School Programs

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAM Guide

CLARENCE SCHOCK MEMORIAL PARK AT
GOVERNOR DICK
Irresistible Ourdoor Learning

To schedule a program at the Gov. Dick Environmental Center…

Reservations: Upon request we will send you a Program Reservation form.We will then confirm by telephone or e-mail at which time a deposit of $25 must be sent to hold your reservation.

Weather: Note that if it rains, we can handle a maximum of 50 students inside. We will do two forty-five-minute programs. Programs are available year 'round.

Fees: Up to 25 participants for a one-hour program: $60.00. Additional students and longer programs are charged accordingly. One chaperone per 6 students is welcome at no charge; $5 for each chaperone beyond the 1:6 ratio.

Cancellation Policy: If you cancel, the $25 deposit is not refundable but can be applied to a future program.

Contact the Environmental Center at (717) 964-3808 for information. Office hours are Wednesday to Saturday 10-4 and Sunday 1-5 (April to November). You may leave a message or send an e-mail to governordick@hotmail.com.

Why Choose Gov. Dick Park?

The programs we provide are focused on the environment. Through hands-on activities, observation, interactive games and discussion we teach both knowledge of and care for the world around us. Call the office for more details about your program of interest.

We can modify any program to more closely align with your curriculum, creating a custom program for your particular group. Just allow park staff sufficient time for planning.

Most of our programs are offered year ‘round. Take advantage of Gov. Dick Park’s natural beauty at all seasons of the year.

Each Research Theme is 1-2 hours in length, depending on the size of your group. The Themes include:

- A period of indoor exploration.

- Outdoor investigations.

- Hands-on, interactive learning.

- Large groups are divided and

rotate between stations.

INSECT RESEARCHERS

Explore the world of the critters we so eagerly stomp underfoot and discover the important roles they play in the ecosystem. Understand insect anatomy as you take a close look at these fascinating and usually harmless organisms.

PLANT RESEARCHERS

Your researchers will investigate the plant kingdom beginning with pollination, seed types and dispersal, and germination. Researchers will then hunt for plant species using clues to find a particular species.

FOREST EXPLORERS

Develop map and compass skills while exploring the forest. Learn how to be observant and lost proof anywhere you go.

WILDLIFE RESEARCHERS

Learn about Pennsylvania’s wildlife species and their adaptations and habitat requirements. Understand the role of predators and their prey in the forest food chain. Researchers will explore how wildlife adjusts to survive the winter season.

BIRD RESEARCHERS

Unravel the mysteries of flight as you explore the world of birds. Researchers will take a closer look at the feathers, feet, and beaks of these amazing creatures. Learn about bird songs and explore the woods to find if there are any birds watching you!

POND RESEARCHERS

(for ages 12 to adult. Small groups only.)

Researchers will be “aquatic doctors” and will diagnose the health of a local pond by collecting (and releasing) a variety of macroinvertebrate organisms. Understand the role these organisms play in the food web.

WATERSHED RESEARCHERS

Learn your watershed address and what that means. Explore the importance of our water resources and the role we play in protecting them.

PRESCHOOL

DISCOVERY CLASSES

Appropriate for children ages 3 to 5, each Discovery Class is 1 ½ hours in length and involves the active senses of the young child. Choose a class from the following:

Feet and Tracks
Flying Friends
Wiggly Worms
Humpty Dumpty Hike (using the senses)
Tickly, Wiggly Insects

Fee: Up to 10 children: $30.00. Each additional child $2.50. $2.50 for each chaperone beyond a 1:6 ratio.

In-School Programs

Because we are aware of budget cutbacks and how that limits field trips, we can also bring Environmental Education to your classrooms with a knowledgeqable staff member coming to your school with engaging outdoor programs.

Trees and Leaves – Learn to see the differences in leaves and begin to identify specific trees. Explore why leaves are shaped the way they are with hands-on experimenting. Sharpen identification skills with games and activities.

Bird Study – Unravel the mysteries of flight by exploring the world of birds. Explore feather design and learn about the various feathers on a bird’s body and what they do. Be detectives and delve into the design and adaptations of birds, taking a close look at their feet, beaks, feathers, and bones.

Insects – Look at insects from a different point of view: they can be colorful, pretty “cool”, musical, beneficial; or ugly, harmful, funny-looking, or camouflaged. Learn the basic anatomy that helps you identify a “bug” as an insect. Look at samples of various stages of metamorphosis.

Pennsylvania’s Fascinating Wildlife – Do you know what reptile can live over 100 years? Why don’t snakes have eyelids? What Pennsylvania mammal gives birth to one baby that has its eyes open and its paws ready for walking as soon as it is born? Do birds have a sense of smell? Learn many more fun and fascinating facts about our state’s wildlife.

Pricing

$100 for the first hour/first classroom; $40 for each additional hour/classroom. Mileage included up to 41 round trip miles. Additional miles $.85/Mapquest mile round trip. To schedule a program in your classroom call the office at 717 964-3808 or email governordick@hotmail.com.