Nature Explorers
The First Grade SPREE excursion focuses on animals of the South Platte River and their habitats. Students will learn about the resources every animal needs to survive and investigate what makes Commons Park a suitable habitat for some animals, and not others. Students will explore the four resources using bio-clues, interactive games, and an exploratory nature hike.
Activities
Animal Survival Kit, Oh Deer, Build a Shelter, Macroinvertebrate Life Cycles, Clues Animals Leave Behind, Animal Mysteries
Colorado Academic Standards
Science 1.2 & 2.2
Location: Commons Park
Commons Park is located north of the intersection of 15th St. & Little Raven St. at 1601 Little Raven St, Denver, CO, 80202. Buses should drop off at the corner of Little Raven St. & 16th St.
Please print a map for your bus driver.
Time Schedule
The first grade excursion starts at 10:00 am and runs until 1:30 pm. We usually eat lunch between 11:30 am and 12:00 pm.
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. 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.
It was awesome! Thank you so much for having us and putting on such a wonderful and well thought out field trip!