Bernheim Field Trip Programs
Bernheim educators bring to life the stories and science of Bernheim’s unique native ecosystems through a variety of nature-based field trip programs. Please browse the field trip programs listed below to decide which program best fits the needs of your audience. All K-12 field trip programs are developed in conjunction with Kentucky’s Core Content for Science Assessment.
Weaving Art and Science
   through Nature

Pre-K and K Students
Primary Students
Intermediate Students
Middle School Students
High School Students
College and University Students
Exploring Bernheim
   On Your Own

moment of discovery

rule

New Field Trip Program for Spring 2012!
Weaving Art and Science through Nature

Celebrate the visit of world-renowned artist Patrick Dougherty to Bernheim with a special field trip program that merges artistic creation, scientific observation and the wilds of nature into one unique experience for K-12 students. During this hour-long program, students will observe Dougherty’s willow sculpture, consider ecological connections between the work and its site, and then practice working with a variety of natural materials to build their own interpretation of the Bernheim landscape.

Weaving Art and Science through Nature field trip programs begin Monday, April 16, 2012. Reservations are required by contacting Whitney Wurzel, Youth and Family Programs Manager, at (502) 955-8512 ext. 251 or whitneyw@bernheim.org. Program participation is $7 per student, with a minimum cost of $75 per group. There is no cost for teachers or chaperones.

Pre-K and K Students

Bernheim Nature Walk and Story Circle
The theme of this hour-long program changes seasonally (i.e., flowers during spring, falling leaves during autumn, etc.) and can be catered to meet your educational needs. The program begins with a story circle that introduces the day’s theme to early learners and concludes with a walk in Bernheim’s arboretum, where students will use all five senses, mind, and imagination to explore the environment.

Getting to Know Your Animal Friends
This hour-long program introduces early learners to Kentucky wildlife and the habitats they call home. Program participants will explore the Wildlife Viewing Room, visit with Corny the corn snake, and take a walk through Bernheim’s arboretum to look for animal clues.

discovering worms
Primary Students (First through Third Grade)

Nature Walk: The Plants and Animals of Bernheim
This hour-long nature walk introduces students to common Bernheim organisms and encourages students to consider how these plants and animals survive. Key concepts include basic needs, organism structure and function, and relationships between organisms and their environment.

The Wacky Water Ecology Show
This hour-long edutainment program introduces students to the concepts of water conservation and sustainability. In addition to learning about Kentucky’s water resources, threats to water quality, and water protection strategies, students will have a chance to win “valuable prizes” and watch Dr. Drip-Drop’s “Polut-O-Matic” in operation! This program is a great option for larger groups.
Dr. Drip Drop

Intermediate Students (Fourth and Fifth Grade)

Nature Walk: Habitat Observation Hike
During this hour-long nature walk, students will explore three habitats – the forest, pond and prairie – and consider the plants and animals unique to each environment. Key concepts include organism function, relationships between organisms and their habitats, and organism survival and adaptation.

Stream Ecology and Restoration at Wilson Creek
This 60-90 minute program takes place at Bernheim’s Wilson Creek and provides students the unique opportunity for hands-on study of stream ecology and stream restoration. Sometime during the past 200 years, humans straightened the Wilson Creek stream channel to allow for more farming space. In 2003, the stream was restored to its natural meandering channel and now provides an experimental model that will be monitored over time to help us learn how to better protect our valuable water resources.
In addition to exploring the history and ecology specific to Wilson Creek, students will also be provided with a historic overview of Kentucky’s water resources and will learn which factors contribute to the health of a stream habitat. Because this program is offered in a remote location at Bernheim it is not suitable for large groups.

Word for the Day: Sustainability
During this hour-long exploration of Bernheim’s award-winning LEED Platinum Visitor Center and surrounding area, students will be introduced to the concept of sustainability and how nature can inspire good design. In addition to discovering the sustainable attributes of the Visitor Center, students will also make connections between sustainability and energy transformations, the water cycle, and human-nature interactions.


Middle School Students (Sixth through Eighth Grade)

Nature Walk: Habitat Observation Hike
During this hour-long nature walk, students will explore three habitats – the forest, pond and prairie – and consider the plants and animals unique to each environment. Key concepts include organism function, relationships between organisms and their habitats, and organism survival and adaptation.

Stream Ecology and Restoration at Wilson Creek
This 60-90 minute program takes place at Bernheim’s Wilson Creek and provides students the unique opportunity for hands-on study of stream ecology and stream restoration. Sometime during the past 200 years, humans straightened the Wilson Creek stream channel to allow for more farming space. In 2003, the stream was restored to its natural meandering channel and now provides an experimental model that will be monitored over time to help us learn how to better protect our valuable water resources.
In addition to exploring the history and ecology specific to Wilson Creek, students will also be provided with a historic overview of Kentucky’s water resources and will learn which factors contribute to the health of a stream habitat. Because this program is offered in a remote location at Bernheim it is not suitable for large groups.

Word for the Day: Sustainability
During this hour-long exploration of Bernheim’s award-winning LEED Platinum Visitor Center and surrounding area, students will be introduced to the concept of sustainability and how nature can inspire good design. In addition to discovering the sustainable attributes of the Visitor Center, students will also make connections between sustainability and energy transformations, the water cycle, and human-nature interactions.

crawdad
High School Students (Ninth through Twelfth Grade)

Nature Walk: Habitat Observation Hike
During this hour-long nature walk, students will explore three habitats – the forest, pond and prairie – and consider the plants and animals unique to each environment. Key concepts include organism function, relationships between organisms and their habitats, and organism survival and adaptation.

Stream Ecology and Restoration at Wilson Creek
This 60-90 minute program takes place at Bernheim’s Wilson Creek and provides students the unique opportunity for hands-on study of stream ecology and stream restoration. Sometime during the past 200 years, humans straightened the Wilson Creek stream channel to allow for more farming space. In 2003, the stream was restored to its natural meandering channel and now provides an experimental model that will be monitored over time to help us learn how to better protect our valuable water resources.
In addition to exploring the history and ecology specific to Wilson Creek, students will also be provided with a historic overview of Kentucky’s water resources and will learn which factors contribute to the health of a stream habitat. Because this program is offered in a remote location at Bernheim it is not suitable for large groups.

Word for the Day: Sustainability
During this hour-long exploration of Bernheim’s award-winning LEED Platinum Visitor Center and surrounding area, students will be introduced to the concept of sustainability and how nature can inspire good design. In addition to discovering the sustainable attributes of the Visitor Center, students will also make connections between sustainability and energy transformations, the water cycle, and human-nature interactions.

field trip group

College and University Students (Undergraduate and Graduate)

Nature Walk: Habitat Observation Hike
During this hour-long nature walk, students will explore three habitats – the forest, pond and prairie – and consider the plants and animals unique to each environment. Key concepts include organism function, relationships between organisms and their habitats, and organism survival and adaptation.

Stream Ecology and Restoration at Wilson Creek
This 60-90 minute program takes place at Bernheim’s Wilson Creek and provides students the unique opportunity for hands-on study of stream ecology and stream restoration. Sometime during the past 200 years, humans straightened the Wilson Creek stream channel to allow for more farming space. In 2003, the stream was restored to its natural meandering channel and now provides an experimental model that will be monitored over time to help us learn how to better protect our valuable water resources.
In addition to exploring the history and ecology specific to Wilson Creek, students will also be provided with a historic overview of Kentucky’s water resources and will learn which factors contribute to the health of a stream habitat. Because this program is offered in a remote location at Bernheim it is not suitable for large groups.

Word for the Day: Sustainability
During this hour-long exploration of Bernheim’s award-winning LEED Platinum Visitor Center and surrounding area, students will be introduced to the concept of sustainability and how nature can inspire good design. In addition to discovering the sustainable attributes of the Visitor Center, students will also make connections between sustainability and energy transformations, the water cycle, and human-nature interactions.



Exploring Bernheim On Your Own
Groups visiting Bernheim also have the option to explore Bernheim on their own, without participating in a Bernheim field trip program. An assortment of free activities and natural resources are available for teachers and students year-round.
All groups wishing to explore Bernheim on their own must register with Bernheim to ensure that the chosen date and time does overlap with other large groups that may also be using Bernheim facilities.
Although there is no program fee associated with exploring Bernheim on your own, an environmental impact fee of $25 is charged for each school bus or van that enters Bernheim.

 

Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest         P. O. Box 130         Clermont, KY 40110-0130         502.955.8512