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Natural History Northeast offers courses for children ages 6 and above. The program is directed by Erik and Caroline
Christensen, both of whom have experience teaching science in public and private schools (see resume link). Our goal
is to educate students on the natural world which surrounds them. The courses are hands-on and revolve around studying and
learning about Nature and Science. The programs are taught in a 1700's colonial home on 13 acres of land with a combination
of forest, field and pond ecosystems.
Current Courses
Natural Studies Course
Ages 6-8:
February 1, 8, & 15 9:30am-11:30am
Ages 9 & older: February 2, 9,&16
9:30am-11:30am
Cost: $75.00
Learn to be a better Naturalist by increasing your awareness of the world around you while making
useful items directly from nature.
Learn how to identify and utilize trees by making fire, shelter, and deriving
food from them.
Learn about animals by tracking and observing them in their habitat.
Learn about insects by finding
them on our nature walks and recording them in a journal that you make.
Where is the food?
Where are the birds?
Where
are the mammals?
Let's go exploring and find out!!!
The Natural Studies Course include 3 classes. The following is a brief description of the main goal for each class. However,
nature provides many spontaneous moments for teaching so we leave flexibility in the curriculum to respond to student curiosity.
Class #1:
During this class students will make their own nature journal which will be used in the remaining classes. This
tool is essential in diagramming and recording information they learn on excursions. We will conclude this session with an
entry into our new journals as we explore an aquatic ecosystem.
Class #2:
While exploring and learning about field ecology, we will be crossing paths with the milkweed plant. What is it, where
does it grow, and who uses this plant for food and other means? Students will learn how vital a plant this is to many creatures
including humans, by utilizing it to make their own cord and rope.
Class #3:
Trees are all around us, yet sometimes we take for granted the multiple uses they serve. In survivial they can become a
human's best friend. During this class, we will focus on starting a fire quickly by using fibers and wood found in
and amongst the trees. Also we will demonstrate how to make a fire without matches. ‘Tree tea’ will also be collected,
made and sipped around the fire as a celebration of their achievements.
For an application, call or e-mail us at NaturalHistoryNE@aol.com.
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Future classes in Nature and Science
Water Everywhere!!! Starting in March
This course will concentrate on the watercycle. As a team of scientists, we will explore
how the watercycle works, affects each individual, their community and the world. The students will collect and analyze
the quality of local water supplies. During the Spring, they will identify various macroinvertebrates whose presence
indicate water quality. As a final project, students will combine and share their data with statewide river monitoring
programs. The level of intensity and involvement will depend on the ability of the group involved. This course
will also focus on working as a scientific team: sharing data, brainstorming ideas together, and analyzing each others results.
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