Home School
Homeschool Workshop Series 2010-2011 Join us for an exciting Homeschool Workshop Series of classes. This series is designed for student's ages 7-12. Remember, well- behaved younger siblings that are accompanied by their parent are always welcome to observe the programs. There is a $35 per student fee for the entire series. Your reservation will not be confirmed until the payment for the entire series has been received.
New Class - Session 3 - Time 1-3 p.m.
Class dates: 9/27, 10/18, 11/15, 1/17, 2/21, 3/21, and 4/18
Class topics and descriptions are listed below.
Session 1 and Session 2 classes are full.
Please make checks or money orders payable to Crystal Springs Foundation, Inc.
Checks or money orders can be mailed to:
Crystal Springs Preserve
P.O. Box 190
Crystal Springs, FL 33524
Class Descriptions and Dates
Session One - 10-12 p.m. or 1-3 p.m. class
The Green Zone
Date: September 13, 2010
Explore the amazing world of nature's trees and plants. Investigate the parts and inner workings of plants. Learn how to identify trees and plants based on the leaf shape, leaf arrangement, leaf composition, tree height and type of bark, fruit, and seed.
Slimy Monsters
Date: October 4, 2010
Ever wondered why a frog croaks, why a toad has bumpy skin, or why salamanders love the mud so much? All of these questions will be answered in this class. Students will observe live amphibians and explore the unique characteristics of this amazing group of animals.
Track that Cat!
Date: November 1, 2010
How do we know about animals that we hardly ever see but know they live at the Preserve? Tracks and Scat, right? Students will learn how to recognize different animal tracks and scat. All students will make a plaster animal track to take home.
Skull Biology
Date: January 3 , 2011
Use forensic biology to determine if a skull is from a carnivore, herbivore, or omnivore. Analyze the differences between predator and prey skulls. Explore the different adaptations that these animals have that help them to survive.
Finding Your Way
Date: February 7, 2011
Explore Florida's rivers and streams using both orienteering compasses and hand held GPS units. Students will work together in teams to map their course and learn about native plants and animals along the way.
Bottle Biology
Date: March 7 , 2011
Would you like to observe animals in an ecosystem of your own making? Students will design and construct a terrarium in a 2-liter plastic bottle and take it home after class.
**Please bring a 2-liter plastic bottle to class**
Wetland Wonders
Date: April 4 , 2011
Ready to go fishing? Grab a dip net and perform a biodiversity survey. Catch and identify the invertebrates and vertebrates that live in the waters of the Preserve. Analyze the river system to see if it is healthy or not.
Session Two – 10-12 p.m. or 1-3 p.m. class
The Green Zone
Date: September 20 , 2010
Explore the amazing world of nature's trees and plants. Investigate the parts and inner workings of plants. Learn how to identify trees and plants based on the leaf shape, leaf arrangement, leaf composition, tree height and type of bark, fruit, and seed.
Slimy Monsters
Date: October 11, 2010
Ever wondered why a frog croaks, why a toad has bumpy skin, or why salamanders love the mud so much? All of these questions will be answered in this class. Students will observe live amphibians and explore the unique characteristics of this amazing group of animals.
Track that Cat!
Date: November 8, 2010
How do we know about animals that we hardly ever see but know they live at the Preserve? Tracks and Scat, right? Students will learn how to recognize different animal tracks and scat. All students will make a plaster animal track to take home.
Skull Biology
Date: January 10 , 2011
Use forensic biology to determine if a skull is from a carnivore, herbivore, or omnivore. Analyze the differences between predator and prey skulls. Explore the different adaptations that these animals have that help them to survive.
Finding Your Way
Date: February 14, 2011
Explore Florida's rivers and streams using both orienteering compasses and hand held GPS units. Students will work together in teams to map their course and learn about native plants and animals along the way.
Bottle Biology
Date: March 14 , 2011
Would you like to observe animals in an ecosystem of your own making? Students will design and construct a terrarium in a 2-liter plastic bottle and take it home after class.
***Please bring a 2-liter plastic bottle to class***
Wetland Wonders
Date: April 11 , 2011
Ready to go fishing? Grab a dip net and perform a biodiversity survey. Catch and identify the invertebrates and vertebrates that live in the waters of the Preserve. Analyze the river system to see if it is healthy or not.
Homeschool High Adventure Eco-Classes for students 13 & up
Class Dates: 9/27, 10/18, 11/15, 1/17, 2/21, 3/21, and 4/18
Time: 9:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Cost per student: $140 (includes all 7 classes and all equipment/materials)
Your reservation will not be confirmed until the payment for the entire series has been received. Class space is limited so don't delay.
Class Description:
For the first hour of every class, students will research, discuss, and investigate current environmental issues as a group. The rest of the class time will be spent performing scientific experiments in the habitat and participating in a river stewardship program. We will divide 1 mile of the river corridor into 6 different segments. Each class except the first class will feature a different segment of the river. In each section of the river, soil experiments, water chemistry experiments, benthic surveys, biodiversity surveys, tree surveys, stream flow tests, and turbidity tests will be performed by the students. In the first class, we will teach the students how to perform the different experiments.
Students will enter data and create data charts. Students will then analyze the data from all 6 segments of the river system.
Students will use canoes on most days. Life jackets will be provided.
What to Bring:
Water shoes/old tennis shoes, change of clothes, towel, bug spray, sunscreen, water bottle, lunch, and snacks
Homeschool Groups of 15 or more can register for any of the programs listed below.
All Crystal Springs Preserve Group Program Reservations require advance payment of a non refundable $25.00 registration fee. The fee is due 30 days in advance of your program date in order to hold your reservation for this year. Your reservation will be cancelled if payment is not received on time and that date will then be made available to others.
Also, do your students need service hours for scholarships or other organizations? Schedule a learn-and-serve day at the preserve. From hurricane debris removal in October, to leaf racking and mulching in February, there is always work that needs to be done. Other projects we always need help with are exotic plant removal, trail clearing, and various other habitat restoration projects.
Payment should be made out to: Crystal Springs Foundation, Inc.
We do not accept cash.
Checks may be mailed to: Crystal Springs Preserve, PO Box 190, Crystal Springs, Florida 33524
General Information
- No food is allowed in our lab
- There is no self-guided exploration on the preserve. Parents must stay with the group.
- Everyone, students and parents, should wear close toes shoes that can get muddy, and possible wet.
- Dress for the weather. Bring a poncho, just in case. A hat is a good idea on sunny days. Bug spray is also a good idea.
- When you arrive, pull up to the gate and we will open it for you. Once in the gate, pull all the way back to the Nature Center and park.
Programs
Tech Trek
Grades: 6-8
Capacity: 60 people
Length: 2-3 hrs
Description: Challenge your students with our high adventure wilderness course! Explore Florida's rivers and streams using both orienteering compasses and hand held GPS units. Walk over the karst rock topography of the woods and river. Students will work together in teams to map their course and learn about native plants and animals along the way.
Hanging out in the Habitat
Grades: K-5
Capacity: 50 people
Length: 2 hrs
Description: Learn about habitats, niches, ecosystems and food webs. Explore the Preserve's wilderness areas and check out the native and non native species of plants and animals. Hunt for the clues that animals have left behind. Trek back into the woods with one of CSP's educators. Identify plants along the river. Look at the karst rock topography of the woods and river. Spot wildlife of all sizes. Also, join us in our learning lab to visit with our animal ambassadors. Get an up close look at some of Florida's native reptiles and amphibians. Learn how these often misunderstood animals help our habitats everyday!
Awesome Aquifers
Grades: 3-5
Capacity: 30 people
Length: 1 hour
Description: Where does all your water go? In this simulation program, students will create a watershed that represents their community. Once constructed, students will determine what happens to all the run-off and watch as pollution from one part of the watershed effects the entire watershed. This is a great lesson in water conservation and pollution. Learn the history of the springs, from the time of the prehistoric animals to the present. Gaze into our window on the aquifer.
What's In Your Water?
Grades: 6-8
Capacity: 30 people
Length: 2 hours
Description: This program is an in-depth hands-on experience. The students will collect and analyze water samples from around the preserve. Using both chemical and electronic testing devices, they will determine dissolved oxygen, pH, and other basic chemical levels. Students will be guided throuh a discussion of their results and explore how these levels effect the overall health of the waters on the Preserve. Learn the history of the springs, from the time of the prehistoric animals to the present. Be amazed to discover how Florida's wetlands clean our water. Brainstorm what role the aquifer plays in our everyday life. Use critical thinking skills to figure out the differences between life in the river and life in the pond.
River Critter Roundup
Grades: 6-8
Capacity: 50 people
Length: 2 hours
Description: One of our most popular programs! Take a tour of Crystal Springs Preserve and learn how the water in the spring gets to and from the aquifer. Students will do a biodiversity survey of the invertebrates and vertebrates that live in the river. Observe them under a microscope. Use your critical thinking skills to explore diversity and ecosystem health.
Note: Student should wear closed toed shoes that can get muddy and dirty.
Survival
Grades: 6-8
Capacity: 50 people
Length: 3 hours
Description: Get lost!! Learn what it takes to survive if you ever get lost in the wilderness. Identify poisonous plants and animals you may encounter in Florida. Collect drinking water using only what you have in your lunch box. Build a shelter using only what you brought with you and the things that nature has to provide.
Rockin' Out with CSP
Grades: 6-8
Capacity: 60 people
Length: 2-3 hrs
Description: Come and rock out at Crystal Springs Preserve! Students will understand that hydrology, topography and soil type are key factors in determining Florida's habitats.
Students will investigate the geology of Florida by performing geological experiments on different rocks and minerals. Using water chemistry kits, students will test water samples for dissolved oxygen, nitrates, and pH. Students will perform soil tests to check soil type and pH.
SSS 6-8
SC.D.1.3.1, SC.D.2.3.2, SC.G.2.3.1, MA.E.1.3.1, MA.E.2.3.1, SS.B.2.3.6
NGSSS
SC.6.E.6.1, MA.6.S.6.2, SC.7.E.6.2, SC.7.E.6.5, SC.912.E.6.4, MA.912.S.1.1
Florida Chemistry
Grades: 9-12
Capacity: 30 people
Length: 2hrs
Description: This program is an in-depth hands on class. While exploring the various habitats at Crystal Springs Preserve, students will collect water samples from each. They will bring the samples back to the lab and using both chemical and electronic tests, students will compare dissolved oxygen, nitrate, and pH levels of their samples. Our educators will lead the students in a brainstorm session using their results to determine the health of our habitats.
Rolling IN the River
Grades: 9-12
Capacity: 30 people
Length: 2-3 hrs
Description: Prepare to get wet!! Your students will perform an indepth Benthic Investigation of the Hillsborough River. Groups of students will be given a 10ft transect of the river where they will be responsible for completing several tests and experiments. These tests include turbidity, dissolved oxygen, a biodiversity survey, and stream flow. Our Benthic logs are molded after those used by the USGS. Students and chaperones should come in clothing and closed toed shoes that can get wet. NO FLIP FLOPS!!!!!!
Skull Biology
Grades: 9-12
Capacity: 30 people
Length: 1 hr
Description: Use forensic biology to determine if a skull is from a carnivore, herbivore, or omnivore. Utilize inductive and deductive reasoning to separate predators from prey. Take a close look at teeth and bite impressions to determine animal characteristics. Brainstorm about different adaptations that these animals have that help them to survive.
River Rats Water Adventure
Grades: 3-5
Capacity: 50 people
Length: 2 hrs
Description: Take a tour of Crystal Springs Preserve's habitats and explore Florida's magnificent aquifer system. Explore the Hillsborough River and its spring runs. Grab a dip net and perform a biodiversity survey. Catch and identify the invertebrates and vertebrates that live in the waters of the Preserve.
Note: **Students should wear closed toed shoes that can get muddy and dirty**
Check out the other programs.
