As the only nonprofit
environmental education center in Adams County, Strawberry Hill
offers school groups a variety of programs. Some programs are
designed for specific grade levels, others are offered to multiple
grade levels. All programs have been carefully designed with concrete
goals and objectives that conform to the Academic Standards for
Environment and Ecology as formulated by the Pennsylvania Department
of Education. A brochure with complete program descriptions, goals,
objectives, and other information is available.
See
the programs brochure.
Strawberry Hill programs are fun as well as educational, featuring hands-on activities that involve all the students.
Programs can range from 90 to 240 minutes in length. Programs are offered both at Strawberry Hill and at your site. The program fee is $4.75 per student with a minimum group fee of $100. For off-site programs, we charge a reasonable mileage fee.
All programs must be reserved in advance. To begin
the scheduling process, contact us by phone at (717) 642-5840
or complete an online interest form. Remember that during busy periods our calendar
can fill up months in advance. These programs are offered to public
schools, private schools, homeschooling groups, scouts, and other
interested groups.
Fill out an interest form.
Grade-specific programs
* Program can be brought into your classroom.
* Our Five Senses • Kindergarten (90 minutes)
How do animals survive in the wild? By using their five senses! Students play and learn during activities that focus on each sense.
* Habitats • Grade 1 (90 minutes)
In nature, all plants and animals have a habitat. Acting as native animals, students learn how habitats must meet the basic needs of life.
* Aquatic Communities • Grade 2 (90 minutes)
Living and non-living things in a pond are members of an interdependent community. Students use nets to cellect organisms in our pond and stream. Then, with our microprojector, we create an exciting episode of "Bug TV Live!" to help students discover how a nature community works.
* Adaptations • Grade 3 (90 minutes)
Why are some animals built for speed while others are built for protection? Different environments affect all aspects
of an animal's anatomy and behavior. Students act as local wildlife and discover how animals adapt to their environment.
* Energy: The
Solar Connection • Grade 4 (90 minutes)
All life on earth depends on energy! Through hands-on activities students learn how energy flows through ecosystems. Students actively
identify producers, consumers, and decomposers as they hike through the preserve.
Watershed & Wetlands Exploration • Grade 5 (150 minutes)
Why does clean water matter? Plants, animals, and people need it to survive. Students collect invertebrates and perform basic laboratory tests,
and visit a variety of aquatic habitats to learn how water quality affects all the living things in a watershed.
Biodiversity Survey • Grade 6 (120 minutes)
Strawberry Hill is full of life! Students get their hands dirty in a fresh look at food webs and the diversity of life. Using nets and hand lenses, students investigate the amazingly different life forms found in three ecosystems.
Fill out an interest form.
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Multi-grade programs
* Program can be brought into your classroom.
** Program offered at your school only.
* Live Animal Show • All grades (45 minutes)
Meet a variety of friendly live animals—including snakes—from a variety of habitats. This program features original live music and hands-on animal encounters.
* Five Senses Puppet Show •
Preschool & Kindergarten (60 minutes)
Learn how the animals in the forest use their five senses to help a little girl find her way to grandmother’s house. This program features
original songs and a live animal visit.
Maple Sugaring • All grades (60 to 90 minutes)
Who says winter is a bad time to explore nature? Students learn how maple syrup is made by taking part in the entire process, from
tapping a maple tree to tasting the freshly-boiled syrup. This program is available from mid-February to mid-March.
Meet Strawberry Hill: Nature Discovery Walk • All grades
(90 minutes)
What is Strawberry Hill and what does it do? Students hike through the preserve to learn more about habitat conservation and the
importance of native plants and animals in Pennsylvania.
* Seasonal Change
• Kindergarten to Grade 1 (90 minutes)
Each season brings change to the environment. How do animals and plants adapt to these changes? Students investigate these adaptations
as they discover the life cycles of native plants and animals.
* Tracks ’n’ Traces
• Kindergarten to Grade 2 (90 minutes)
Do foxes and wild turkey really inhabit Strawberry Hill? Yes! Through careful observation students learn how to read the forest
and discover who or what has been eating and walking through the woods.
** In the Rainforest • Kindergarten to Grade 3 (45 minutes)
Students learn about the plight of the rainforest by means of a puppet show, a rainforest fashion show, and other interactive activities. Also included is a visit with a giant rainforest animal.
* Introduction
to Plants • Kindergarten to Grade 3 (90 minutes)
What's green, sometimes smells really bad, and can perform magic? Students learn the answer to this and other questions as they
become detectives and ballet dancers to learn the truth about plants.
** From Watershed to Ocean • Kindergarten to Grade 5 (45 minutes)
Even though it may not have any beachfront property, your school is connected to the ocean. Through a variety of fun activities and visits with aquatic specimens, students take a virtual trip from the watershed to the ocean.
* Invertebrate
Search • Grade 2 to Grade 6 (90 minutes)
Every year millions of invertebrates make their homes at Strawberry Hill. Where do they live? How do they grow? Students collect and
examine invertebrates to learn about their fascinating life cycles.
Blue Ridge Mountain Nature Hike • Grade
2 to Grade 8 (90 to 240 minutes)
Calling all nature explorers! If you'd like your group to go on an extended nature hike, this program is for you. The hike can be
designed to fit your group’s needs. We have up to 10 miles of trails to choose from!
Reptiles & Amphibians • Grade 3 to Grade
6 (90 minutes)
What is the difference between a salamander and a skink? This program introduces students to the wonder of reptiles and amphibians
through hands-on examination of live animals. Students explore the preserve to learn about the life cycles of these amazing creatures.
* Birds: Our
Feathered Friends • Grade 3 to Grade 8 (90 minutes)
We see birds every day, but how much do we really know about them? Students become amateur ornithologists as they search for birds
and observe their behavior.
* Endangered Species •
Grade 3 & Middle School (90 minutes)
Moe and more plants and animals are facing extinction, both in Pennsylvania and the world. Through a combination of hands-on activities and a hike, students learn about survival and interdependence.
Winter Ecology • Grade 4 to Grade 6 (90
minutes)
Buds, birds, and bunnies in winter? You bet! Spring leaves are already on branches in distinct buds. Birds, rabbits, and other creatures
remain active throughout the winter. Students explore the preserve and discover how plants and animals have adapted to survive the
cold.
Auditorium Programs • All grades (Vary in length)
We offer entertaining, educational, interactive auditorium programs featuring live animals and original live music. Auditorium Programs cost $200 plus a travel fee.
In addition to
our standard roster of programs, we can design programs on any
topic related to the environment that are tailored to fit your
special needs. Let us know how we can help you!
Fill out an interest form.
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