Petaluma Wetland Activities for Schoolchildren
2008-2009

Shollenberger Park, here in Petaluma, is the center of 500 acres of publicly-owned wetlands. It is frequented by over 190 species of birds, some of which are migratory while others nest here in the spring. There are other animals and scores of flowering plants. Additionally, there are opportunities to learn the importance of wetlands and how they function.

City-appointed docents will offer educational activities to 2nd – 3rd grade students, using a hands-on style of learning.  Trained docents have a common interest in sharing their love of nature and our local wetlands.  We have a small group student/docent ratio of 5 to 1.  During the last school year, we provided services to 900 schoolchildren in Petaluma.

There is no charge for any of the listed activities but an early reservation will help you obtain your desired dates.  See page 2 for an application to participate.
 

ACTIVITIES FOR 2ND GRADE STUDENTS

The following activities are available the months of March and April 2009:
Slide Presentation -- photos on the wetlands with its flora and fauna

and

OUTDOOR EXPLORATION (about 80 minutes):
A 1.3 mile nature walk to examine the wonder of plants and animals adapted to the wetlands at Shollenberger Park

ACTIVITIES FOR 3RD GRADE STUDENTS

The following activities are available October-November 2008 and March-May 2009:

CLASSROOM (110 minutes, which includes 40 minutes for slides and 70 minutes for activities)
Slide Presentation – photos of the wetlands with its flora and fauna,
Wetlands Model – wetlands’ ecosystems and their importance,
What Makes a Bird a Bird – feathers, bills, adaptations for survival,
Who am I? – a question-and-answer game about the wetland’s animals.

and

OUTDOOR EXPLORATION (three hours):
Bird Walk--a 1.3 mile walk to identify birds and their behavior, using binoculars and viewing scopes (provided),
Mud and Water - a study of micro-organisms, water salinity, and temperature,
Habitat Walk - a look at habitats in the park, plant and animal adaptations.

The following activities are available only in January and February 2009:

CLASSROOM (90 minutes):
Slide Presentation - photos of the wetlands, including its migratory birds

and

OUTDOOR EXPLORATION (90 minutes)::
Bird Walk - a 1.3 mile walk at Shollenberger Park with emphasis on migratory birds and their behavior, using binoculars and viewing scopes (provided).

 

Black line support materials will be provided to teachers prior to all classroom visits.

 SIGNING UP FOR ACTIVITIES

The following information is needed. We suggest you sign up as early as possible to secure desired dates.

1.  Name of teacher and school, with telephone and e-mail information.

________________________________________________________________

2.  Home phone________________Home e-mail__________________________

3.  Services requested_______________________________________________

4.  Grade level__________________ Number of students___________________

5.  Dates desired for classroom activities_____________________Time_________

6.  Dates desired for park activities_________________________Time_________

7.  Availability of a darkened classroom and screen for slide presentation:  yes/no

8.  Special needs?__________________________________________________

At the end of activities, the teacher-in-charge will be asked to complete an evaluation.

Note: There are four large picnic tables available at the front of the park where students may eat lunch.
The three hour in-park activities include a snack time.  Snacks provided by teachers.

Reservations are now being taken for the 2008-2009 school year. For
reservations, contact Docent Karen Johnson: 778-1183, karenjohn@comcast.net ,
or mail the completed form to Karen at 29 Larch Drive, Petaluma CA 94952.
For questions relating to the educational content of our program: contact Sharon Mansfield, Education Chair, 778-6558, sharonamansfield@yahoo.com; or Bob Dyer, 763-2934, nrdyer@comcast.net.

Information and photos of the wetlands are on www.petalumawetlands.org.

This program is funded by the Petaluma Educational Foundation