ECHO SCHOOL PROGRAMS

ECHO STAFF-LED SCHOOL PROGRAMS

• Preschool and K - 10th Grade programs are available
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• Upper level High School, College and Home School programs by request
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• Hands-on, experiential learning with age appropriate activities and vocabulary
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• Sessions are held in one of ECHO's technically supported classrooms
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• Available to both school groups and home school student groups
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• Minimum of 10 and a maximum of 25 per program
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• Program duration: 45 - 60 minutes
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• Fee: $30 per program except where noted

PRE-SCHOOL GROUPS

ECHO offers two programs to preschool groups. Both are led by ECHO's part-time preschool educator, Barbara Ann Komons-Montroll. These are open to the public and free with ECHO admission. Pre-registration is required for preschool groups.

Storytime with a Twist:Tuesdays at 11am Children from 2 - 7 years old and their adult caregiver will be led through an active hour of stories, songs, yoga and crafts linking young minds to the wonders of nature.

Movement, Music, and More: Fridays at 1:15pm Children from 2 - 7 years old and their adult caregiver will be lured by the music…join young peers for a 45 minute session of "on the go" science where learning is about sound and action!

SCHOOL PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS GRADES K-10

PROGRAM SUMMARIES

Marsh Madness: GradesK-2

Marsh, bog, swamp or wetland? Discover what tools a scientist uses to explore living and non-living things in this unique habitat. What are the unique characteristics that help animals and plants survive in a wetland? Go nose-to-nose with two of ECHO's resident wetland animals and discover why people should care about this fragile habitat. » more

Creature Features: Grades K-2

How do scientists classify animals using a key? Using skeletons, photos, demonstrations and live animals, students will investigate the animal kingdom and the features that distinguish one group from another. » more

Tricky Travelers: Grades 3-6

Explore characteristics of a non-native (invasive) species? Compare stories about non-native plants and animals arrival in the Lake Champlain Basin. Zero in on the zebra mussel. How has this species' arrival changed Lake ecology? Discuss what people are doing to control non-native species in a watershed. Explore possible solutions to control the spread of non-native species. » more

Hands on the Land: Grades 3-6

How has our local landscape changed since the arrival of humans 11,000 years ago? Students will analyze both living and non-living resources and the difference between human wants and needs. How have human actions, attitudes and trends transformed the Lake Champlain Basin from frozen land, to forestland, to farmland to fun land? What changes might humans consider to become a "low impact species"?» more

Rock and Roll Basin Geology: Grades 3-6

Was Lake Champlain always fresh water? How do mountains form? Use scientific inquiry to explore and record geologic evidence found in Lake Champlain Basin "time capsules". Students will work in teams to discover the facts of the unusual geologic history of the region. Predict how human impact may continue to shape our geologic future.» more

Water Wizards: Grades 5-8

It's a solid, a liquid, and a gas! It sticks to itself. It floats when it should sink, covers most of the Earth's surface and fills the Basin and your cells. Experiment with water's physical and chemical properties through student demonstrations. Share skits that reinforce stewardship habits for preserving our most valuable natural resource. »more

Climate Conundrum: Grades 5-8

Key Learning: Weather Events, Climate Change, Stewardship
What are the differences between weather and climate? Through hands-on activities, analyze both natural and human influences on our climate. Discover why and how scientists study animals, plants and habitats to learn about what climate changes are occurring around the globe. Discuss what role people have in affecting weather patterns around the world. »more

Voices for the Lake: Grades 5-10 Key Learning: Environmental Issues, Ecology, Debate, Critical Thinking, Technology in Action What are the key environmental issues concerning the Lake Champlain Basin? What sources do kids tap into and when do they tune in to environmental issues? Why do some people get involved and others show apathy? Students will role play a specific voice in a debate over Lake issues and participate in a mock town meeting using ECHO's state-of-the-art voting technology. How do your students truly feel about the environment and their ability to make change? »more

Sky Scanners: Grades 5-8

Get an insider perspective on the science of weather forecasting by NewsChannel 5 meteorologist and educator, Gib Brown. Explore weather fronts, high-and-low pressure systems, prediction, and state-of-the-art methods of reading weather changes. You'll learn how daily weather patterns emerge and affect our life in the Basin. Visit ECHO's waterfront satellite weather station - the source of NewsChannel 5/ECHO Weather Plus reports. After class, don’t forget to experience our Be a Watershed Weather Reporter exhibit, where you can star in your own customized weather report! »more

Note Special booking: Last Wednesday of every month — three sessions from 10am–1pm.

Lake Champlain Live: Grades 8+

Now you can take your students out on Lake Champlain! Work with scientists and educators at the Leahy Center for Lake Champlain to conduct scientific research aboard the University of Vermont's Research Vessel Melosira. »more

HOME SCHOOL STUDENTS

• Breakfast with the Animals
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• Volunteer Opportunities (students 16+)
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• Nature Journals
• Lake Champlain Basin Program Resource Room
• Special Events

UPPER LEVEL HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGES

Possible Presentations and Discussion Topics

• Benefits of partnering with a science center for pre-service teachers
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• Orientation to informal education in science centers
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• Public speaking and the facilitating learning
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• Access issues in public educational institutions

Opportunities for Personal Experience

• Internships, Work-Study, Service Learning, Project Graduation and Volunteerism
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• Linking field work, lab work and communicating results into public education
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• Leadership through developing programs for Special Events, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and 4-H, Preschool or After School Programs

ECHO PARTNERS AND SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS

• Lake Champlain Basin Program
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• The UVM Watershed Alliance
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• The Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources
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• Lake Champlain Maritime Museum
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• Lake Champlain Committee
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• National Wildlife Federation
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• Audubon Vermont
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• 10% Challenge
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• Clean Air-Cool Planet