Children today spend half as much time outdoors as children 20 years ago.  A generation that spends more than six hours a day using electronics, these children are suffering from an epidemic that has been described as "nature-deficit disorder".  The absence of environmental education in today's children has also been linked to a variety of medical issues include obesity, vitamin D deficiency, attention deficit disorder and myopia.

Studies have shown that children exposed to environmental education perform better academically and have fewer behavioral issues.  Students in schools where environmental education was part of the curiculum scored higher on standardized tests, even when the subject matter of the environmental education program differed from the subject matter of the test.

Children that participate in environmental education activities are also more likely to have a strong environmental ethic as adults. By introducing children to the natural world now, we ensure a generation prepared to make decisions about the future of the earth.

RNC ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Fabulous Frogs--Join us on a "frogging" expedition to learn about our fabulous amphibians. New Jersey is home to 15 species of frogs and toads.  The program covers the frog life cycle, frog vocalizations, and various frog and toad habitats.

Making Sense of Nature--Children are aware of their five senses at a young age and use sensory information to understand their surroundings. This presentation focuses on how human and animal senses are similar and different.  A live, resident Rancocas animal will be used as an example of how animals use their senses for survival. 

Traveling Seeds--Plants produce a variety of seeds and seed-pods, and use different strategies to disperse their seeds increasing their chances of survival.  This engaging, hands-on program offers participants the chance to investigate a sampling of seeds, seed pods, and cones.  They will learn five basic ways that seeds travel in the environment, determined by how the seed is structured.  The program is concluded with a short activity where children act out "The Challenges in the Life of a Seed." 

Scales and Tails--What fascinating group of animals has scales and tails?  The reptiles do. This ancient group of animals makes its home in a surprising variety of habitats.  This program includes a hands on interaction with Rancocas' resident reptiles and shares information about reptile biology and adaptations.

The Magic of Monarch Migration--Monarch butterflies, those strikingly beautiful orange and black visitors to our summer gardens seem to disappear in the fall.  Have you wondered where they go?  This presentation will enlighten participants to the monarch life cycle and share the magic of the monarch flight to their winter roost sites. 

The Good, the Bad and the Bug-ly--Insects comprise one of the largest groups of animals on the planet.  Through hands-on activities insect samples, and explorations, participants will learn about the invertebrate life cycle and how not everyone needs to have a backbone to be strong and survive. 

Tremendous Trees--Quite possibly the largest living things on earth, trees are a mystery to most of us.  Participants will learn about tree physiology through an interactive "Build a Tree" activity, examine tree cookies, learn to ID several leaf types, and possibly take a short hike on the site property to use their new tree ID skills.

Beginning with Birding Basics--Birds can be found in almost every habitat.  Over 47 million Americans enjoy bird watching and birding each year, and it's a great way to connect with nature in your own backyard.  This program is for beginning birders of all ages.  Engaging activities introduce participants to bird topography, bird classification, bird ID skills, and bird behavior.  It's a great way to start on a lifetime of observing our colorful feathered friends.

Batty for Bats--Holy smokes, Batman--this mammal can fly.  Bats are the only true flying mammals; sorry Batman fans. Despite the fact that bats comprise about one-fifth of all mammal species worldwide, their nocturnal habits and their association with Halloween have contributed to bat folklore superstition, and fear.  Learn about bat behavior and how and why we need to co-exist with these interesting creatures.