The Miami County Park District has one of the leading hands-on, curriculum-based environmental education programs in the state.
Through levy funds, the Park District offers award winning educational programs to local school children at no charge.
These programs compliment the local schools’ curriculum while meeting state science standards. The interdisciplinary programs incorporate hands-on classroom activities, outdoor investigations, music and art. Look through the Education Program Brochure (k-3, 4-6) to discover all the exciting options offered to Miami County Schools. If you have a topic that is not listed, contact Cinda at our Education Department to discuss developing a program to fit your needs.
Environmental Education Grants are available to help schools fun sessions at various Miami County Parks. Click here for more information on available grants.
Cicada Season - Brood-X
According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the so-called “Brood X” cicadas are set to emerge in parts of western and central Ohio after 17 years underground. The cicadas will begin to emerge when the soil, eight inches beneath the ground, reaches 64 degrees Fahrenheit. This typically happens between late-April and mid-May. Shortly after emerging, cicadas will climb a vertical surface, like tree trunks, shed their exoskeletons, and develop into winged adults. The dried, shed exoskeletons are orangish in color and may remain in place or on the ground for several weeks.
This is a great opportunity for students to learn about this fascinating process - use this free worksheet created by Park District Naturalists.
For more information on Brood-X follow this link.
Nature Live!
Nature LIVE! is a new way to experience field trips. Your students get to stay in their classroom or homes to attend these 20 minute sessions. We will utilize Zoom and other platforms to bring the park to you when you cannot reach the park. Each topic has a series of Nature LIVE! sessions and is aligned with Ohio state standards for specific grade levels. Follow this link to learn more.
Hug the Earth/Watershed
Hug the Watershed with the Banana Slug String Band
Songs
- Ants
- Dirt Made My Lunch
- Beaks & Feet
- Everything Needs a Home
- No Bones
- Roots Stems Leaves
- Habitat Habitat
- What Do Animals Need
- I'm a Tree
- Watercycle Boogie
- Heat & Pressure
- Erosion Deposition
- Food Chain
- Storm Drain Blues
- One Little River
- We All Live Down Stream
- Listen
- One Drop of Water
- FBI
Hug the Earth School Festival Performances
Click this link to view your class' performance with the Banana Slug String Band. Remember they will be listed under their grade as of last May, 2015.
General Program Materials
Custom Programs
If you are interested in a custom program please contact Cinda Hanbuch-Pinkerton at 937-667-1286.
Teacher Workshops
The Park District provides teacher workshops on a variety of topics. Please contact Cinda Hanbuch-Pinkerton at 937-667-1286 to find out about these programs. Custom workshops are available upon request.
Family Nature Quest
FAMILY NATURE QUEST is in the schools with over 1,000 families involved in this Miami County Park District nature club which encourages families to increase their time together doing activities and explorations outside. Click the link above or watch this short video to find out more about this program. If your school is interested in participating in this program please contact Cinda at our Education Office 937-667-1286.
Quest Program Materials
- Journal Page
- Parent Permission Form
- Tool & Gemstone Prize Sheet
- Book Response Card
- Teacher Survey
- Tracking Bookmark
- Parent Survey
- Contact Sheet for Supplies
Habitat Heroes - Hug the Pollinators Program
The “Habitat Heroes-Hug the Pollinators” innovative, is a multi-faceted education program developed by the Miami County Park District to raise awareness of the importance pollinators and inspire behavioral changes that help protect and increase pollinator habitat in Ohio.
The program incorporates hands-on outdoor exploration, art, literature, native habitat development and music by the Banana Slug String Band. The program is offered through the parks and libraries and also curriculum-based school education programs. The “Habitat Heroes – Hug the Pollinator” book series includes: Pollinators, Where the Dandelions Grow, Pollinator Nation, Habitat Hero, Go Organic, Garden Party, Do the Pollinator Dance, Don’t Swat It and Bio Control.
This program was made possible through and Ohio Environmental Education Foundation Grant through the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.
Songs
| Listen to Song | Lyrics Sheet | Practice Video |
|---|---|---|
| Bio Control | Song Sheet | Video |
| Don't Swat It | Song Sheet | Video |
| Pollinator Dance | Song Sheet | |
| Garden Party | Song Sheet | |
| Go Organic | Song Sheet | Video |
| Habitat Heroes | Song Sheet | Video |
| Pollinator Nation | Song Sheet | |
| Pollinators | Song Sheet | Video |
| Let the Dandelions Grow | Song Sheet | Video |
Contact Information
Environmental Education Director
Cinda Hanbuch-Pinkerton
cindahp@miamicountyparks.com
Education Office
2535 Ross Road
Tipp City, OH 45371
937-667-1286