Exploring Autumn in the Forest

Fall is a time of year that seems to fuel our senses.  Everything in the fall feels different and it's a time when change is all around.  In this class we are going to take a more sensory based approach to learning about the natural world around us.  We will be learning about life in the forest during the fall months, and the sights, sounds, and smells it brings.

In this class we will be learning about and exploring the following (while incorporating a sensory-based approach to each topic):

-  We will learn about the science behind fall - why and how fall happens
-  We  will discuss the parts of the forest (including its sights, sounds , and smells)
-  We will learn about trees in the fall: how they benefit life in the forest and why our deciduous trees 
    change the color of their leaves before they fall to the ground
-  We will learn about forest animals in the fall: why fall is a busy time for 
   them, how they benefit the forest during this season, and we will get to listen to some of the sounds 
   they make during these months.
- We will learn about life on the forest floor during the fall: we will explore the plant and insect life that 
   lives on the forest floor and how the fall affects them as well.  

For each topic I will be including a discussion on the sights, sounds and smells we associate with the season and the sights, sounds, and smells this season brings to the forest during this time of the year.  This class will not only teach students about what goes on in the forest during the fall - but will help to encourage a sense of mindfulness while exploring nature.