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ENVIRONMENTAL OUTREACH PROGRAM
The Environmental Outreach Program is an exclusive program created especially for the 6th grade students at New Branches Public School Academy.
The program is a specialized Michigan curriculum enhanced by real-life, hands on experiences, in the areas of science, math, social studies and writing.
The students will focus on the dynamic science of life over the course of the year through the following curriculum units:
The Ever Changing World
The Organization of Living Things
The Ecosystems
The Geosphere
Your World
The Hydrosphere
The Atmosphere and Weather
The Solar System, Galaxy, and Universe
Trashing the One World We Have
Being Local & Global Recyclers
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
Each year students will experience educational opportunities that reach outside the classroom walls.
Some examples follow:
Ecological Camp — hands on studies at the Battle Creek Education Center
Research — experiences on the water through Grand Valley State University’s Angus Research Vessel
Gardening — participating in vegetable and herb gardening and upkeep of the rain garden.
Michigan History — an end of the year historical trip to Mackinac Island.
RELATIONSHIP BUILDING
The students will learn about building relationships in many different aspects of life. Relationships will include personal, community, and business connections and how they impact environmental resources.
Some examples of these programs include:
Community Outreach — the students work with various non-profit groups to strengthen neighborhood relationships.
Classroom Community Building — a trip to Brock Park builds small group relations through outdoor survival training and environmental studies.
Mentoring Program — the students have opportunities to create personal relationships with younger students in the school through a school-sponsored mentoring program.
OTHER SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES
The students will also have other learning opportunities through the year.
Some of those are highlighted below:
Competitive Lego Team — with a mission to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders the Lego experience teaches students communication and leadership skills through fun and exciting activities.
*In 2008-09 our Lego Team took home 1st Prize in the state Lego Quality Research Award, as well as, recognition for Outstanding Student Mentor, our 6th grade teacher, Mrs. Bobbijo Zoerhof
Writer’s Workshops — Taught by a published children’s book author the students learn how to write for real-life purposes.
Junior Achievement — this in class program focuses on the role businesses play in environmental stewardship in preventing and resolving environmental problems.
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