A NEW ERA: Monthly Family Programming
until 2:00 p.m. For your family's convenience, programming will follow an "open house" format so you can come and go through the day as you please. Some programs will state specific times for certain activities that will happen during that particular day. Occasionally, you may be asked to sign up for an activity to ensure we don't run out of supplies. See details of programming below. ALL PROGRAMS WILL HAPPEN RAIN, SNOW or SHINE.
Ohio's Wildlife: Tracking, Scat and Fur
This short introductory program begins indoors at 10:00 a.m. in the house conference center with a presentation and hands-on materials donated from the Ohio Department of Wildlife and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. After the presentation feel free to put your tracking skills to work and take a winter hike to see what tracks you can find. This same program will be repeated at: 11:00, 12:00 and 1:00. Make sure you stop by the classroom for other activities and crafts.
WHY TRACK ANIMALS WITH KIDS?
- It connects them to nature in a very direct and hands-on way.
- It teaches them to be aware of their surroundings and the creatures that live there.
- It gives them a chance to use critical thinking skills and scientific inquiry methods.
- It gives them a chance to experience nature with both body and mind.
- It’s an incentive for both you and them to learn about different animal species in your area.
- It gives kids a chance to lead and problem solve in nature.
- It’s an incentive to go outside.
- It’s fun!
Ohio Wildlife Center: Up Close and Personal
This program begins indoors at 10:00 a.m. in the house conference center with a LIVE ANIMAL presentation from our friends at the Ohio Wildlife Center. Come learn more about Ohio's wildlife.
This same program will be repeated at: 11:00,12:00 and 1:00. Make sure you stop by the classroom for other activities and crafts.
Winter Gardens: Who knew?
Franklin Park Conservatory, Franklin Soil and Water, and Slow Foods Columbus will be giving this month's presentation which will begin in the house conference center at 10:00 a.m. The session will then be repeated at: 11:00, 12:00, and 1:00. Make sure you stop by the classroom to create a garden in a glove, dissect a seed and create a mini garden book, Stop by the barn for an opportunity to sit in the "soil tent" where you will see what soil looks like 5 feet below the surface.
WHY GARDEN IN THE WINTER?
- Greens and root vegetables thrive with little water.
- The amount of time needed to tend / maintain the garden is low.
- Pests and disease are virtually non existent.
- You could be enjoying fresh greens all winter long!
Fifth Graders are on "Safari" at Spruce Run: Using Trail Cameras for Data Collection
The Columbus Zoo’s Classroom Safari program is partnering with Spruce Run to advance and encourage science learning with fifth grade students, helping them understand and internalize science as part of their everyday experiences. Classroom Safari consists of three components: monthly, hour-long classroom visits from the Zoo’s Education staff and animal ambassadors incorporating lessons and hands-on activities; a family day at the Columbus Zoo; two field trips to Spruce Run.
During their visits to Spruce Run students are utilizing their interactive science notebooks to enhance their learning about biotic and abiotic factors in the environment and how these factors are interconnected. Students are also given the opportunity to explore nature in the hopes of building lifelong conservation action. The final project of Classroom Safari is to have each classroom ask a question and then design an experiment using trail cameras. These trail cameras will be placed around the Spruce Run property. Students will then critically look at the Spruce Run environment vs. their school yards and come up with suggestions for creating better ecosystems at their own school. The culmination of this program is that each class will then submit their final report to the zoo. This report will include their testable question that each class created, their hypothesis, methods, results, and a discussion category. In turn, the zoo will publish all lab reports into a magazine type format and give one to each student. The magazine will include students art work as well as graphs and charts showing their data collection. The Columbus Zoo and Spruce Run is partnering together to make sure that key science concepts are being taught as well as ensuring that the students are thinking critically and problem solving throughout.
Ashland Course: Understanding the Philosophy of Experiential Learning
The class is designed with middle school teachers in mind and will be practical as well as thought provoking. We will explore the underlying theoretical elements of the philosophy of experiential education and utilize specific activities in enhancing experiential learning opportunities for students. Keeping a personal reflection journal is a key component of this course. The required textbook is 147 Practical Tips For Using Experiential Learning.
The course will begin in late January and posted on CiMS when we return from winter break. if you have questions about the course contact Geri Granger at ggranger9556@columbus.k12.oh.us
Art Teachers: Help Spruce Run "Rock"
Volunteers Needed
Become a volunteer. All you need is an enthusiasm for Columbus City Schools, a willingness to learn and a desire to share with others! Volunteer hours are flexible and will depend on your chosen job area(s). No previous training is needed: training programs will be provided.
Currently we need volunteers in the following areas:
Office: answer telephone, filing, organizing supplies for school group activities
Horticulture: working in the greenhouse, raised bed, landscaping maintenance
Naturalist: sharing your personal "Nature Hobby" such as birding or rock collecting with student groups
Maintenance: general upkeep of the buildings and grounds
Scout Specialist: working with troops, or individual scouts on badges, scouting projects and volunteering opportunities at Spruce Run
Contact Geri Granger for more information: ggranger9556@columbus.k12.oh.us
Email: ggranger9556@columbus.k12.oh.us
Website: http://www.ccsoh.us/sprucerun.aspx
Location: 4175 Sunbury Road, Galena, OH, United States
Phone: (614) 286-9493
