Academic Guide
Academic Guide
2008 – 2009
Western North Carolina Nature Center
75 Gashes Creek Road
Asheville, NC 28805
Telephone (828) 298-5600 Fax (828) 298-2644
www.ashevilleparks.org
1
INDEX
- Mission Statement and General Information……………………. 1
- School Year Programs……………………………………….…… 2
- Self-Guided Tours, Offsite and Special Programs.………...…... 5
- Elk Trunk and School Projects…………………………………… 6
- Planning Your Trip ……………………………............................ 7
- NC School Competency Goals ….. ……................................... 9
- Reservation Form….. ……………………………………………. 10
MISSION STATEMENT
The Nature Center is a living museum exhibiting plants and animals native to the Southern Appalachians. The education philosophy of the Nature Center is to interpret the natural environment of Western North Carolina in a holistic manner, treating each organism or environmental factor as a component of the overall ecosystem. Our goal is to foster understanding of the Southern Appalachian bioregion in order that individual components of the ecosystem, including humans, may be seen and understood in the proper perspective.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Hours of Operation:
Daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Petting Area closes at 4:00 p.m.
Nature Trail and Predator Habitat close at 4:30 p.m.
WNC Nature Center
75 Gashes Creek Road
Asheville, NC 28805
Phone: (828) 298-5600
Fax: (828) 298-2644
Website: www.wildwnc.org
School Year Educational Programs (August – April)
Nature Center staff can assist in designing a program for students with a minimum of two weeks advanced notice. All programs are available Monday-Friday at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. (Note: No programs in May)
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“Cycles, Systems, and Sunlight: From the Farm to the Forest”
Grade Level: 5th
Program Length: 45-minutes
This program uses our educational farm as an accessible example of nutrient cycles and energy flows. We will compare these cultivated systems to natural settings with an emphasis on the relationships between producers, consumers, and decomposers. Students will grasp the importance of soil and sunlight to our lives on earth. Further discussion will include our impact on natural systems and our responsibilities to them.
“Forest Sounds”
Grade Level: 1st – 4th grade
Program Length: 30 – 45 minutes
Our sense of sight is so very demanding on our sense of security, we often fear things we hear and can’t see. Our discovery into the world of forest sounds links ecology, biology, physiology, and anatomy into one large lesson. Follow our investigating team into the night as we unravel the clicks, cries, flutterings, yips, yawns, and crackling sounds that accompany the night time. Visit with our education animals in the classroom as we listen to nocturnal vibrations and movements via audio recordings.
Wild About Wildlife
Grade Level: 1st - 12th grade
Program Length: 45-60 minutes
This outdoor program with an experienced guide will give students an opportunity to learn more about native wild animals as they tour animal habitats and visit the fox, raccoon, cougar, bobcat, coyote, and wolf habitats. Natural science concepts such as behavioral adaptations, food chains, communication and other survival techniques will be covered.
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Snakes and Turtles
Grade Level: Kindergarten – 12th grade
Program Length: 30-45 minutes
A hands-on session of exploration and fun for students to see and touch live reptiles. Learn the similarities and differences between common native reptiles. Reptile ecology, biology and appreciation will be the primary objectives in class discussion with an opportunity to explore the display table at the conclusion of the program. See page 4 for a class on amphibians: “The Life of a Frog”.
Locomotion - Animal Movement
Grade Level: Kindergarten – 4thgrade
Program Length: 30-45 minutes
This new program emphasizes how animals move using various appendages to transport themselves. Students will sit on the floor with a guide who will release an animal in the center of the group for all to view their locomotion adaptations. Discussion and display will include reptiles, amphibians, insects, birds and/or mammals. This program will fulfill animal anatomy and physiology curriculum needs. No venomous species will be used.
Nature at Night
Grade Level: 2nd - 6th grade
Program Length: 30-45 minutes
Nature doesn’t go to sleep at night so take a journey on a nocturnal adventure as students learn methods of exploring nature at night. Explore unique survival adaptations of animals such as camouflage, hearing, sight, odors and much more. Live native nocturnal species will be presented in class for an interactive approach to learning.
Bugs to Butterflies
Grade Level: Kindergarten – 3rd grade
Program Length: 30-45 minutes
How many wings does a butterfly have? How many legs does an ant have? Is a spider an insect? How do insects benefit nature and humans? Sometimes the little things are overlooked. Take a journey with butterflies, insects and the natural world when students inspect live and mounted insects for a close-up look at this small class of animals.
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Feathered Frenzy - The World of Birds!
Grade Level: Kindergarten - 12th
Program Length: 30-45 minutes
Did you know not all owls are nocturnal? What is the difference between a “call” and a “song”? Why do birds rarely survive a broken wing in nature? We shall present live raptors to your students while discussing their habits and habitats. Camouflage, beak adaptation, coloration, feathering, nest building, courtship, migration, and much more will be examined during the presentation.
The Life of a Frog
Grade Level: Kindergarten – 4th grade
Program Length: 30-45 minutes
Students and teachers will take a journey through the life of an amphibian as it makes its transformation from a tadpole in water to a frog, toad or salamander. An artifacts display table, live animals, and mounts will enhance the class experience. Students will learn the stages of metamorphosis and the characteristics of amphibians. See page 2 for a class in reptiles: “Snakes and Turtles”.
Down on the Farm
Grade Level: Kindergarten – 4th grade
Program Length: 30-45 minutes
While exploring the Charles D. Owen Educational Farm, students will use their senses to discover the sights, sounds, and smells of a farm. They will also learn differences between groups of animals, classification, and the common use and products of farm animals. Examine feedstuffs (grains), where eggs come from, and what wool feels and smells like, with time to explore the wonders of the petting area after the program.
Wild Tales
Grade Level: Kindergarten – 1st grade
Program Length: 30-45 minutes
Animals have been part of stories and myths throughout history. In some cultures, stories are the primary forms of education. Today, storytelling provides a creative way for students to connect to the natural world and for them to use their imagination. Gather around the fireplace in the log cabin and explore some traditional stories and myths using some live animals.
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SELF GUIDED TOURS (Offered daily for all ages)
Self-guided tours give students and teachers a chance to explore the Nature Center on their own using scavenger hunt packets to search for clues and answer questions concerning each group of animals. The “Scavenger Hunt” packets are available upon request and may be mailed to teachers who then make copies of the packet for their students prior to coming to the center. Bring pencils and clipboards.
OFF-SITE PROGRAMS
Beginning July 1, 2009, offsite program prices will increase to $200/ per 45 minute program, $275 per 2 hour program in Buncombe County, $300 per 45 minute program outside Buncombe County and $375 per 2 hour program outside Buncombe County. All out of county programs will be subject to additional mileage fees. After hours offside program fees will be increased to $350 per 45 minute program in the County and $400 outside Buncombe County.
Nature Center staff will bring select programs to classrooms in Buncombe County at $175 per 45-minute session (M-F, 9:00am – 3:00pm) and
$275 per 45-minute session after-hours (M-F, before 9:00am & after 3:00pm).
Outside of Buncombe County, our program fees are
$200.00 per 45-minute session (M-F, 9:00am – 3:00pm) and
$300.00 per 45-minute session after-hours (M-F, before 9:00am & after 3:00pm).
NOTE: Off-site programs are available year-round, but maybe limited in September, October, March and April due to the large number of groups visiting the Nature Center during this time.
Our featured offsite program is called Fur, Feathers, and Scales.
Fur, Feathers, and Scales
Grade Level: Kindergarten – 6th grade
Program Length: 45 minutes
An opportunity for students to learn the importance of preservation and conservation through a one-hour presentation (45-minute presentation/15-minute Q&A) with a live snake and turtle, animal skeletons, skins, feathers, skulls and more. Students have a chance to interact closely with live native animals and touch the many samples on the display table.
Special Programs
Teachers may also request a specific topic of discovery for their class.
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Nature Center’s Elk Trunk
With the release of elk into the Cataloochee Valley near Maggie Valley, North Carolina, students may now explore this conservation movement in detail with the Nature Center Elk Trunk. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has produced a portable educational classroom program on elk that is available to all teachers at no cost for a period of two weeks. Teachers will find the trunk filled with lesson plans, activities, videotapes and artifacts for use in the classroom. We are attempting to purchase a new trunk with updated materials, information, and displays. We are asking for donations from each participating facility to help with the purchase. Your school or group name will be on the box for all organizations to see who is supporting the Nature Center and the Elk Project. Please call for details and to make your reservation: (828) 298-5600, ext 305 for Keith.
School Projects
“Art at the Center” (year round)
The WNC Nature Center would be happy to display appropriate forms of art from any classroom project. Contact us to reserve a spot on our display walls for your student’s works of art.
“Festival of Knowledge”
Saturday February 21, 2009 from 10:00am – 3:00pm
“This is a statewide invitation to all schools (public, private and home school families) to participate in this year’s Festival of Knowledge. Posters, displays, and three-dimensional creations will be judged for information, creativity, and workmanship. Dimension of these exhibits must be at least three feet in length and two feet in height. They must be able to stand on their own or have physical support from the back – please no hanging or leaning items on the walls. Tripods and easels are recommended as support systems. Please bring table clothes, tape, markers, and any other display materials you may need to set up your creations.”
The three categories you may enter your display in are as follows:
1. “Build a Bug” (an actual insect species or create an imaginary one)
2. “Cultural History (Native American Indian or colonial lifestyles)”
3. “Natural History (NC animal or plant species)”.
Call Keith at (828) 298-5600, ext 305 Monday through Friday to register your class or student in the festival. It is all free and everyone who participates receives a ribbon and certificate of accomplishment. We ask that all displays remain at the Nature Center for a period of one week for our guests to view. Participants may also elect to donate their creation to the center after the event.
“Scouts, 4-H Clubs, Civic Associations” (year round)
If you are looking for onsite (or offsite) specialty programming for your group, give us a call to see what we can offer to fulfill your needs. We can host weekday and weekend programs. Ask our staff for price quotes. Programs range from 1-2 hours in length and can cover a wide variety of focal points. Those looking to earn badges or fill service work requirements can also contact us for availability of courses and projects.
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Planning Your Trip to the Nature Center
Hours:
Groups are invited to tour the Nature Center daily, 10:00 am until 5:00 pm.
Reservations:
Call (828) 298-5600, ext. 305, Monday-Friday, with the following information:
- Name of school or group and name of lead teacher (plus email)
- Address and phone number
- Grade level and number of students and adults
- Preferred program(s), date(s), and time of visit
A minimum class size of 10 students (a maximum of 30) is required for any educational program.
If any student has a special need and/or needs special assistance, please indicate at the time of scheduling.
A reservation is required to guarantee group rate.
Cancellations:
If a group must cancel a scheduled visit, please call the Nature Center at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled arrival. Groups will be charged full admission if cancellation is made on same day of reservation or not received at all. When cancelling, please speak directly to a Nature Center staff person. A phone message will not be accepted as a cancellation. Call (828) 298-5600, X305 between 8-9am to cancel.
Fees:
Home School groups
Self Guided Tour
Asheville City School (preschool-12th grade) $2 per student or adult
Non-Asheville Resident Home School $3 per student or adult
Public & Private Schools
Self Guided Tour
Asheville City School (preschool-12th grade) $2 per student or adult
Non-Asheville School $3 per student or adult
(school teachers, teacher assistants, and bus drivers free)
Classroom Program
$1 per program per student and/or adult chaperone
Teachers and Chaperones:
Teachers and chaperones must stay with students and supervise at all times during the visit. The recommended chaperone/student ratio is 1:5 for grades 1-3, and 1:10 for 4th grade and up. Safety and supervision comes first when visiting the Nature Center.
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Payment:
Payment due at check-in in the form of one payment for the entire group including students and adults made during check-in. Any overpayment will be reimbursed in cash.
Payment is accepted in cash, check, or credit card (Visa or MasterCard). Make check payable to the City of Asheville.
Any adult wishing to pay separately will be charged the full admission fee of $7 per person.
Anyone arriving late and separately from the group will be charged the full admission fee of $7 per person.
Nature Center Family Memberships or any other affiliated zoo memberships are not valid with a group or school reservation.
Check-In:
Please arrive and check-in 15 minutes prior to time of reservation. The Nature Center opens at 10:00 a.m. daily. 10:00 a.m. reservations may check in beginning at 9:45 a.m.
Only the lead teacher should check-in for the school group with the following information: number of students, staff, and chaperones
Other members of the group should remain outside until check in is complete.
Please separate students into their assigned groups prior to entering the Nature Center.
Anyone needing the use of the restrooms immediately upon arrival may enter at once with adult supervision.
Gift Shop:
Gift Shop items range from 25-cents to $60. A variety of drinks and snacks are for sale, but no prepared foods are available.
Maximum 10 students and 2 chaperones in the gift shop at one time.
Gift bags are available with at least a two-week notice prior to visit. Prices range from $1 to $5 per bag. Ask for details when making reservations.
Safety:
Safety is the Nature Center’s top priority for all visitors, staff and animals. To create a safe haven for all, please do not throw items, run on the trails or make loud noises. Above all please DO NOT FEED the animals. Visitors not abiding these safety rules will be asked to leave the Nature Center with no refund of admission fee. Teachers and chaperones must stay with students and supervise at all times and enforce the Nature Center code of conduct.
Directions to the Nature Center:
From I-40: Take I-240 into Asheville and take Exit 8. Turn north on Fairview Road and travel .7 mile. Turn right on NC-81 and travel .7 mile. Turn right on Gashes Creek Road and cross the bridge and then turn left. Travel .3 mile. See Nature Center on right and follow signs to parking and main entrance.
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NORTH CAROLINA COMPETENCY GOALS
|
Grade Level |
K |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7-8 |
9-12 |
|
Forest Sounds
|
|
1.02 1.04 1.05 3.02 |
1.01 1.04 2.01 4.01 4.05 |
4.02 4.03 4.05 |
1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 4.01 4.04 |
|
|
|
|
|
Cycles, Systems & Sunlight |
|
|
|
|
|
1.02 1.04 1.06 2.05 3.01 3.02 |
|
|
|
|
Locomotion : the Art of Animal Movement |
1.01 1.02 1.03 3.02 3.03 |
1.02 1.03 1.04 |
1.03 1.04 |
1.01 1.04 |
1.01 1.02 1.03 |
|
|
|
|
|
Wild About Wildlife |
1.02 1.03 1.04 3.02 3.03 |
1.02 1.03 1.04 3.01 |
1.031.04 |
1.04
|
1.01 1.02 1.03 |
1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 |
2.02 2.03 2.04 |
2.03 2.04 3.01 3.03 3.05 |
2.06 3.02 4.01 5.03 5.05 |
|
Snakes and Turtles |
1.02 1.03 3.02 3.03 |
1.02 1.03 1.04 3.01 4.01 |
1.03 1.04 |
|
1.01 1.02 1.03 |
1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 |
2.02 2.03 2.04 4.06 |
2.03 2.04 3.01 3.03 3.05 |
2.06 3.02 4.01 5.03 5.05 |
|
Nature at Night |
|
|
1.03 1.04 4.02 |
1.01 1.02 1.04 |
1.01 1.02 1.03 |
1.01 1.02 1.04 |
2.01 2.03 2.04 |
|
|
Bugs to Butterflies |
1.02 1.03 3.01 3.02 3.03 |
1.02 1.03 1.04 3.01 4.01 4.04 |
1.03 1.04 4.02 |
1.03 1.05 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Feathered Frenzy: The World of Birds |
1.02 1.03 3.01 3.02 3.03 |
1.02 1.03 3.01 4.01 |
1.03 |
1.01 1.04 4.01 |
1.01 1.02 1.03 |
1.01 1.02 1.03 1.06 2.03 |
2.03 2.04 |
|
5.01 5.03 5.05 7.01 7.02 |
|
Wild Tales |
1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 |
1.02 1.03 4.01 4.03 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Life of a Frog |
1.02 1.03 3.02 3.03 |
1.02 1.03 3.01 4.01 |
1.03 1.04 4.02
|
|
1.01 1.02 1.03 |
|
|
|
|
|
Down on the Farm |
1.023.02 |
1.02 |
1.03 1.04 3.01 3.02 |
1.03 3.01 3.02 |
1.01 1.02 1.03
|
|
|
|
|
|
Offsite Program:
Fur, Feathers, Scales
|
1.02 1.03 3.02 3.03 |
1.02 1.03 1.04 3.01 4.01 |
1.03 1.04
|
1.01 1.04 |
1.01 1.02 1.03 |
1.01 1.04 1.05 |
2.02 2.03 2.04 |
|
|
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Reservation Request Form
Please complete the reservation request form below, copy it, and email it to kmastin@ashevillenc.gov. We will match your request to the best of our available time slots and contact you propmptly. Please include three dates you would like to visit us starting with your most desired date, followed by your next two avaialble dates. Try to ensure you have transportation prior to making your reservation so we can process your request quickly without having to make sudden changes. Call (828) 298-5600, extension 305 with any questions you may have.
Name of Group:
Lead Teacher (s):
Teacher’s Email: ____________________________________
Desired dates of arrival: #1 - #2 - #3 -
NOTE: Please ensure you can obtain transportation prior to making your reservation with us!
Time of Arrival: (Nature Center open 10 am – 5 pm)
Number in Group: Grade(s):
Educational Programs you wish to see:
Forest Sounds ___ Cycles, Systems and Sunlight ___
Locomotion ____ Wild About Wildlife ____
Snakes and Turtles ___ Bugs to Butterflies ___
Down on the Farm ___ Nature At Night ___
Wild Tales ___ Life of a Frog ___
Feathered Frenzy ___ Fur, Feathers and Scales ___
Self Guided Tour (no classes) _____
Fees:
Public/Private School – Students & Adult Chaperone
(teachers, teacher assistants, bus driver free)
Asheville Schools @ $2 each =
Non-Asheville Schools @ $3 each =
Scheduled Program ______ @ $1 each = ______
Home School (groups 10 or more)
Asheville Resident @ $2 each =
Non-Asheville Resident @ $3 each =
Scheduled Program ______ @ $1 each = ______
Gift Bags bags @ $1 each =
bags @ $2 each =
bags @ $3 each =
bags @ $4 each =
bags @ $5 each =
The Nature Center will send a confirmation when your reservation is made.
