K-12 Educator Partnerships
We’re eager to work with you. As you nurture future environmental leaders in your classroom, we can offer various forms of support. Plan a visit to the Preserve, experience a dynamic biodiversity simulation, or arrange a virtual classroom discussion with us. Opportunities abound. We're here to help!
The Ecosystem Preserve offers a variety of place-based learning opportunities for K-12 students throughout the school year:
Field Trip (grades K-12)
Come to visit the preserve to learn about native plant propagation, ecosystem preservation and restoration, watersheds, and more. Activities can be catered to your group’s grade level and topic of interest. Depending on the weather, we could be outdoors or learning in our Bunker Interpretive Center lab space.
Reverse Field Trip (grades 6-12)
Have a preserve staff member come to your class to engage in the Ecosystem Dynamics Game (below) or activities catered to your group’s learning needs.
Ecosystem Dynamics Game (grades 8-12)
A preserve facilitator guides students through an interactive board game that simulates concepts such as biodiversity, energy transfer, trophic levels, invasive species, the 10% energy rule, and human impacts using the preserve ecosystem history storyline. To make the most of the experience, at least one 60 minute class period is recommended.
Zoom Call (grades K-12)
Have one of our preserve experts meet virtually with your class or group to discuss environmental topics such as ecosystem preservation and restoration or environmentally focused career paths.
Service Learning at the Preserve (grades 9-12)
Bring your class, club or group to learn about the importance of preservation and restoration while making a hands-on difference in the process. Depending on the season and the need, your team might be planting natives, assisting with invasive species control, curating the trails, or tending to our native gardens. A staff member will greet you, educate your group on the importance of the work, and provide you with all necessary tools to make a difference.
Potential Topics
- Ecosystem Dynamics (wildlife behavior, food webs, etc.)
- Wetland and Watershed Health
- Geology
- Native Plants
- Invasive Species
- Ecosystem Preservation and Restoration
- Scientific Investigation at the Preserve
- Environmentally-Focused Career Paths
- Renewable Energy (and our LEED Certified Bunker Interpretive Center)
If you're looking for opportunities for other age groups, see more options on our Programs webpage