Outdoor Education
Curriculum and Class Choices
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(with Lesson Plans & Review Sheets) |
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An important feature of the Friedenswald program is the option to select your own classes. We encourage schools to utilize Friedenswald staff as much as possible. We can provide up to three instructors at a time. The Survival Game and the Barriers and Bridges Initiatives Course may only be used with the supervision of a Friedenswald staff person. Except for large-group activities like the Survival Game, class sizes should be limited to a maximum of 12 students.
Class descriptions include a listing of the appropriate seasons during which the class may be taught, the main concepts covered, and state standards being met. Unless marked with a * all classes last from 1 to 1.5 hours. Please note that some classes have a minimum age requirement. Additionally, a post class review sheet has been developed for each class.
Class Descriptions
Curriculum & Class Descriptions PDF 
Adaptations
Students investigate the diversity of adaptations that enable plants and animals to survive and reproduce in certain habitats. They look more closely at the range of adaptations found in birds, insects, and various plants through direct observation and simulation games.
Season: Any
Concepts: Adaptations, niche, competition
Indiana
4th Grade Adaptations Lesson Plan (Indiana)
5th Grade Adaptations Lesson PLan (Indiana)
6th Grade Adaptations Lesson PLan(Indiana)
Science Standards: Indiana 5.4.1, 5.4.4, 5.4.7, 6.4.3, 6.4.4, 6.4.8
Michigan
Adaptations Lesson Plan(Michigan)
Science Standards Michigan III.3.1, III.3.2, III.4.2
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Archery
Students practice the basics of a skill used for thousands of years for survival and sport.
 Season: Spring or Fall
Concepts: Concentration, coordination, safety, Native American heritage
Indiana
4th Grade Archery Lesson Plan (Indiana)
5th Grade Archery Lesson Plan (Indiana)
6th Grade Archery Lesson Plan (Indiana)
Science Standards: Indiana 5.2.6, 5.3.11, 5.3.13
Michigan
Archery Lesson Plan (Michigan)
Science Standards Michigan IV.3.3
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Barriers and Bridges Initiatives Course
On their journey through alligator infested swamps, over boiling peanut butter pits, and across acid rivers, students develop better cooperation, leadership, and problem solving skills. Depending on the students’ ages, activities become progressively more difficult and complex. This activity is limited to students 5th grade and older.
Season: Spring or Fall
Concepts: Cooperation, trust, leadership, problem solving
Lesson Plan with Review Sheet or Review Sheet Only
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Canoeing
Students practice the basics of lake paddling and learn important boating safety rules. This activity is limited to students 5th grade and older.
Season: Spring or Fall
Concepts: Cooperation, skill improvement, outdoor safety, Native American heritage
Indiana
4th Grade Canoeing Lesson Plan (Indiana)
5th Grade Canoeing Lesson Plan (Indiana)
6th Grade Canoeing Lesson Plan (Indiana)
Science Standards: Indiana 5.3.11, 5.3.13, 6.4.13
Michigan
Canoeing Lesson Plan (Michigan)
Science Standards: Michigan II.1.6, IV.3.2
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Cross-Country Skiing
Students enjoy the winter woods while practicing a type of winter transportation which has been used for hundreds of years.
Season: Winter
Concepts: Coordination, skill improvement
Lesson Plan with Review Sheet or Review Sheet Only
Science Standards: Indiana 5.2.6, 5.3.11, 5.3.13
Michigan IV.3.3
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Fire building
Students work in teams to learn how to build and care for a fire safely.
Season: Any
Concepts: Skill improvement, cooperation, outdoor safety
Indiana
4th Grade Fire Building Lesson Plan (Indiana)
5th Grade Fire Building Lesson Plan (Indiana)
6th Grade Fire Building Lesson Plan (Indiana)
Science Standards: Indiana 5.2.6, 5.3.8, 5.3.9, 6.3.12
Michigan
Fire Building Lesson Plan (Michigan)
Science Standards: Michigan III.3.5
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Journey through Time
(Plant Succession)
Over time, nature changes in predictable ways. Students take a trip on the Friedenswald time machine to observe the natural progression an open, grassy habitat takes as it changes into a forest.
Season: Spring or Fall
Concepts: Succession, relationships
Indiana
4th Grade Journey through Time Lesson Plan (Indiana)
5th Grade Journey through Time Lesson Plan (Indiana)
6th Grade Journey through Time Lesson Plan (Indiana)
Science Standards: Indiana 5.4.4, 5.4.5, 5.4.7, 5.6.4, 6.3.16, 6.4.8, 6.4.10
Michigan
Journey through Time Lesson Plan (Michigan)
Science Standards: Michigan III.5.4, III.5.6
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Mammals and Birds
Students are introduced to local wildlife in the nature center. They have the opportunity to observe birds up close at our bird feeders, and to learn about the differences between mammals and birds through a wide variety of games and experiments.
Season: Any
Concepts: Wildlife diversity and habits, body temperature, survival strategies
Indiana
4th Grade Mammals and Birds Lesson Plan (Indiana)
5th Grade Mammals and Birds Lesson Plan (Indiana)
6th Grade Mammals and Birds Lesson Plan (Indiana)
Science Standards: Indiana 5.4.7, 6.4.3, 6.4.4
Michigan
Mammals and Birds Lesson Plan (Michigan)
Science Standards: Michigan III.2.1
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Nature Journaling
Students learn basic techniques of making scientific observation of their surroundings through use of a journal. Drawing, writing and formulating questionings are emphasized.
Season: Any
Concepts: Observation, questioning, writing, drawing
Lesson Plan with Review Sheet or Review Sheet Only
Nature Journal 1 Page
Nature Journal 4 Pages
Science Standards:
Indiana
4th Grade Nature Journaling Lesson Plan (Indiana)
5th Grade Nature Journaling Lesson Plan (Indiana)
6th Grade Nature Journaling Lesson Plan (Indiana)
Michigan
Nature Journaling Lesson Plan (Michigan)
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Nature Neighborhoods
While students learn about the inhabitants and characteristics of a specific community they discover themes common to all communities. Communities present at Friedenswald include a tamarack fen, old growth oak/hickory forest, beech/maple climax forest, marsh and lake.
Season: Spring or Fall
Concepts: Community, ecosystem, food chains & webs, energy, producers, consumers
Indiana
4th Grade Nature Neighborhoods Lesson Plan (Indiana)
5th Grade Nature Neighborhoods Lesson Plan (Indiana)
6th Grade Nature Neighborhoods Lesson Plan (Indiana)
Science Standards: Indiana 5.4.4, 5.4.5, 5.4.7, 6.4.1, 6.4.8, 6.4.9
Michigan
Nature Neighborhoods Lesson Plan (Michigan)
Science Standards: Michigan III.2.3, III.5.1, III.5.2, III.5.3
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Orienteering
Students learn the basics of how to use a compass and read a map. This class is limited to students 5th grade and older.
Season: Any
Concepts: Skill improvement, cooperation, math skills
Indiana
4th Grade Orienteering Lesson Plan (Indiana)
5th Grade Orienteering Lesson Plan (Indiana)
6th Grade Orienteering Lesson Plan (Indiana)
Science Standards: Indiana 5.1.5, 5.2.6, 5.6.2
Michigan
Orienteering Lesson Plan (Michigan)
Science Standards: Michigan I.1.3, I.1.6, II.1.3
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The Pioneers
During an overview of the history of the area, students are introduced to various elements of pioneer life. They also experience a taste of pioneer life by making their own soap, butter, or dipped candles, using methods that early settlers used.
Season: Any
Concepts: Pioneer heritage, survival skills
Indiana
4th Grade Pioneers Lesson Plan (Indiana)
5th Grade Pioneers Lesson Plan (Indiana)
6th Grade Pioneers Lesson Plan (Indiana)
Science Standards: Indiana 5.1.5, 5.1.7, 5.3.8, 5.3.9, 6.1.9, 6.4.13
Michigan
Pioneers Lesson Plan (Michigan)
Science Standards: Michigan II.1.4, II.1.5, III.5.5
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Senses
Students use their sense of sight, hearing, smell, touch, and taste to explore their surroundings. Through games and interactive activities they consider the importance of senses in making discoveries about the natural world.
Season: Any
Concepts: Observation, adaptations
Senses Lesson Plan
Science Standards:
Indiana 6.3.21
Michigan IV.4.1, IV.4.2, IV.4.3
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Small World
Students explore the miniature habitats of the soil or a rotten log, or get an ant’s eye view along ground level. Using magnifying glasses, students discover a world seldom seen or noticed that contains great variety and diversity.
Season: Spring or Fall
Concepts: Habitats, food chains and webs, producers, consumers, decomposers
Indiana
4th Grade Small World Lesson Plan (Indiana)
5th Grade Small World Lesson Plan (Indiana)
6th Grade Small World Lesson Plan (Indiana)
Science Standards: Indiana 5.1.4, 5.6.1, 6.3.19, 6.4.1, 6.4.2, 6.4.5, 6.4.10
Michigan
Small World Lesson Plan (Michigan)
Science Standards: Michigan III.5.1, III.5.2, III.5.3
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Small World Aquatic
Students explore the macroinvertebrate insects of the fen. Using magnifying glasses, students discover a world seldom seen or noticed that contains great variety and diversity.
Season: Spring or Fall
Concepts: Habitats, food chains and webs, producers, consumers, decomposers
Indiana
4th Grade Small World Lesson Plan (Indiana)
5th Grade Small World Lesson Plan (Indiana)
6th Grade Small World Lesson Plan (Indiana)
Science Standards: Indiana 5.1.4, 5.6.1, 6.3.19, 6.4.1, 6.4.2, 6.4.5, 6.4.10
Michigan
Small World Aquatic Lesson Plan (Michigan)
Science Standards: Michigan III.5.1, III.5.2, III.5.3
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Survival Game
(Whole group activity)- Students take on the roles of animals in their struggle for survival and come to a new understanding of the impact of human activities on the natural world during this exciting simulation game. Please note that this is a whole group activity (30-100 people) and will be led only by a Friedenswald staff person. *This activity lasts 1 ½ to 2 hours.
Season: Any
Concepts: Food pyramids, life expectancy, survival needs
Survival Lesson Plan
Science Standards: Indiana 5.4.4, 5.4.5, 5.4.7, 6.3.16, 6.4.1, 6.4.8, 6.4.9, 6.4.10
Michigan III.5.1, III.5.2, III.5.6
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The Three R’s
(Reduce, Reuse, Recycle)
Students gain an understanding of the importance of conserving our resources and make their own recycled paper from common reusable materials.
Season: Any
Concepts: Decision making, recycling, conservation
Indiana
4th Grade The Three R's Lesson Plan (Indiana)
5th Grade The Three R's Lesson Plan (Indiana)
6th Grade The Three R's Lesson Plan (Indiana)
Science Standards: Indiana 5.1.5, 5.1.6, 5.1.7, 6.1.9, 6.3.4, 6.3.8, 6.3.13, 6.3.14, 6.3.16
Michigan
The Three R's Lesson Plan (Michigan)
Science Standards: Michigan III.5.5, III.5.6, V.2.4
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Weather
Students learn the correct use of weather instruments, and use their measurements to make a simple forecast for the next day.
Season: Any
Concepts: Outdoor survival, observation, recording information
Indiana
4th Grade Weather Lesson Plan (Indiana)
5th Grade Weather Lesson Plan (Indiana)
6th Grade Weather Lesson Plan (Indiana)
Science Standards: Indiana 5.3.4, 5.3.5, 5.3.8, 5.3.9, 5.5.7, 5.5.8, 5.6.4,
6.2.8, 6.3.5, 6.3.12, 6.3.13, 6.3.14, 6.3.16
Michigan
Weather Lesson Plan (Michigan)
Science Standards: Michigan I.1.3, II.1.3, IV.2.1, V.3.1, V.3.2, V.3.3
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Who Goes There?
Students create their own guide to animal tracks and practice observation skills through playing games and hiking the Unnatural Trail. They become detectives as they search outdoors for clues to the identity and habits of animals by observing the signs they leave behind.
Season: Any
Concepts: Habitats, niches, observation
Indiana
4th Grade Who Goes There Lesson Plan (Indiana)
5th Grade Who Goes There Lesson Plan (Indiana)
6th Grade Who Goes There Lesson Plan (Indiana)
Science Standards: Indiana 5.1.7, 5.2.4, 6.4.1, 6.4.10
Michigan
Who Goes There Lesson Plan (Michigan)
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Wild Health Food Store
Students examine a variety of wild flowers and other plants useful as food and medicines, and share in the preparation and enjoyment of food made from wild plants. Students also learn about plants that are better left alone.
Season: Spring or Fall
Concepts: Native American and pioneer heritage, outdoor skills, diversity
Indiana
4th Grade Wild Health Food Store Lesson Plan (Indiana)
5th Grade Wild Health Food Store Lesson Plan (Indiana)
6th Grade Wild Health Food Store Lesson Plan (Indiana)
History Standards: Indiana 5.1.1, 5.1.3
Michigan
Wild Health Food Store Lesson Plan (Michigan)
Science Standards: Michigan III.2.3, III.5.2, III.5.5
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Evening Activity Options
Camp Friedenswald is able to provide a wide range of evening activities that are led by Friedenswald staff. Each evening activity lasts for one hour. Teachers and chaperones are asked to be present at all evening activities led by Friedenswald staff. Schools may choose to lead their own evening activities. Schools should plan to provide their own materials for evening activities that they lead.
Astronomy: Students learn about stars, constellations and other features of the night sky.
Camp Jeopardy: Groups compete in a fun, lighthearted answer and question game based on camp classes. Best played towards the end of the trip to help reinforce learning.
Dutch Auction: Cabin groups compete in a crazy and exciting indoor personal scavenger hunt, which encourages creativity and cooperation.
Group Games: Students participate in a variety of new and unusual cooperative and competitive games. (e.g. Capture the flag, Native American Games, Moth & Bat…..)
Night Hike: Small groups hike to different areas of Camp to discover what animals are active and how they cope with darkness, and to experience the outdoors at night.
Leader/Student Ratio: 1:20
Popcorn Campfire : Students enjoy popcorn made in a huge kettle over a roaring fire, sing songs and listen to stories in the shelter of the Hollow.
Scavenger Hunt : Students test their knowledge and explore the natural world by finding items on a list and answering questions.
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