UGA Cooperative Extension: Georgia 4-H
Fortson 4-H Center:
Environmental Education
Classes Offered
Outdoor Skills Team Building
Ecology
Living History
Conservation
Night Classes
Outdoor Skills
Archery
This is a 2-hour class where students will be introduced to some basic archery skills (safety, history, and shooting technique). After going over the history, types of bows, and safety, students will use what they have learned to shoot targets on the archery range.
Orienteering
(Limited space available) Students will be introduced to some basic orienteering skills (compass use and pacing). After being refreshed on a few math concepts, students will get an opportunity to test what they’ve learned by venturing out onto an orienteering course at Fortson.
Wilderness Survival
Students will work in teams while learning and practicing methods of safety and survival. Students will use teamwork while building shelters and fires (not lit) in this 2-hour class.
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Team Building
Team Building 1
Students are introduced to the principles of team building. Without ever going on the low ropes course, students will explore what it takes to be an effective team. Topics that may be addressed are trust, goal setting, challenge, problem solving, and just plain fun!
Can be combined with Team Building 2 for a more in depth team building experience
Team Building 2 (5th grade and up)
Groups focus on the principles of team building by working through a progression of initiatives and elements. The aspects addressed in this 2-hour class may include goal setting, trust, problem solving, planning, and cooperation. Most groups will progress onto our low elements course during this class.
Can be combined with Team Building 1 for a more in depth team building experience
High Ropes (5th grade and up)
Choose between our climbing wall or the zip line for this high-adventure-based 2-hour class. Space is limited, additional cost required.
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Ecology
Entomology
Students will develop a better understanding of insects through collection, classification, and observation. During this 2-hour class, students will use collection devices and explore the insect life at Fortson. Concepts learned will be basic insect anatomy and the important role insects play in a healthy ecosystem.
Herpetology
Students get the opportunity to handle, observe, and learn about reptiles and amphibians. Characteristics and adaptations of snakes, turtles, lizards, frogs, and more will be discussed. Many of the misconceptions about these beneficial, but often misunderstood, animals will also be dispelled.
Forest Science
Students will have the opportunity to learn about and study some of the components of a Georgia Piedmont forest ecosystem. Exploring the forest floor, learning the identifying characteristics of common species of trees, and learning about the process of decay in forests are all some of the topics in this class.
Pond Ecology
Students will use nets to identify common organisms found in the Fortson Pond. Aquatic organisms as well as characteristics of ponds will be discussed through exploration and hands-on activities. Students will need to bring old shoes that can get wet and muddy, NO FLIP FLOPS!.
Water, Water, Everywhere
This class focuses on the importance of water. Students will learn about the hydrologic cycle and what function different bodies of water play in our lives. They will also learn what role they play in protecting this natural resource through discussion, use of a watershed model, and exploration of the bodies of water found at Fortson.
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Living History
Pioneer Days
Instructors will guide students in 2-hours worth of typical “chores” associated with life on the farm during this time period. Some chores could include gardening, cotton seeding, washing clothes, making butter, and making corn bread over the open fire.
Native American Studies
Students will learn about the history and culture of Native Americans of Georgia through a variety of hands-on learning activities. Students will help in the construction of our waddle and daub house, use a mortar and pestle to make cornmeal, practice gardening and more during this 2-hour class.
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Conservation
Landfilling, what a waste!
With global warming and depletion of natural resources becoming a prominent issue in our society, we hope this class will show kids the simple things they can do on a daily basis to help protect our environment. This class focuses on different options for waste management including recycling and composting. Students will learn how much Americans throw away every day, and will be able to determine the best method for disposing of different types of waste.
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Night Classes-all night classes are 1 hour long
Amphibians
Students will learn what makes amphibians different from reptiles and how metamorphosis works while observing several captive amphibian species. They will also get the chance to go on a frog search around the Fortson pond.
Campfire
Instructors lead students in a fun-filled hour of songs, skits, and stories! We will offer s’mores for the smaller groups.
Native American Games
Native Americans played games not only for fun, but also to build skills, and adults sometimes played them to settle arguments. Students will be able to enhance their skills as warriors and hunters in games like Fire Keeper, Zuni Kicked Stick, and Bear Rug!
Sensory Awareness
Students are given the opportunity to explore their environment through sensory activities and experiences. Emphasis is placed on using the senses at night as they explore Fortson in the dark with a variety of different activities.
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