Rocks to Roots
The Second Grade SPREE excursion takes place at Bear Creek Park. This excursion is an exploration of the living and non-living elements of the Bear Creek ecosystem. The morning focuses on non-living things with activities including a rock hunt, an individual exploratory hike, and a mapping hike. The afternoon focuses on the living components with activities including a nature hike, seed identification, and getting to know a tree.
Activities
Plant Identification, Seed Identification, Rock Scavenger Hunt, Sensory Hike, Mapping, Needs of Living Things, & Signs of Animals Nature Hike
Colorado Academic Standards
Science 1.1 a, 2.1 b, 2.2 a, 3.2; Social Studies 2.1 a & b
Location: Bear Creek Park
Bear Creek Park is located along Hampden/285 at Raleigh St, at 3550 S Raleigh St, Denver, CO 80236. For an accurate result, search for “sombrero slide” or “Bear Creek Park 1” in Google Maps to be directed to the right location.
Please print a map for your bus driver.
Time Schedule
The second grade excursion starts at 9:30 am and runs until 1:00 pm. We usually eat lunch between 11:00 am and 11:30 am.
What to Bring
Students and adults should be prepared to be outside in any type of weather.
Everyone should pack:
- a water bottle (there is no running water at the park)
- sack lunch
- sun screen
- hat
- layers of clothing to be prepared for changes in the weather
Teachers should also bring a first aid kit, extra food and water, hand sanitizer, a cell phone, and one adult chaperone for every five students.
What to Expect
This SPREE excursion involves a bit of walking. All participants should come prepared to spend the day on various trails and should plan to carry their belongings with them. The SPREE teachers will provide all of the instruction and all materials needed for the excursion. Students will also be broken into smaller groups to rotate through activities.
What SPREE Expects From You
Teachers and chaperones are expected to model appropriate behavior for students at all times including: listening politely to SPREE instructors while they are presenting information, staying to the right side of the trail when appropriate, and being excited about and engaged in all SPREE activities. Adults are also expected to help monitor student behavior throughout the day.
This truly was the best guided fieldwork I have experienced in my 10 years of teaching! It was so thoughtfully planned. It definitely allowed me to be able to really jump in the fun and enjoy this experience with my kids.