The goal of CNC’s preschool curriculum is to introduce young children to nature through enjoyable outdoor learning activities in a safe environment. Programs are “hands-on”, typically last one hour, and include both indoor and outdoor experiences.
Programs
|
Program |
Description |
Season |
|
Caterpillars & Butterflies |
Take a short hike to look for these beautiful creatures and make a caterpillar to bring home. |
Summer |
|
Colors in Nature |
Discover how plants and animals use color in special ways. Meet a live animal. |
Sp/Su/Fa |
|
Exploring Nature with Our Senses |
Use your senses to see, touch, hear, and smell the wonders of nature! |
Sp/Su/Fa |
|
Hibernation |
Investigate for great hibernation hiding places, sing a song and meet a live hibernator. |
Fall |
|
Stories in the Snow |
Search for clues of winter animals and make a storybook. |
Winter |
Storytimes
During Storytime programs, preschoolers will listen to nature
stories read by a CNC naturalist, go on a short hike outdoors to
observe nature, make a nature craft to bring home, and meet live
animals (when animals are appropriate to the program topic.)
|
Storytime Topic |
Description |
Season |
|
Animals in Winter |
Learn how animals prepare for a chilly winter and meet some live animals who adapt to the cold! |
Winter |
|
Bugs |
Explore with us as we search high and low for unique and beautiful bugs. |
Sp/Su/Fa |
|
Chickadees |
See and hear chickadees as we hike outside to investigate where they live. |
Winter |
|
Frogs |
Ever seen a real live frog? Come and hike outside with us in search of these sneaky creatures! |
Sp/Su/Fa |
|
Orchard Fun |
Walk through CNC’s apple orchard to learn how apples grow and taste some juicy ripe apples! |
Fall |
|
Owls |
Investigate the amazing adaptations of owls. |
All Seasons |
|
Planting Party |
Learn how seeds turn into beautiful plants. Plant seeds to take home and watch them grow! |
Sp/Su |
|
Rabbits |
Meet a real live rabbit and watch how it moves and what it eats. |
All Seasons |
|
Salamanders |
Listen to a story about a “Salamander Room” and look for places salamanders live outside. |
Sp/Su/F |
|
Spring Celebration |
Hike outside to observe the seasonal changes that happen as winter turns into spring! |
Spring |
|
Turtles |
Learn about the fascinating lives of turtles, and observe their amazing adaptations by meeting one! |
Sp/Su/F |
|
Winter Wonderland |
Celebrate the beauty and fun of winter with us by exploring nature firsthand! |
Winter |
Program fees
$5.00 per student
$40.00 per program minimum
$5.00 per adult chaperone above 5:1 student/chaperone ratio
For information on the above programs, please contact the Program Director or call the Nature Center at 651-437-4359
