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Fall Environmental & Historical Education 2006

 

The Elkhart County Park and Recreation department offers a wide variety of environmental and historical education programs for students from pre-school thru high school. Our programs are intended to provide first hand experience for the students by instilling an awareness, conceptual understanding and appreciation for the environment. Activities encourage the use of all senses, while discussions aim for an understanding of human needs versus impact, thus illustrating the meaning, importance and tools of conservation.

For more information or to schedule a program, please contact the Elkhart County Parks Administration Office at (574) 535-6458.

 

 

 Environmental Education Programs

Programs are intended to provide first hand experience for the students by instilling an awareness, conceptual understanding and appreciation for the environment. Activities encourage the use of all senses, while discussions aim for an understanding of human needs versus impact, thus illustrating the meaning and tools of conservation. When selecting programs it is imperative that each teacher is aware of their classes understanding in these areas. Remember that your students may have been exposed to some of these topics through a prior visit to our parks or at another nature center.

 

Awesome Autumn:

Oxbow, Bonneyville, River Preserve

Grades: K-6th, 45 mins.-1 hour
Autumn is a great time for a hike with its crisp air and colorful foliage. It is also a time of preparation and change. On this hike students will discover how the plants and animals of the park are preparing for winter.

Meet A Tree:

Oxbow, Bonneyville, River Preserve

Grades: 3rd-12th, 1-1½ hour
Through nature games and a hike, students will learn to identify many of the trees in the park and discover their uses to us and the park's wildlife.

Wild About Wetlands:

Oxbow, Bonneyville, River Preserve

Grades: 3-12th, 1-1½ hour
What is a wetland? Why are they so important? Why are we sowild about them? Students will find out through hands-on activities and the investigation of the wet and wild inhabitants.

Fun and Games:

Oxbow, Bonneyville

Grades: 1st-5th, 1-1½ hours
Learning can be fun, and games can teach a lot. This activity combines the perfect mixture of games and learning to give the students a better understanding of our natural world. Through hiking and nature games, the naturalist will make your visit a fun and rewarding experience.

The Wonderful World of Insects:

Oxbow, Bonneyville, River Preserve

Grades: 1st-5th, 1 hour
How do insects differ from other animals? How do they grow and mature? How do they benefit us? During this program students will explore the insect world through hands-on activities, games and hikes. This program is available from May thru October only.

If We Were Indians:

Oxbow, Bonneyville, River Preserve

Grades: 3rd-12th, 1-1½ hours
Step back in time to the life of the Potawatomi Indians. Through stories, facts and
activities students will learn of the Indian's lifestyle and reverence for the natural world
.

Critter Corner:

Oxbow
Grades: Pre-3rd, 1-1½ hours
Come visit the world of imagination! Hop like a rabbit or transform yourself into a bat, snake, great blue heron and other forest creatures. This activity involves active particpation, teamwork and lots of laughs.

 

 

 Historical Education Programs

Mill Tours:

Bonneyville Mill:


All Grades, 30 minutes-1 hour
The staff at Bonneyville Mill is always happy to demonstrate and explain how water power has been harnessed to grind grain into flour. Mill tours can be geared toward particular areas of interest (History, Science, Social Studies, etc.) when so requested. Please note that the mill operates between 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.. Students may also purchase Bonneyville flour/grain if they so desire.


Bonneyville flour/grain prices are as follows:

 

Buckwheat 2lb...$2.50 5lb...$5.00
Cornmeal 2lb...$2.00 5lb...$3.00
Whole Wheat 2lb...$2.50 5lb...$4.50
Cracked Wheat 2lb...$2.50 5lb...$4.50
Rye 2lb...$2.50 5lb...$4.50

 

Museum Tour Topics:

This list of tour topics has been developed to cover various themes encompassed by the Elkhart County Historical Museum's collection. These topics were selected to compliment the educational curriculum for the various grade levels identified. The introductory tours were organized to give the students a brief overview of the areas listed, and the remaining tours focus on a particular theme that will be illustrated during the tour through museum artifacts and the tour guide interpretations.

Please plan on arriving at the museum fifteen minutes prior to the tour for a brief introduction.

Introduction to the Elkhart County Historical Museum (General Tour #1):

This tour briefly covers five of our most popular rooms. Rooms toured are the Depot, Native American Hallway, Emporium, Children's Room and the Barn. Program time is one hour and the group will spend approximately twelve (12) minutes in each room. The program is suggested for all age/grade levels. Group size must be 60 or fewer.

Introduction to the Elkhart County Historical Museum (General Tour #2):

This second general tour covers five of our family-oriented display rooms. Rooms toured include the Not-So-Long-Ago, Treasures of the Past, Cottage, Victorian Row House and the Memorial Room. Program time is one hour and the group will spend approximately twelve (12) minutes in each room. The program is suggested for all age/grade levels. Group size must be 60 or fewer. * Tours one and two can be combined for a longer two-hour tour and is suggested for older students and adults only.

Regional Native Americans:

The students will be divided into three groups. The groups will visit the Native American Hallway, learn about the daily lifestyle of the Potawatomi Indians who lived in this area, and participate in a hands-on simulated archaeology dig. The group size must be 45 or fewer students. Program time is one hour. Suggested grade levels 3rd and up.

Early Schools of Elkhart County:

The students sample a one-room school, write with old-time writing tools and examine a box of hands-on pioneer toys. Group size must be 30 or fewer. Suggested age/grade level is 3rd grade. Program time is one and one half hours (1 1/2).

Early Settlers & Pioneers of Elkhart County :

Who were the pioneers? What was their lifestyle like? During this program you will discover these answers and more. The rooms included on this tour are the Township, Barn, Cottage and Native American Hallway. There is also a hands-on activity as part of the program. The time period covered is from the 1700's to around 1844. Suggested grade level is 4th grade. Group size must be 60 or fewer students. Program length is one hour.

Life During the Industrial Revolution:

Learn about family life during the Industrial Revolution (1844-1910). See how the railroads played a major role in the industry of Elkhart County. The rooms visited include the Emporium, Depot, Treasures of the Past, and Victorian Row House, and a hands-on activity. Suggested grade level is 5th grade and older. Group size must be 60 or fewer. Program time is one hour.

The Railroad: The Lifeline to a Continent (1851 to the Present):

Did you know that railroads were Elkhart's first major industry? Come learn about railroad history in Elkhart County. Program time is 60 minutes. Suggested grade levels are 4th – 12th. This program is also available as an off-site program.

A Day in a One Room School:

This program allows children to experience firsthand a school day similar to one in the year 1890. Working arithmetic problems on a slate board, reading aloud from the recitation bench and practicing penmanship with a quill or feathered pen is all part of the day's activities. Students are asked to bring a sack lunch, and the museum will furnish either hot chocolate or lemonade. Students are encouraged to dress in period clothing. This program is specifically designed for groups of ten (10) children or less. Generally essay winners or specially selected groups attend this program. This is a 4 ½ hour program designed for 3rd grade students. Adult supervision required. Note: This program is offered on Wednesdays and Thursdays only.

Tactics, Strategy & Uniforms of the Revolutionary War Period:

Learn about Indiana's part in the Revolutionary War. Terry Trimmer, who is a member of the Varnum Continentals, a colonial miltia company, presents this program. Program time is one hour. Suggested grade levels are 4th grade to adult. This program is also available as an off-site presentation.

Museum Slides:

A slide show program is available. This program is given by a museum tour guide in your classroom. Program time is approximately 30-45 minutes and can be used for all ages and grade levels.

 

Special Upcoming Museum Programs

The Elkhart County Historical Museum is offering three special programs in 2007.These programs for school children will be free of charge but advance reservation is required. Each session is limited to 150 students. For more information please call the museum at 574-848-4322. The museum is located at 304 W. Vistula (SR 120) in Bristol.

Slavery to Freedom––The Underground Railroad

Friday, February 9, 2007 ( 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.)
(Suggested for grades 4th and above)

There will be a presentation by Terry H. Trimmer entitled “Slavery to Freedom, The

Underground Railroad and Elkhart County’s Role”. The presentation will cover the Underground Railroad in general and, in particular, the roles of Bristol, Indiana and Cass County, Michigan. It will include how black slavery came to America and the historical events that made the Underground Railroad possible. Some of the houses in Bristol that served as stations will be shown and stories that involved the Kentucky slave hunters that came into this area will be told. If time permits, there will be some discussion of the roles the ex-slaves and their descendants had in the development of Elkhart. The program is part of the celebration of Black History Month.


Native Americans of Elkhart County

Wednesday, May 16, 2007 (10:30 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.)
(Suggested for grades 4th and above)

This presentation by tour guide Terry H. Trimmer will cover the combined history of Native Americans and the role of Indiana’s Indians- the Potawatomi and Miami tribes. There will also be a discussion of the eastern Indian Wars.

The American Revolutionary War

Wednesday, October 10, 2007 (10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.)
(Suggested for grades 5th and above)

Brush up on the American Revolutionary War with a uniformed officer as he portrays what it was like to be in the

Colonial militia.

 

Scheduling


Environmental Education and Bonneyville Mill Scheduling:

All programs are by reservation only. The Elkhart County Park and Recreation office, 574-535-6458, will accept reservations Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. We suggest that you make reservations at least two weeks in advance if possible. If you wish to guide your class through the parks yourself, please schedule your hike with our office to be sure of space and so our staff won't schedule activities conflicting with your plans. Teachers are also advised to make alternate plans should adverse weather or other factors complicate your plans. The staff will be prepared, despite weather conditions and will wait up to ten (10) minutes for late groups. It is up to the teacher or group leader to cancel program(s) if unable to attend, or call when arriving late.

Accessible Education:

The Elkhart County Park and Recreation Department believes that all students should have the opportunity for quality environmental and historical education. We welcome all students regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age or disability to participate in our programs. If you or your students have a disability requiring special accommodations for access to programs or facilities, please notify our office when scheduling your program. The staff will be happy to coordinate with you any special needs you may have.

Locations:

Programs at Ox Bow Park begin at Black Maple Shelter by the bridge. Programs at Bonneyville Mill Parkbegin at Feedlot Shelter across from the Mill. Programs at the River Preserve begin at the Benton Spillway parking lot onCounty Road 31 south of County Road 44, near Benton, IN.

Group Size:

The staff will usually work with 12-15 students at a time to provide an efficient learning atmosphere. All classes and organizations are required to provide one adult for every 7-10 students. These persons will be responsible for the conduct of the students.

Program Fees:

All groups scheduling environmental/historical education programs at our facilities are required to pay a fee. A $1.00 per person fee is required for all Elkhart County groups and a $2.00 per person fee is required for all groups outside Elkhart County. Payment must be received one week prior to the program date. Checks are made payable to:

Elkhart County Parks
211 West Lincoln Ave., Goshen, IN 46526-3280

 

Elkhart County Historical Museum Tours:

Activity Packets: Activity booklets/packets especially designed for students visiting the museum are available upon request. A copy should be picked up by the teacher prior to the tour. Contact the museum at 574-848-4322 for more information.

Scheduling: Due to the fact we rely upon volunteers and part-time staff to lead the tours, we ask that you plan to schedule your tour or program at least three (3) weeks in advance.

Location: The museum is located at 304 West Vistula Road or State Road 120, in Bristol. Please use the west entrance and ring the door bell upon arrival. Plan on arriving 10 minutes prior to the tour. Tentatively plan on going downstairs to the conference room for an introduction. Following the introduction, the groups will be divided into smaller groups of fifteen (15) or fewer students per tour guide. It would be helpful if you have the group divided in advance.

 

Environmental and Historical Programming - Indiana State Standards

Environmental Programs


Awesome Autumn (K-6)
K: 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 4.1, 4.2, 6.1
1: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 3.1, 3.3, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 6.2
2: 1.1, 1.4, 3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.5, 5.3, 5.5
3: 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 2.7, 3.3, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 4.1, 4.3, 5.5, 6.5
4: 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 6.4
5: 2.8, 4.4, 4.5, 4.7, 6.1, 6.4
6: 1.1, 1.2, 3.12, 3.13, 4.3, 4.4, 4.8, 4.9, 4.10, 5.6


Meet A Tree (3-12)
3: 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 4.1, 4.4, 6.1
4: 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6
5: 4.4, 4.5, 4.7
6: 3.16, 4.1,4.3,4.6,4.8,4.9,4.10


Wild About Wetlands (3-12)
3: 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 2.7, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 5.5, 6.5
4: 1.3, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6
5: 1.1, 1.2, 1.5, 1.6, 2.8, 3.4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.9, 6.1, 6.3
6: 1.2, 1.3, 1.5, 1.9, 2.3, 2.8, 3.8, 3.13, 3.16, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.8, 4.9, 4.10
7: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.8, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 4.14, 5.4
8: 1.1, 1.2, 2.3, 3.6, 4.4, 4.8, 7.2, 7.5, 7.7


Fun & Games (1-5)

1: 1.2, 1.2, 2.2, 2.3, 2.6, 3.4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 6.1
2: 1.1, 1.4, 1.5, 3.1, 3.4, 3.7, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.8, 5.3, 5.5, 6.2
3: 1.5, 1.6, 2.7, 3.5, 3.6, 4.1, 4.6, 5.5, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3

4: 1.3, 1.4, 2.4, 3.12, 3.13, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.6, 6.1, 6.2
5: 4.4, 4.5, 4.7, 4.9, 6.1


Wonderful World of Insects (1-5)
1: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.5, 2.6, 3.4, 3.5, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 6.1, 6.2
2: 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 3.4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.7, 5.6, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3
3: 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 2.7, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.6, 5.5, 6.3
4: 3.13, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.6, 6.3
5: 1.4, 1.6, 3.12, 4.1, 4.4, 4.5, 4.7, 6.1


If We Were Indians (1-5)
3: 1.1, 1.7
4: 1.1, 1.2, 1.5, 1.13, 4.1
5: 1.1, 1.3, 1.7


Critter Corner (Pre-3)
K: 3.2, 4.1, 4.2
1: 1.2, 3.4, 4.3, 4.4, 6.2
2: 3.4, 4.1, 4.3, 5.3
3: 1.2, 1.5, 4.4

 

Bonneyville Mill Tours


Kindergarten

Social Studies - K1.1, K3.3, K3.5, K4.1, K4.2, K4.3
Science - K1.2, K2.2, K3.1, K3.2, K4.1, K5.1, K6.1
Mathematics - K4.1, K5.1
Language Arts - K2.2, K2.3, K2.4, K2.5, K3.1, K3.3, K7.1

First Grade
Social Studies - 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.3.3, 1.3.4, 1.3.5, 1.3.8, 1.4.1, 1.4.2, 1.4.3, 1.4.4, 1.4.5, 1.4.6
Science - 1.1.4, 1.2.6, 1.2.7, 1.3.1, 1.3.2, 1.3.3, 1.3.4, 1.3.5, 1.4.3, 1.4.4
Mathematics - 1.4.1, 1.4.2, 1.4.7, 1.5.5
Language Arts - 1.3.1, 1.7.1, 1.7.2, 1.7.7, 1.7.9


Second Grade
Social Studies - 2.1.1, 2.1.2, 2.1.3, 2.2.4, 2.3.3, 2.3.4, 2.3.5, 2.4.1, 2.4.2, 2.4.3, 2.4.4, 2.4.6, 2.4.7, 2.5.4
Science - 2.3.3, 2.3.6, 2.4.3, 2.4.4, 2.4.5
Mathematics - 2.4.5, 2.5.5, 2.5.6, 2.5.7
Language Arts - 2.4.3, 2.5.1, 2.5.2, 2.5.3, 2.7.11


Third Grade
Social Studies - 3.1.2, 3.1.3, 3.1.4, 3.1.7, 3.3.3, 3.4.1, 3.4.2, 3.4.3, 3.4.4, 3.4.5, 3.4.7, 3.5.1, 3.5.5
Science - 3.1.6, 3.1.7, 3.3.8, 3.6.1, 3.6.2
Mathematics - 3.2.6, 3.5.7
Language Arts - 3.4.1, 3.4.2, 3.5.1, 3.5.2, 3.5.3

Fourth Grade
Social Studies - 4.1.6, 4.1.9, 4.1.12, 4.1.14, 4.3.4, 4.3.5, 4.3.8, 4.4.1, 4.4.2, 4.4.3, 4.4.4, 4.4.8, 4.5.5
Science - 4.1.8, 4.3.12, 4.4.9, 4.6.1, 4.6.2
Language Arts - 4.4.6, 4.4.7, 4.5.1, 4.7.1, 4.7.2

 

Elkhart County Historical Museum


Social Studies


Kindergarten
General Museum Tours - K 1.1, K1.3, K 2.1, K 2.3, K 2.5, K 3.3, K 3.5, K 4.1, K 5.1, K 5.3


First Grade
General Museum Tours - 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.3, 1.3.4, 1.3.5, 1.3.8, 1.4.1, 1.4.6, 1.5.5


Second Grade
General Museum Tours - 2.1.1, 2.1.2, 2.1.3, 2.2.4, 2.3.4, 2.3.7, 2.4.7


Third Grade
General Museum Tours - 3.1.1, 3.1.2, 3.1.3, 3.1.4, 3.3.3, 3.3.7, 3.4.1, 3.4.3, 3.4.4, 3.5.1, 3.5.3, 3.5.4
Regional Native Americans - 3.1.1, 3.1.2, 3.1.3, 3.1.4, 3.1.7, 3.3.3, 3.3.4, 3.3.5, 3.4.3, 3.5.1
Early Settlers & Pioneers - 3.1.1, 3.1.2, 3.1.3, 3.1.4, 3.3.1, 3.3.4, 3.3.5, 3.4.1, 3.4.3, 3.4.4, 3.5.1
Early Schools of Elkhart County - 3.1.4, 3.1.6, 3.5.3, 3.5.5
A Day in a One Room School - 3.1.4, 3.1.6, 3.2.1, 3.3.1, 3.3.3, 3.4.3, 3.4.5, 3.5.3, 3.5.5


Fourth Grade
General Museum Tours - 4.1.9, 4.1.11, 4.1.12, 4.1.13, 4.3.4, 4.3.6, 4.4.1, 4.4.5, 4.4.7, 4.5.1, 4.5.2, 4.5.3, 4.5.5
The Underground Railroad - 4.1.7
The Railroad: The Lifeline to a Continent (1851-Present) - 4.1.9
Regional Native Americans - 4.1.1, 4.1.2, 4.1.3, 4.1.4, 4.1.5
Early Settlers & Pioneers - 4.1.1, 4.1.2, 4.1.5, 4.1.13
Early Schools of Indiana - 4.3.4, 4.4.1, 4.4.6


Fifth Grade
General Museum Tours - 5.1.1, 5.1.3, 5.1.7
The Revolutionary War - 5.1.11, 5.1.12, 5.1.13, 5.1.14, 5.1.15


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Elkhart County Parks and Recreation
211 W. Lincoln Ave.
Goshen, IN 46526-3280

Phone 574-535-6458   TDD 574-535-6420
Email info@elkhartcountyparks.org