Rancho San Rafael Park
Learn the Great Basin Field Trip Lesson Plan
This information was last updated on September 18, 2000
GRADE LEVEL
3rd grade
4th grade
NAME OF FIELD TRIP
Rancho San Rafael Park
DESCRIPTION OF TRIP
Rancho San Rafael Park is a regional park located in north Reno at the intersection of N. Virginia St. and N. McCarran Blvd. Upon entering the park on the Virginia Street side, report to the May Arboretum Office.
GOALS OF THE TRIP
This trip is designed for learning about a variety of trees and birds found within the Great Basin and the ways in which these trees and birds can be identified and classified.
STANDARDS
Third Grade -- Life Cycles: 6.3.1 Investigate and describe how plants and animals have life cycles and require food, water, and space, 6.3.2 Investigate, compare, and contrast identifiable characteristics of plants and animals.
Heredity and Diversity: 9.3.2 Explain how particular features of plants and animals help them live in different kinds of places, 15.3.1 Investigate and describe how plants and animals that live in different places have similarities and differences, 15.3.2 Investigate and describe the interactions of organisms within an ecosystem.
Fourth Grade -- Structure and Function: 6.4.2 Investigate, compare, and contrast identifiable structures of plants and animals, 6.5.1 Investigate, compare, and contrast the different life cycles of different living things, 6.5.3 Investigate and describe how plants and animals have features that help them live in various environments.
Internal and External Influences on Organisms: 7.5.3 Investigate and describe how some environmental conditions are more favorable than others to living things.
Natural Resources: 15.5.4 Investigate and describe how the local ecosystem has unique characteristics.
LOGISTICS
Potential Hazards/Cautions: None
Suggested Time/Season: All Seasons
FIELD GEAR: (eye loops, other investigative materials
Project Supplied: None
Provided on Site: Check out boxes (see below--- teacher preparation materials; during trip activities)
CONTACTS
People: Linda Nelson -- (775) 785 - 4153
Professional Guide: Linda Nelson will guide on a limited, first-come, first-served basis; self-guided tours are suggested
Bus:
WCSD Transportation Department, 353 - 5900
FACILITIES
Maximum / Minimum number of students allowed: not applicable
Docents: Not Provided
Restrooms: available on-site
Water: fountains available on site
Refreshments: some soft drinks available on-site
Weather Conditions / Dress Suggestions: It can be cooler; casual dress is a must; appropriate footwear for the outdoors is a must.
COSTS
Guided Tours -- $1.00 per student
Self-Guided Tours -- No Cost
Transportation -- $40.00 per school bus
Requirements --- Reservations are required for logistical reasons for guided or self guided tours
REFERENCES These materials can be found at the Arboretum Office at Rancho San Rafael Park. Contact Linda Nelson.
Teacher Preparation Materials:
Literature (Trees) ---- "A Year in the Life of a Tree" "Build a Tree" "The Natural History of Trees (all courtesy of Linda Nelson, May Arboretum)
Literature (Birds) --- "Song Bird Garden" "Ducks at a Distance" "Build a Bird" (all courtesy of Linda Nelson, May Arboretum)
Literature (General) --- "Trekking the Great Basin" --- a binder of information for teachers from the May Arboretum
Student Reference Materials These materials can be found at the Arboretum Office at Rancho San Rafael Park. Contact Linda Nelson.
Literature (Trees) --- "Build a Tree"
Literature (Birds) --- "Build a Bird"
Teacher and Student Web Site: www.maycenter.com
PRE FIELD TRIP ACTIVITIES / INVESTIGATIONS
"Build a Tree"
"Build a Bird"
"Self Guided Tour"
"Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden Trail Map"
"Glossary -- Wilbur D. May Arboretum"
DURING TRIP ACTIVITIES
Check-out boxes are available from Linda Nelson for self-guided explorations of the natural environment and its impact on trees and native plants. Some check-out boxes of environmental games are available.
ASSESSMENTS
Student work samples: Part of our goal is to incorporate student artwork and data onto the www.learnthegreatbasin.net web site. Please submit appropriate pieces to us for inclusion on the site.