Pre-Conference Field Trip: Educator Play Day at Horizons Unlimted

Come enjoy a play day just for educators at this Rowan County gem!

This full day field trip will allow educators to explore some of the fan favorite activities provided by Horizons Unlimited while they also gain some fun new background content and teaching methods for Life and Earth Sciences. Please arrive on time, as the day will be full. Lunch and snacks will be provided for the field trip. There will be indoor and outdoor components, so please dress accordingly. Bathrooms in the building are gender specific, but two will be designated as gender neutral for the day.

Schedule:

10 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. - Welcome  and Opening Circle

10:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. - Activity 1

11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. - Lunch break (provided)

12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Activity 2

1:30 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. - Activity 3

2:15 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. - Snack break

2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. - Special Planetarium Show with special guest Beckee Garris from the Catawba Nation

Activity Rotations:

NATURE EXPLORATION

Practice making scientific observations while connecting with our local green spaces. Horizons Unlimited has 34 acres of outdoor learning spaces, a 1-mile nature trail loop, and an active wetland full of native plants and wildlife to explore.

AQUATIC ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS/TIDES

Visit the aquatics room complete with a 1,300-gallon marine touch pool, various freshwater aquaria, and an indoor rainforest full of plant life. Interact with our live animal ambassadors while exploring the unique adaptations and needs that aquatic animals possess.

With the Tides lesson, you can deepen your understanding of the ebb and flow of our oceans. This lesson is designed to guide you through the basics of tidal movements, gravity and their effects on the environment.

DIGGING DEEP FOR FOSSILS

What is a fossil? Casts, molds, and imprints all are traces of amazing animals from another geologic time. You will be able to make a cast fossil and dig for your very own shark’s tooth that you get to keep and take home.

"At Horizons Unlimited, we believe that students learn best through hands-on experiences. That's why we have designed experiential programs to encourage students to explore science and embrace their curiosity.  Our mission is to empower learners to engage in science exploration and the natural world."