Autrey Mill Nature Preserve’s school programs are designed to compliment the Georgia Educational Standards, so that these programs may work with, and enhance your curriculum. All of our Nature Programs feature a live animal encounter, during which time the students will get to meet a member of Autrey Mill’s live animal collection. The actual animal used in the encounter will vary based on a variety of factors. These programs will also all feature a clip board activity in our visitor center based on our interpretive exhibits and our live animal exhibits. Further, each program includes an educational game, activity, or experiment to complete the program.

Our Basic Programs are available for up to 30 students for a flat fee of $90.  Basic Programs are approximately 45 to sixty minutes in duration.
Extended Programs are available as well, which also feature a guided nature hike, and we will reserve a covered picnic area for your students to have lunch in. An extended program will require approximately 3 hours. Extended Programs are available for up to 30 students for a flat fee of $150.

Kindergarten Program

The Diversity of Animals

Students will compare the similarities and differences in groups of organisms. This program focuses on helping students to utilize their powers of observation to distinguish between various types of animals. Exercises will educate students on distinguishing insects (which all have 6 legs) from other types of animals.

1st Grade Program

The Basic Needs of Plants and Animals

Students will investigate the characteristics and basic needs of plants and animals. Plants and animals each need 4 basic things to survive. In this program we will investigate the needs of these organisms, and explore how different species meet these needs.

2nd Grade Program

Life Cycles and Life Histories

Students will investigate the life cycles of different living organisms. In this program we explore that variations in life cycles that we see in the animal kingdom. We will discuss for instance the reasons that some species lay eggs while others have live birth.

3rd Grade Program

The Importance of Habitats

Students will investigate the habitats of different organisms and the dependence of organisms of their habitat. We will explore the differences in various habitats, and how the animals that live in these habitats meet their basic needs. It is highly recommended that this program be scheduled as an ‘Extended’ program so as to include a guided nature hike through our habitats.

4th Grade Program

Energy Flow through Ecosystems and Food Webs

Students will describe the roles of organisms and the flow of energy within an ecosystem. This program is designed to illustrate the inter-connectedness of all life on the planet. The concepts of food chains/ food webs will help facilitate students’ understanding of ecosystems and communities as opposed to individuals of a species.

5th Grade Program

The Importance and Impact of Micro-organisms

Students will relate how microorganisms benefit or harm larger organisms. Microorganisms are crucial to life, as we know it. Many species that we can’t even see, affect our everyday lives, and vice versa. We will utilize a modeled watershed to illustrate how human activities affect these important life forms.