Spring Semester Program registration is now available!
Download the 2010 HS Spring Registration in PDF.
Spring Programs
April 20, 21, 22The Need for Seeds
In this introductory class, we’ll plant seeds, literally and metaphorically. Each child will plant their own seeds for germination in the greenhouse, where they’ll be taken care of until the middle of May. Then they can be taken home and transplanted. Students will learn about the growing potential of a seed and the conditions necessary for it to prosper. This class will look at seeds from various plants, either used for food by humans or found in the forest. This course is also geared toward the fundamentals of farming.
April 27, 28, 29World Fibers
Students at Fernbrook have been able to focus on wool in many Fernbrook fiber classes because we have the sheep herd as a resource, but this class is going to go further and explore the many types of fibers in the world; plant, animal and man-made. Students will be able to use their senses to identify types of fibers and learn stories about how fibers have been used by different cultures throughout history. Cottons, silks and BioFibers, OH MY!
May 4, 5, 6Spring Wildflowers
Daisies and dandelions, violets and trillium! Students will explore Fernbrook fields, forests and wetlands searching for the wonderful array of spring wildflowers growing. They will learn how to identify common species by specific characteristics and with field guides and we will note what type of habitats each flower prefers. Your budding botanists will return home with new knowledge of flower anatomy and classification after this fun-filled class.
May 11, 12, 13Garden Planting
During this class, we’ll plan out our Homeschool garden and begin planting. Students will be able to transplant seedlings from the greenhouse and sow other seeds directly into the ground. We’ll discuss companion planting and traditional methods of vegetable gardening. We’ll also look at compost and soil composition while we determine what we need to do to maintain healthy, nutrient rich soil.
May 18, 19, 20Swamp Tromp
Why are swamps so mysterious? What kinds of creatures really live below the surface of a swamp? Together we’ll look at the hummocks and hallows to find plants and animals which call the Fernbrook swamp their home. We’ll study the life-cycle of a swamp, the hydroperiod and how this swamp is important to Fernbrook ecology.
May 25, 26, 27Spring Nutrition
This enticing class will be all about “food, glorious food”! We’ll learn about what nutrients our bodies need and which foods supply them. Students will get to harvest and prepare some of the garden crops for healthy snacks. The class will also look back at previous classes of the semester and revisit and connect what we learned about different types of plants, where they grow, and what they provide to humans and other creatures.
June 1, 2, 3Field Trip to Durr Farms: A Sea of Flowers
The largest flower farmer in New Jersey is taking us on an exclusive tour of his farm! We’ll learn about Mr. Durr’s annuals and perennials, as well as a little about some of his other little helpers (the bees) on the farm. Students are sure to gain an understanding of plant reproduction and growth while they marvel at the sea of flowers.
June 8, 9, 10Creek Sneak
Springtime brings new life to the creek on Fernbrook Farm. A multitude of wildlife species depend on the water, debris, mud, and flow pattern of the creek for living. The class will have the opportunity to walk DOWN THE CREEKBED and find what’s living there. We’ll be keeping eyes peeled for everything from big mammals to small macro-invertebrates and learning how the whole community is connected. Don’t worry parents, the creek is very shallow (ankle deep) so kids will be safe but we can’t promise they’ll be clean so here’s your fair warning: STUDENTS WILL BE DIRTY!