Ogden Nature Center

The Homeschool Naturalist program is offered as a series of eight different two-hour long visits to the Ogden Nature Center.  These programs will be offered once monthly from September to May (no program in December) the last Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of each month.

Registration

Pre-registration is required.  Please call 621-7595 to register for the Homeschool Naturalist program.  There are still openings for the Wednesday program for the 2007-2008 year.  Tuesday and Thursday sessions are closed. 

Cost and Payment  

The fee for the Ogden Nature Center Homeschool Naturalist program is $32 per child per school year.  Please pay this fee by the date of your first visit.  

Student Age  

Students aged 5-12 may register for the program.  

Siblings 

Children who are not registered for the program should not be brought to class, including all siblings.  Please make arrangements for other children on the dates of your visits. 

Parents

You are welcome to attend any and all visits with your children and act as a chaperone.  If you choose to attend, we would like to stress the importance of your active participation.  Please be willing to help with all children, not just your own.  We also ask that you turn off all cell phones and other distractions for the duration of the visit. 

Weather

Our programs will be held even if weather is inclement.  Please be sure your child is adequately prepared for weather conditions including rain, snow, sun, cold, and heat. 

West Nile Virus 

West Nile Virus has been reported in the Ogden Area this year.  As your child will be outdoors for a large portion of the visit, we recommend that you protect him/her with insect repellent containing DEET.  The Ogden Nature Center recently had a mosquito abatement treatment.  The chance of contracting the disease or of displaying any symptoms is fairly low, but it's always best to take precautions.  

Program times  

All programs will begin at 12:30 p.m. and end at 2:30 p.m.  Please be punctual, as your child may miss some vital information at the start if they are late, and may also cause a distraction for those who are on time.  If you will not be attending a visit, be sure to pick your child up on time as well. 

Expected Behavior

Please prepare your child by helping him or her to understand appropriate group learning behavior.  Raising hands before shouting out questions or ideas, taking turns, staying with the group, and being respectful to class-mates and teachers will be essential for a productive learning experience.  Students may also be asked to stand in lines. 

New This Year

Our theme this year (2007-2008) is Utah's natural systems. 

Our homeschool naturalist programs this year will include art, music, and writing components.  Nature journaling will be incorporated on site and is encouraged at home. 

Interested students aged 12-14 are invited to participate in our junior naturalist certification program.  Meetings will be held concurrent with homeschool program times.  Please call 621-7595 for more information about the certification program. 

Homeschool Naturalists 2007-2008 Schedule

All Programs will be held from 12:30-2:30 p.m. 

September:  Utah's Plants

(Tues. 25th/Thurs. 27th)

Students will learn to identify some common Utah plants and trees, discuss the cultural and medicinal uses of plants and their role in the ecosystem. 

October:  Utah's Animals

(Wed 24th/Thurs. 25th/Tues. 30th)

Students will learn to identify common Utah animals including mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects, and will investigate animal adaptations and habitats. 

November:  Peoples of Utah's Past

(Tues. 27th/Wed. 28th/Thurs. 29th)

Students will explore the lives of early inhabitants of our region, spend time in a teepee and around a campfire, and hear American Indian legends. 

January:  Utah's Rocks and Fossils

(Tues. 29th/Wed. 30th/Thurs. 31th)

Students will discover different types of rocks and how they are formed, identify common fossils and discuss Utah's geology. 

February:  Utah's Night Sky

(Tues. 26th/Wed. 27th/Thurs. 28th)

Students will discover the constellations of Utah's summer and winter skies and explore the relationship between the earth, moon, and sun. 

March:  Utah's Ecosystems

(Tues. 25th/Wed. 26th/Thurs. 27th)

Students will gain insight into Utah's diverse landscape and discover the forces that create our wetlands, forests and deserts. 

April:  Invasive Species in Utah

(Thurs. 24th/Tues. 29th/Wed. 30th)

Students will discuss the impact of invasive species on our ecosystems, learn to identify some common Utah invasive species in Utah and discuss ways to help keep native populations healthy. 

May:  Utah's Birds

(Tues. 27th/Wed. 28th/Thurs. 29th)

Students will discover what makes a bird a bird, learn some common Utah bird species, and look and listen for wild birds along Ogden Nature Center trails.