Munnell Run Farm – Mercer, PA

Education Programs - Grades K-2


Pre-Kindergarten	Grades K-2	Grades 3-4	Grades 5-6

We're sorry, but due to staff changes we will not be able to offer these programs at the current time. Please check back with us frequently for changes in our program availability.

Munnell Run Farm (MRF) field learning experiences feature outdoor, hands-on, grade-level appropriate activities specifically developed to address PA Chapter 4 Academic Standards. The activities utilize the resources at various sites throughout the farm to help students make real-world connections between agriculture and ecology. This “menu” is designed to allow you to choose any combination of lessons to meet your specific academic needs within the time frame of your visit to MRF.

List of Programs:

ALL WET!

Topic(s): Surface water, precipitation, aquatic plants and animals, wetlands

Time Required: 1 hour

Description: Students will: 1) observe a model watershed, 2) differentiate between lentic and lotic water systems and participate in a flashcard game called “Moving or Still?,” 3) role-play various forms of precipitation and simulate “precipitation events” of the “Cloud Says. . . Game,” 4) take a walking tour of MRF’s wetland trail and use their senses to learn about the various plants and animals that live there. (Can include a “wetland scavenger hunt,” if requested.

Fee: $1.00 per student

Suggestions: Make sure children wear weather-appropriate, layered clothing with waterproof boots and/or bring a change of shoes! Plan on walking in muddy soils!

FROM THE FARM TO YOU
Topic(s): Agriculture, food and fiber production Description: 2 hours (this program can be presented in two, 1-hour segments to accommodate larger groups that need to be divided to achieve an acceptable student/teacher ratio) Description: Students will: 1) participate in a “Farm Product” game to determine the origin (plant or animal) of common items they use every day, 2) make and sample real butter to compare and contrast raw and processed foods, 3) tour Munnell Run Farm via our handicap-accessible farm wagon to observe the plants and animals we produce, and 4) meet a live farm animal and learn about its particular adaptations. Fee: $2.00 per student Suggestions: Wear older clothes and shoes or boots. The farm can be muddy at times.

	LET IT GROW, LET IT GROW, LET IT GROW!
	Topic(s): Soil, seeds, plants Time Required: 1 hour Description: Students will: 1) identify the components of soil by using a “recipe” to make “soil,” 2) observe the parts of and “dissect” a seed, 3) explain what plants need to grow, 4) participate in the “Sunshine Says…” growing game 5) go on a walking tour of the MRF compost area and Children’s Garden (varies seasonally, of course) , and 6) make a “greenhouse in a baggie” and plant a seed to take home. Fee: $1.00 per student Suggestions: Be prepared for clothes and footwear to become soiled.

YOUR LOCAL CONSERVATION DISTRICT—WHAT WE DO FOR YOU

Topic(s): Conservation Districts

Time Required: 15 minutes

Description: An explanation of “conservation” and an overview of conservation districts and the issues they deal with.

Fee: FREE