Handicap accessible Gender-appropriate adult chaperones LODGING

All meals are prepared in a clean, professionally operated kitchen facility and include freshly prepared hot foods, salads and vegetarian options. KITCHEN & DINING

Students need to bring a sack lunch, from home or provided by the school, for lunch on the first day. Please coordinate this with your child’s teacher! ONSC provides a sack lunch on the last day. SACK LUNCHES

Hands-on, experiential learning in a natural setting PROGRAM

Day 1 10:00Arrival, Lodge Move-in 10:30Field Group Orientation 11:30Field Investigation Part 1, with Lunch on the Trail 4:00Rec Time 4:301 st Evening Class 5:45Dinner 6:302 nd Evening Class 8:00Campfire Activities / Night Discoveries 9:30Return to Lodges SAMPLE 2-DAY SCHEDULE Day 2 7:45Breakfast 8:30Field Investigation Part 2 11:00Conservation discussion 11:30 Wrap-up 11:45 Lunch on the Trail 12:15Group photo 12:30Load Bus and Return to School

Each Field Investigation class uses an ONSC trail as an outdoor lab and classroom. Topics include: geology, water quality, native plants, Ozark animals, and cultural history. FIELD INVESTIGATIONS Staffing: One ONSC Teacher Naturalist and one teacher/chaperone from the school are assigned to each Field Group of students.

Songs and stories around a crackling campfire followed by a moonlight forest investigation are often highlights of an ONSC experience! CAMPFIRE & NIGHT DISCOVERIES

EDUCATION STAFF

 Have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in science, education or a related field of study  Maintain First Aid and CPR certifications  Undergo complete background checks  Live on-site during programs  Experienced, professional, and passionate about sharing knowledge with students TEACHER NATURALISTS

PREPARING FOR YOUR CHILD’S ONSC EXPERIENCE

Several pencils Reusable water bottle Poncho or rain gear Weather appropriate outdoor clothing for each day (Think Layers!) Long pants Closed toed, closed heeled shoes Hats and gloves Sleeping bag or sheets and blankets and pillow Towel and washcloth, toiletries WHAT TO PACK

Camera (labeled with school and student’s name) Lip balm / chap stick Bug Spray Sunscreen OPTIONAL ITEMS

Short pants Flip-flops, sandals, Crocs or other open style footwear Umbrellas Electronic devices of any kind Knives of any kind Commercial bottled water (Ozarka, Aquafina, Sam’s, etc.) Candy, gum, soft drinks, snacks or other food items Flashlights or headlamps Jewelry, makeup, or aerosols Rolling luggage is discouraged Chemical hand warmers PLEASE DO NOT PACK

Please read and complete all sections of the form – front and back. The Participant Registration Form must be completed, signed and returned to your child’s teacher. Students will not be allowed to participate in ONSC programs without the completed form. Medical Information: Be sure to include complete information about any prescription and/or over-the-counter (OTC) medications that you will be sending to ONSC with your child. Please note any allergies and/or dietary restrictions. Please provide alternate local emergency contact information. Sign and date the form. PARTICIPANT REGISTRATION FORM

Place all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications in their original containers, in a zip-lock bag. No loose pills please. Clearly print the name of the medication & detailed dosage instructions on a card and place it in the bag. Clearly print the child’s first and last name on the outside of the bag. Please ensure that your child is familiar with their medications and routine. MEDICATIONS

 Ozark Natural Science Center  1905 Madison 1305  Huntsville, AR    CONTACT INFORMATION

QUESTIONS?