- Home
- Community
- Parks & Recreation
- Facilities
- Nature Center
- Homeschool Programs
Homeschool Programs
Discover the wonders of nature with our engaging, hands-on monthly lesson plans! Designed for students of all ages, our curriculum aligns with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), fosters curiosity, and adapts to the natural rhythms of the environment at the Sterling Heights Nature Center.
Our Homeschool Programs are by request only, and a minimum of 10 students is required to run a program.
Winter Explorations
Focus
Animal Adaptations and Weather Patterns
Highlights
- Learn how animals survive winter by exploring hibernation, migration, and physical adaptations.
- Record daily winter weather data and create visual graphs to understand seasonal changes.
Sample Activity
Build a model animal habitat in winter using craft materials, and track how animals use their surroundings to stay safe and warm.
Water Wonders
Focus
Water Cycle and Quality Testing
Highlights
- Explore how water freezes and melts through interactive experiments.
- Collect and test water samples from local streams, assessing pH and clarity.
Sample Activity
Conduct a hands-on ice-melting experiment, comparing the effects of temperature changes. Understand water's behavior in winter ecosystems.
Spring Awakening
Focus
Plant Growth and Pollination
Highlights
- Observe early signs of plant growth, like budding trees and blooming flowers.
- Learn about the role of pollinators, and act out the process with fun, interactive props.
Sample Activity
Keep a nature journal to sketch budding plants and document pollination observations.
Ecosystem Explorations
Focus
Building Ecosystem Models
Highlights
- Create mini-ecosystems in jars to understand interactions between living and nonliving components.
- Dive into predator-prey relationships and food chains.
Sample Activity
Track weekly changes in your jar ecosystem, noting how plants and animals interact.
Bird Brains
Focus
Understanding Bird Migration
Highlights
- Investigate the science behind bird migration and navigation.
- Explore how seasonal changes influence bird behavior and movement.
Sample Activity
Map migratory bird paths and create a model explaining how birds use environmental cues to navigate.
Pollinator Paradise
Focus
Pollinators and Their Importance
Highlights
- Explore the vital role of pollinators in ecosystems.
- Study local pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Sample Activity
Create pollinator-friendly gardens and document pollinator visits over time.
Conservation in Action
Focus
Environmental Stewardship
Highlights
- Identify and learn to manage invasive species in our community.
- Brainstorm impactful local conservation projects.
Sample Activity
Develop and present conservation proposals, from habitat restoration to waste reduction initiatives.
Reptiles and Amphibians: Cold-Blooded Creatures
Focus
Understanding Reptiles and Amphibians
Highlights
- Learn about the adaptations of reptiles and amphibians.
- Observe these creatures in their natural habitats at the nature center.
Sample Activity
Create a fact sheet for your favorite reptile or amphibian and share it with classmates.
Fall Harvest
Focus
Seasonal Plant Changes
Highlights
- Observe how plants spread their seeds and prepare for the colder months.
- Collect, classify, and study seeds found in the nature center.
Sample Activity
Create a seed collection display, showcasing the diversity and strategies of local plants.
Fall Colors and Animal Preparation
Focus
Seasonal Changes and Animal Behavior
Highlights
- Learn the science behind fall leaf colors and pigments.
- Discover how animals prepare for winter through hibernation, migration, and food storage.
Sample Activity
Make leaf rubbings to analyze their colors, and create posters illustrating animal winter preparations.
Exploring Energy in Nature
Focus
Energy Flow in Ecosystems
Highlights
- Understand the flow of energy in food webs, from the sun to plants to predators.
- Explore how animals and plants conserve energy in winter.
Sample Activity
Design a food web mural illustrating local ecosystems and build animal shelters to mimic real-world strategies.
Winter Explorations
Focus
Winter Discoveries and Seasonal Changes
Highlights
- Investigate how nature adapts and persists during the coldest months.
- Search for signs of wildlife activity and natural beauty during wintertime.
Sample Activity
Participate in a winter scavenger hunt, identifying animal tracks, evergreen plants, and other signs of life thriving in winter conditions.