Munnell Run Farm – Mercer, PA

Pre-Kindergarten ► Grades K-2 ► Grades 3-4 ► Grades 5-6 ► Seasonal Programs ► Lesson Plan Guide

Education Programs - Pre-Kindergarten


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) preschool field learning experiences feature outdoor, hands-on, age-appropriate activities. The activities utilize the resources at various sites throughout the farm to help the little ones use their senses to learn more about the world around them. We like to use “snack time” to teach about farmers and the foods they provide for us, so we suggest bringing drinks and small snacks. Please note that the wind sweeps across our open fields and warmer-than-usual clothing is often required—regardless of the season. Concluding your trip with a ride on our handicap-accessible farm wagon is a nice ending for any of the programs (requires an additional 20-25 minutes). This “menu” is designed to allow you to choose lessons that meet your specific academic needs within the time frame of your visit to MRF. Programs marked with * can also be provided off-site at your location.

Note that other pre-school programs not listed here may be available. Also see our Pre-school programs for children ages 3, 4, and 5 that are offered in the fall, spring, and summer.

List of Programs:

1, 2, 3, GROW!

Topic(s): Gardening, soil, seeds, plants

Time Required: 1 hour 30 minutes

Description: This program is offered April through June. Sun, soil, and seeds are the “building blocks” for the food we eat and many of the clothes we wear. Students will discover what plants need to grow and will sow some seeds in a “mini-greenhouse” to take home. Includes a visit to our Children’s Garden.

Fee: $2.00 per student

Suggestions: Wear older clothes and shoes or boots.

FOOD, FIBER AND FUN! LET’S LEARN ABOUT FARMING
Topic(s): Agriculture, food and fiber origins, processing Time Required: 1 hour 30 minutes Description: This lesson is an introduction to agriculture and why it’s so important to humans. The little ones will learn to determine the origin of basic food and fiber products. They’ll also learn to identify common plants and animals found on PA farms. Fee: $2.00 per student Suggestions: Weather-appropriate clothing is essential!

	IN A PUMPKIN SHELL
	Topic(s): Gardening, seeds, plants, harvesting Time Required: 1 hour 30 minutes Description: This program is offered September through October. Everyone loves pumpkins, so we’ll learn about these fascinating fruits and their “gourd”geous cousins. The children will play some games, sample some pumpkin pancakes, and pick a miniature pumpkin from the Children’s Garden to take home. Fee: $2.00 per student Suggestions: Be prepared for chilly autumn wind!

INTRODUCTION TO MUNNELL RUN FARM
Topic(s): Farms, soil and water conservation Time Required: 10 Minutes Description: An introduction to farms and why soil and water resources are important. Fee: Free Location: MRF

Signs of Spring

Topic(s): Seasons, senses, changes

Time Required: 1 hour 30 minutes

Description: This program is offered from late January through April. Even if there’s snow on the ground, nature still gives us plenty of signs that spring is just around the corner.Little ones get to see, touch, hear, smell, and even taste the signs of spring.The lesson incorporates the book Hopper Hunts for Spring and, if desired, includes a visit from the “real” Hopper, himself. If this is an off-site program, please check into your school’s policy regarding live animal visits.

Fee: $2.00 per student

Suggestions: Make sure children wear weather-appropriate, layered clothing with waterproof boots and/or bring a change of shoes! The Farm can be a cold and muddy (but still interesting) place at this time of the year!

THE LITTLE RED HEN

Topic(s): Farming, grain, harvesting, food processing, cooperation

Time Required: 1 hour 30 minutes

Description: Based on The Little Red Hen (Makes a Pizza), this lesson follows the path of the grain in the pizza crust from field to table. Kids will grind some grain into flour and make play dough to take home.

Fee: $2.00 per student

Suggestions: The play dough activity can be a little messy—but clean-up is easy!