8th Grade

Aquatic Ecology: (Through September and after April 15)
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Students participate in a hands-on study of an aquatic habitat as they wade into a pond or follow the stream:

• Collect specimens for identification.
• Study the life cycles of amphibians and insects
• Practice insect classification.
• Perform simple qualitative water quality tests; you may bring equipment to do a quantitative study if you wish.
• Observe interesting finds under a microscope
• Learn about watershed dynamics
• Cost: $5/student, $50.00 minimum.
• Limit two class per visit; one studying the pond, the other monitoring the stream

Tennessee Standards (Science GLE 0807) Inq. 2, Inq. 3, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4. 5.5, 9.1, 9.9 (English 0801) 2.6, 2.7, 6.1

Butterfly Study (August, September, April, May)
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Butterflies are an interesting and easily accessible animal to study:

• Review the butterfly life cycle
• Learn about the adaptations of different species of Middle Tennessee butterflies
• Practice using a field guide to identify these flying jewels
• Binoculars are helpful but not necessary
• Cost: $5/person, $50 minimum/class
• Limit two classes per visit

Tennessee Standards (Science GLE 0807) Inq. 3, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4. 5.5

Forest Ecology: (September - March)
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Give your students an opportunity to experience the Tennessee forest first hand:

• Explore forest ecosystems
• Identify different forest species that populate Middle Tennessee
• September to early November - learn to identify trees using leaves, bark and a field guide
• November to March - use twigs, bark and a dichotomous key for identification 
• The winter program includes some "classroom" study, then adjourns to the trails to practice newly gained skills. 
• Cost: $5/person, $50.00 minimum/class.
• Limit two classes per visit

Tennessee Standards (Science GLE 0807) Inq. 2, Inq. 3, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4. 5.5 (English 0801) 2.7, 6.1

Fossil Study (September through March)
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This program is a good review or introduction to fossil study:

• Review fossil formation
• Discuss what fossils might be found in Middle Tennessee and why
• Examine specimens in the Owl's Hill collection
• Search the Owl's Hill trails for fossils
• Use a field guide to identify your finds
• Cost: $5/person, $50.00 minimum/class

Tennessee Standards (Science GLE 0807) Inq. 2, Inq. 3, 5.1, 5.2, 5.4. 5.6, 9.1, 9.9 (English 0801)  6.1

Owls: Top of the Food Chain: (August through May)
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Hike through owl territory and learn how owls adapt to their habitat:

• Meet non-releasable owls that represent  species that are year-round residents in Middle Tennessee:
  • Bubo virginianus,  the Great Horned Owl
  • Strix varia, the Barred Owl
  • Megascops asio, the Screech Owl. 
• Find out what adaptations make owls such fierce, efficient hunters
• Learn how owls affect and are affected by the food chain
• Discuss concerns, both practical and legal, involved in caring for injured and orphaned animals. 
• Cost: $5/person, $50.00 minimum/class. 
• Limit of 2 classes per visit. 

Tennessee Standards (Science GLE 0807) Inq. 3, 5.1, 5.3, 5.4. 5.5

• English GLE 0801: 2.1, 2.3, 2.5. 5.1
• Physical Education GLE: 3, 5, 6