Genovesi Environmental Study Center

Explore different animal habitats and discover who calls these habitats home. Young learners will investigate different animal habitats, characteristics, and adaptations. Through hands-on activities learners will create a craft they can take home and meet some of the animals at GESC to discover their adaptations needed for survival within their habitats.

Examine LIVE species of amphibians! Identify physical characteristics of frogs and toads and compare them to other animals at GESC to understand their anatomy. Learners will practice observation skills, engage in sensory experiences, and explore adaptations that allow amphibians to survive and thrive in the wild.

Identify the physical characteristics of insects and discover their various forms, colors and adaptations. Encounter a variety of insects both indoors and outdoors, observe insect behaviors and discover the life stages from eggs to adults. Learners will be introduced to the features that distinguish an insect from other invertebrates and will explore real world scenarios regarding insect management and control to maintain the health of an ecosystem.

Get a jump start on the skills needed to become a great scientist. Learners will rotate through a series of stations to practice science process skills using GESCs flora and fauna living-collections.

Investigate the predator/prey relationships within an ecosystem. Deconstruct an owl pellet, construct an interactive Muir Web and observe live predator/prey relationships at GESC. Learners will be introduced to the fundamentals of energy transfer as it relates to the food chain and delve into the complicated connections within the food web.

Students will discover how organisms are able to survive and thrive by adapting to their environment in many ways. Through hands-on learning and animal encounters, learners will see firsthand the fascinating ways in which organisms use natural weaponry to defend themselves, hunt prey, or compete for resources to meet their particular needs within an ecosystem.

Observe the hidden world of microorganisms. Learners will investigate the micro-world by learning to prepare slides and observe protozoa and algae. Uncover the secret lives of these tiny creatures and how they support plant life.

Through outdoor observation in GESC's sensory garden, young learners will practice using their sense of touch, taste, sight, smell, and hearing. Learners will meet some of the animals at GESC to learn how they use their five senses to survive and thrive, and engage in a series of hands-on activities, including making a sensory craft to take home.

Young scientists will learn the importance of plants by engaging in a series of hands-on activities. Learners will discover that plants are living things that need air, water, nutrients and light in order to live and thrive. Learners will begin to identify plant parts by creating a craft which they can take home. Learners will identify the differences between fruits and vegetables and discover where their food comes from.

Students will investigate these relationships by exploring plant parts, learning about different types of pollinators, observing plants and pollinators in our urban farm, and learning the importance of pollinators through a craft. Young scientists will see firsthand how we are all interconnected!

Learn all about bees and the roles they play in the ecosystem, including their important connection to pollination and our food supply. While comparing bees to other insects, discovering their life stages, and learning how and why honey bees make honey, students will explore GESCs hives and pollinator gardens.

Junior scientists will learn about plant parts and how they help with growth, survival and reproduction. Through hands-on learning, they will create a craft that helps them identify the plant parts. Learners will discover that plants are living things and will continue their learning back in the classroom by observing the growth of a seed as it sprouts and grows into a bean plant.

Young scientists will investigate how humans rely on plants in their everyday lives. They will learn how the structures of plant parts support growth, survival and reproduction. Through observation with a series of different plants, students will identify plant adaptations and defense mechanisms for plant survival.

Explore the fascinating world of compost! Learners will discover how compost is made and why it is a component of healthy soil. They will observe the vital organisms that aid in this process and learn what you can and cant compost through a series of hands-on activities and observation of GESCs indoor and outdoor compost systems.

Young scientists will explore many of these aquatic habitats here at GESC. Students will view microorganisms using microscopes, learn about NYCs drinking water supply, and learn how they can conserve water.

In small groups, students will set up, maintain, monitor, and harvest leafy greens and herbs in their own mini hydroponic system. Students will learn about water chemistry, plant nutrients, healthy eating, data collection, and photosynthesis in action. This program is offered as a six-week partnership.