Environmental
Education Experiences at Bear Creek Nature Center 
Environmental
Education Experiences at Bear Creek Nature Center
AN AMAZING OUTDOOR CLASSROOM!
Ø Hike the foothills, search for mule deer, and discover Bear Creek! Scrub oak forests, golden meadows and a mountain creek highlight the landscape at Bear Creek Nature Center located on the southwest side of Colorado Springs in Bear Creek Regional Park.
Ø For 31 years, quality environmental education programs have been provided at Bear Creek Nature Center. In 2001, the entire facility was rebuilt featuring state of the art, interactive, hands-on exhibits. An observation beehive, “Who’s Home in These Hills” diorama, and interactive touch screens are just a few of the exhibits waiting to open the outdoor world to students and teachers.
Ø A variety of guided and self-guided programs are offered to assist students in developing an awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the many plants and animals that inhabit the park’s communities as well as the natural processes that shape the ecosystem.
Ø Professional environmental educators and specially trained volunteer naturalists lead each program. We are dedicated to providing your students with a positive outdoor experience and quality instruction.
Ø We are not limited to these programs. If you do not see something offered, please call and we can try to meet your needs.
WHEN: Programs are available on a first call, first serve basis. Space is limited and times fill quickly for these popular programs so reserve a spot for your class now!
HOW: Call Allison Plute at 520-6972 or email allisonplute@elpasoco.com to schedule. You will receive a confirmation letter via email from the Nature Center.
COST: Program costs are $4.00 per student, no charge for adults, teachers, or chaperones.
NATURE CENTER HOURS: Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Elementary Environmental Education Programs
Discover Bear Creek Grades: Kindergarten Program Time: 60 minutes
A puppet show introduces children to their five senses and to the ways in which animals use their senses. Children then have an opportunity to use some of their senses as they take a discovery hike along the trails near Bear Creek to experience subtle wonders of the outdoor world in the foothills.
Supports Colorado Model Content Standards: Science 3.1, 3.2
Foothills Habitats Grades: 1-2 Program Time: 90 minutes
After a brief discussion on the meaning of habitat, dancing animal puppets describe their individual habitat needs and the importance of showing respect for an animal’s habitat. Students play “habitat bingo” as they hike on the trails to discover and explore plant and animal habitats present in three different communities of the foothill ecosystem. An activity at the end of the hike focuses on ways to respect animal habitats. Supports Colorado Model Content Standards: Science 3.1, 3.4, 5
Incredible Insects Grades: 1-3 Program Time: 90 minutes
The program begins with a puppet show that introduces students to insect characteristics and adaptations. During a guided hike along the trails, students have an opportunity to catch and release live insects. Discovery activities in a variety of insect habitats help students learn more about insect characteristics, adaptations, and metamorphosis as well as the benefits of the incredible insects in our world. Supports Colorado Model content Standards: Science 3.1, 3.4, 5
Water, We Care! Grades: 1-5 Program Time: 90 minutes
This program focuses on three concepts about water and water conservation. Starting indoors, students will discover more about the water molecule by participating in the H2O Olympics. Students will then learn about the origins and value of water in El Paso County during an active game. A hands-on study and discussion of Bear Creek’s water quality will complete the outdoor experience. Supports Colorado Model Content Standards: Science 1, 2.1, 3.1, 4.3, 5; Reading and writing 2; Physical Education 2.1; Mathematics 5
Colorado Wildlife Detectives Grades: 3-5 Program Time: 90 minutes
This program is introduced with a discussion on animals that inhabit the foothill lifezone and how the clues they leave behind are used to confirm a scientific hypothesis. Students become wildlife detectives and hike along the trails to search for signs of wildlife and discuss how a diversity of wildlife is important in maintaining the foothill ecosystem. Supports Colorado Model Content Standards: Science1, 3.1, 3.2
Middle School Environmental Education Program
Foothills Field Experience Grades: 6-9 Program Time: 2-3 hours
Description: Students experience the foothills ecosystem as they rotate through four multidisciplinary activities and record their observations in Foothills Field Experience notebooks. The four activities include a reflective writing hike in Bear Creek Park, a scientific study of the water quality of Bear Creek, a look at the local issues regarding human/black bear coexistence, and an exhibit room exploration tour. Colorado Model Content Standards: Science 1, 3.1, 3.2, 5; Physical Education 2.1; Reading and Writing 2; Mathematics 5
“On the Road Again” Environmental Education Outreach Programs
Bring the nature center to your classroom!
All Outreach Programs:
Offered in January, February, November, and December ONLY Meet State Model Content Standards
Led by professional interpretive staff Hands on and inquiry based
Max 30 students per program Consecutive programs must be at same location
One hour in length
Outreach Program Fees:
First program = $60.00 Second program = $50.00 Third program = $40.00
(Three programs for $150.00!)
Grades 1-3
Wildlife Whodunit?
Wildlife forensics is an exciting and popular method to determine what has happened after an incident involving wildlife. Similar to a CSI (crime scene investigator) the students will perform or observe a variety of scientific and investigative techniques to deduce what has happened in a fictional scenario in Bear Creek Park.
A story will explain a mysterious morning at Bear Creek Nature Center. Students will then break into investigative teams to study the clues and make an accusation based on their findings. The groups will give their conclusion to the class, and the presenter will connect all of the clues and facilitate the class coming to a consensus on which animal actually did the “crime.”
The A, Bee, C’s of Honeybees
Through an interactive multi-media presentation students, will explore the fascinating roles that honeybees play and some of the intricate happenings within a beehive. Students will become a member of their own hive while participating in a lively group activity to reinforce the roles bee play and how a beehive survives.
Updated 9/17/2008