Classes & Activities

The Environmental Education Program at the Burton 4-H Center combines our barrier island location and the Georgia Performance Standards (GPS) to provide a classroom enrichment field study for students in 3rd-8th grade. To assist in class selection, each class is listed and described below. For groups participating in our 3-day/2-night Environmental Education program, Beach Ecology and Marsh Ecology are required classes, but you may choose 3 more 2-hour day classes, and 2 1-hour evening classes.

For a full list of Georgia Performance Standards met by each class, follow the links below:

GPS 3rd-5th Grade
GPS 6th-8th Grade

DAY CLASSES (2-HOUR)

Beach Ecology
Waves, sand, and sea breezes are all important components in beach formation, and a nice day at the beach! Students will learn how beaches change over time through the processes of erosion and deposition, and what techniques people use for beach stabilization. They will begin class on-site for an introduction to beach formation and then will load the buses for a unique chance to explore and experience a Tybee Island beach.

*An optional component for Beach Ecology is Slope Survey. This option allows students a chance to compute the slope of the beach by utilizing research equipment and scientific skills. Due to advanced thought processes and loss of beach exploration time, Slope Survey is a great addition for older students. If you would like to incorporate Slope Survey into your Beach Ecology class, please note this on the class selection form.

Choosies
Students are given the opportunity to choose two different one-hour classes from a variety of topics offered by the Burton 4-H Center Staff. These classes take full advantage of teachable moments, interest of staff, seasonal events, and learning opportunities. Some examples of Choosies topics are: shark tooth hunting, drawing the historic Tybee Island Lighthouse, and building sea creatures in the sand. Choosies is an excellent class selection for those schools that are open to a variety of different activities. This is a great class to discuss topics not covered in normal day classes.

Crabs & Critters
During this class, students have the opportunity to see and handle a variety of native and non-native animals ranging from blue crabs to corn snakes. This is a perfect class for students to learn about the life history of various animals, understand their role in the ecosystem, and teach students how to be respectful of the animals around them. Through touching and handling of animals, and seeing how Burton Staff help care for these animals, students develop a new appreciation of taking care of animals in the wild and in their own homes.

Hydrology
Water is one of our most important resources and proper use and understanding of this resource is very important to our future.  In this class students participate in hands-on activities to discover ways water is degraded and what people can do to protect our water supply.  The water cycle and the various sources of water on Earth are related to current issues.  An eye-opening trip to the Tybee Island waste water treatment plant is included, making this class an unforgettable one!

Invertebrate Studies
Sea squirts and scuds are only a couple of creatures that students will discover during this class. Students will view maritime creatures in motion under a microscope and then discuss additional invertebrates while visiting the on-site dock. While at the dock, students will be able to view, collect, and discuss various invertebrate species. This class enables students to examine the microscopic community that thrives on docks and rocks while learning to classify these animals in the correct phylum.

Marsh Ecology
During Marsh Ecology, students are able to discover a very unique and biologically diverse habitat. Class begins at the center with a 45-60 minute interactive lecture where students view plankton samples, discuss various plants and animals living in the marsh, and learn how the moon and sun cause tidal fluctuations. The class concludes with students and adults getting to go to a salt marsh where they catch fiddler crabs, let periwinkle snails crawl on their hands, and learn how the marsh is critical for the survival for so many species .

Orienteering
Orienteering is an active and challenging sport where people use a compass to find hidden targets on the landscape. In this class all students will learn how to use a compass and then apply math skills to calculate their pace. After practicing these skills, teams of students will test their new abilities on our orienteering courses located at the Burton 4-H Center .

Pollution Solution
Pollution is an ever growing problem in the world. This class starts out with an eye-opening trip to the beach, where students walk around and pick up litter. Upon their return to the Burton 4-H Center, students divide up their trash into different categories, calculate how much they found, and graph their findings. We then discuss biodegrading, and how long it would have taken some of their items to biodegrade. Students are introduced to the three R's (Reducing, Reusing, and Recycling) and finish the class with a game that compares the benefits of the three R's.

Surf Sleuth
Classes venture into the surf zone to catch an array of salt water animals and plants by pulling a seine net through the crashing waves. After each tow, the group is able to examine and discuss their catch. Surf sleuth is a physically challenging class that allows students and adults the chance to work as a team in catching and identifying oceanic organisms. Due to the nature of this selection, this class is only offered from mid-March through November. Call 912-786-5534 for available dates.

Teambuilding
Students work as a team to complete fun initiative challenges which build the group's cohesiveness and encourage group members to see each other in a fresh way. Group discussion between activities will focus on positive communication strategies and qualities of effective leaders. This class can either be an evening or day class.

Walking Naturalist
Similar to Choosies, Walking Naturalist classes are created and facilitated by the Burton 4-H Center Staff based on their background and interest. Unlike Choosies, Walking Naturalist is not divided into one-hour sessions, but is a full 2-hour course, concentrating on biological topics and barrier island ecology. These classes are more advanced than Choosies, and allow students to learn about various topics not offered in the curriculum. Some Walking Naturalist topics include: Oceanography, Ornithology, Barrier Island Botany, Marine Mammals, Sharks, and Beach Exploration. This class is only offered from January through May. Teachers should call for availability and specific season topics.

Wetland Monitoring
This advanced class allows students to determine the health of a local salt marsh and tidal creek. Students will learn proper scientific methods and techniques such as random sampling, recording data, and analyzing their results. They will perform a biological survey using a transect and take water samples to perform chemical tests such as ammonia, dissolved oxygen, salinity, and turbidity. At the end, students will analyze all of the recorded data and compare them to normal expected ranges to determine the health of the marsh they sampled.

EVENING CLASSES (1-HOUR)

Burton 4-H Center Led Classes

Astronomy Walk
Observing the night sky in complete darkness is both amazing and mysterious. In this class we take a short quiet walk on the beach where there are no lights so students can observe the thousands of stars and other celestial objects. Through an activity students will better grasp how the sun, earth and moon interact causing us to observe the different phases of the moon. Students will also learn how to find a constellation and better understand what they are and the stories behind them.

Campfire
Get the entire group together for a fun-filled evening of skits and songs. Burton 4-H Center Staff will facilitate this campfire while providing students with a positive evening experience. No ghost stories or s'mores during this class time. Please specify if you prefer a Burton Staff led campfire or a school led campfire.

Marine Mammals
Many marine mammals use the waters off Tybee Island's shores, including the Northern Right Whale, Georgia's State Mammal. In this class, students will get a basic introduction to marine mammals, including whales, dolphins, and manatees.  We will briefly discuss the major characteristics of each of these marine mammals and cover some common issues concerning most marine mammals. For the last part of class, students will pretend to be marine biologists and will be given the task of determining the cause of death for a "stranded" dolphin.

Night Walk
A dry, quiet walk on the beach incorporates various sensory activities to enrich the student's awareness levels. Night walks are a reflective time to talk about one's senses while learning about adaptations of nocturnal animals. Students will play games, try activities that challenge their night vision, and maybe even get to see a ghost crab or two. Due to varying levels of darkness throughout the school year, class times may fluctuate to ensure an adequately dark night walk experience.

Quiz Show
Quiz Show is a fun review time presented in a game show manner. Students are divided into their teaching groups and then compete for points by correctly answering questions pertaining to their field study classes. Due to the nature of this class, it is only offered on the second evening of your field study.

Reptiles
This class will focus on various species of turtles, snakes, and the American alligator. We discuss what makes a reptile unique, and just like the Crabs & Critters class, students will get a chance to see and hold animals. This is a good alternative if you opt not to take Crabs & Critters during the day.

Sea Turtles
This class starts out with a broad introduction into the life cycle of a sea turtle, including common problems they face from the time they hatch to adulthood. Sea turtles are found on Tybee Island during nesting season, but we are lucky enough to have a young sea turtle on-site. At the end of class, students will be able to see our sea turtle up close and then they will play games outside where they can pretend to be a sea turtle trying to overcome some obstacles.

Squid Dissection (NEW!)
Through the squid dissection, students will examine some of the unique features which have allowed squid to adapt and thrive in the oceans throughout the world. This beginning dissection class will give students a hands-on experience to investigate the anatomy of squid and the various functions of its organs. Due to the nature of the class and the skills required, it is recommended that only students in 6 th grade and higher participate.

Teambuilding
Students work as a team to complete fun initiative challenges which build the group's cohesiveness and encourage group members to see each other in a fresh way. Group discussion between activities will focus on positive communication strategies and qualities of effective leaders. This class can either be an evening or day class.

Suggestions for School Led Evening Activities

If school led activities require any Burton 4-H Center facilities or equipment, you must make this known on your class selection form.

Campfire
A great time to have with your students. Bring your own s'mores ingredients and we can provide the marshmallow roasting sticks and a list of song and skit ideas. Please keep our fire ring clean; garbage bags will be provided upon request.

Creative Writing/Crafts
You bring the supplies and the creative minds and we will provide the chairs, tables or other equipment necessary for a creative time.

Dance Movement/Movement/Exercise Time
We have a dance hall and a sound system. Bring music (CDs) and the Physical Education teacher for a fun active evening.

Historic River Street
Load your buses and take the students to browse the shops and savor an ice cream cone along Savannah 's River Street . You'll need transportation to get there and spending money is suggested.

Movies
If rain happens to fall during one evening of your field study or if you think that your students would enjoy a nice night of educational or fun movies, we encourage you to chose this option as an evening activity. Burton 4-H Center has a few educational videos focusing on the coastal/oceanic environments that you are welcomed to view. If you chose this option, you will need to reserve a building and a video.

New Games
New for the fall, New Games will allow your students to use up excess energy while working on teamwork and communication skills. If you decide on this evening option, we will send you various games for you to facilitate with your group.

Night Walk/Sand Sculpturing
Transport or walk your group to the beach located on 6th Street which is less than a 1/2 mile away from the Burton 4-H Center.

Quiz Show
Use a game show format to lead a fun and competitive event testing your students' newly acquired knowledge. We can supply questions for each class taken and a white board and marker to keep score.

Talent Show
Have students and adults present songs, skits, and dances to show off their talents. We can provide the building and sound equipment, you bring the students, the talent, and the music.