AACPS Environmental Literacy and Outdoor Education

975 Indian Landing Road
Millersville, MD 21108
tel. 410-222-3822


Author: Administrator

T.E.R.P.

Published: 18 February 2008
Written by Administrator
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Categories: Education

A collage of photos with a terrapin next to a quarter, students next to a terrapin, a large terrapin next to a small terrapin and a terrapin at the edge of a river.

TERP Logo

T.E.R.P. (Terrapin Education and Research Partnership) is a supplemental classroom program. It operates under a Maryland Department of Natural Resources Scientific Collection Permit. Northern Diamondback Terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) are placed in classrooms in October and released in May/June of the following year. Teacher training is required for participation. Students research the natural history of our state reptile, collect weekly growth data, make behavioral observations, and record husbandry protocols. Growth data are also collected during tagging just prior to release on the beaches of Poplar Island in May and June. The terrapins are implanted with a PIT (passive integrated transponder) microchip for identification. Upon recapture in future years, terrapins are scanned for tags and growth data compared to information collected in the classroom.

By raising and releasing these terrapins, students support important terrapin conservation research, conducted by Dr. Willem Roosenburg, Associate Professor of Biology at Ohio University and noted terrapin researcher. Classroom terrapin hatchlings are obtained from Poplar Island Environmental Restoration Site through an agreement with the Maryland Environmental Service, Army Corps of Engineers, and the Maryland Port Administration. Staff at Poplar Island provide assistance and support throughout the project. All terrapins are cared for with the oversight of Dr. Eileen Manyin, D.V.M. of the Greater Annapolis Veterinary Clinic.

Supporters: Army Corps of Engineers, Maryland Port Administration, Maryland Environmental Service, Chesapeake Bay Trust

 Reed & Eddy were released back to Poplar Island on 5/24
Hatched on 9/17/2020 these terrapins are a part of T.E.R.P. (Terrapin Education and Research Partnership) 

Congratulations to the winner of the Arlington Echo terrapin naming contest for ’20-’21
Lily M., 8th grader from Severn River Middle 

Contact Amy Greif at agreif@aacps.org
Arlington Echo 410-222-3822 

Kindergarten – Trees are Terrific

Published: 18 February 2008
Written by Administrator
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Categories: Education

Every AACPS kindergarten class engages in a one-day field experience as part of their environmental literacy unit “Trees are Terrific.” Through engaging, hands-on activities, students investigate the life cycle of a tree, learn about forest ecology, discover that trees protect water quality and take action to help the environment. Supervision and instruction are provided by AACPS Environmental Literacy and Outdoor Education staff and volunteers recruited by classroom teachers. All volunteers undergo background checks. Students bring lunch to enjoy outdoors, weather permitting.

 A collage of kindergarten students holding tree necklacesA collage of kindergarten students hugging trees, throwing leaves, sitting in a row boat and raising their hands.

Chaperones

Chaperones escort students to their activities, rest rooms, lunch and the flagpole meeting area. Chaperones support activity leaders by encouraging student participation and by helping out as needed. Check the weather and dress appropriately for outdoor activities. Closed-toed shoes are required. Check in at school and get a badge.

Tips for Chaperones

  1. Smile and introduce yourself.
  2. Review expectations with each group: walk, stay together, and follow instructions.
  3. Praise good behavior whenever you see it.
  4. Don’t hesitate to address unsafe or inappropriate student behavior when necessary. You are in charge! Address behavior in a positive and calm way.
  5. Get involved with the students and the activity. Assist the instructor.
  6. Make bathroom stops between activities.
  7. If necessary, take students to the Fernwood Pavilion for first aid.
  8. Students should have adult supervision at all times.
  9. Try to stay on schedule.
  10. Turn cell phone, pager or other electronic devices to “OFF” or “VIBRATE.”
  11. Help students treat the environment and facilities with care.

Activity Leaders

For adults without a teaching background, the idea of leading an activity with a group of students in the outdoors can be somewhat daunting! Relax! It’s not as difficult as you might expect. We will prepare you when you arrive early on the day of the trip. If you have time, review your lesson in advance. Check the weather and dress appropriately for outdoor activities. Closed-toed shoes are required.

  1. Gather students and gain their attention.
  2. Smile, introduce yourself and the lesson according to the lesson plan.
  3. Get students involved! Have them measure, write on charts, etc. Give students jobs to assist with equipment clean-up, etc. (For example, “Who wants to collect the clipboards?”)
  4. Use questions to keep students thinking and to promote discussion (rather than lecture). Encourage all students to participate.
  5. Pace the activity in order to stay on schedule.
  6. When outdoors, speak clearly and at an appropriate volume. If possible, stand with your back to the wind so that it carries your voice to students.
  7. Gather students in a small group (not in a line) to speak to them. Avoid walking and teaching at the same time.
  8. Stand so that the sun is not in students’ eyes. Sunglasses prevent eye contact, so do not wear them while you are speaking to the students.
  9. Use sun or shade to keep students comfortable.
  10. Turn cell phone, pager or other electronic devices to “OFF” or “VIBRATE.”
  11. Help students treat the environment and facilities with care.
  12. Have fun and show enthusiasm. It’s contagious!

Lessons

Bugs and Slugs

Feathers in the Forest

Forest Friends

Forest Fun

Tree Cycle

Tree Treasure Hunt

What to Bring

Check the weather and dress your child appropriately for outdoor activities. Apply insect repellent and sunscreen as needed before your child leaves home. Students should bring a lunch, trash-free, if possible. Closed-toed shoes are required (that means no flip-flops or Crocs!).

Directions to Downs Park

Downs Park: 8311 John Downs Loop, Pasadena, MD 21122

From Points South

  1. Take MD-2 North
  2. Turn right onto Baltimore Annapolis Blvd.
  3. Turn right on Magothy Bridge Rd.
  4. Take slight right onto MD-100 East
  5. Continue straight onto MD-177 E/Mountain Rd.
  6. Continue straight onto Pinehurst Rd. 
  7. Turn right onto Chesapeake Bay Dr.

From Points West

  1. Take MD-100 East
  2. Continue straight onto MD-177 E/Mountain Rd.
  3. Continue straight onto Pinehurst Rd. 
  4. Turn right onto Chesapeake Bay Dr.

From Points North

  1. Take 97 or 10 south to MD-100 East
  2. Continue straight onto MD-177 E/Mountain Rd.
  3. Continue straight onto Pinehurst Rd. 
  4. Turn right onto Chesapeake Bay Dr.

At Main Gate

  1. Present activity badge at gate.
  2. Continue on Chesapeake Bay Drive to Fernwood Pavilion parking lot (fourth/last parking area on the right)
  3. Park and walk to Fernwood Pavilion.

Call Sean (410-422-7434) for help.

Contact

Sheen Goldberg swgoldberg@aacps.org

Sean McGuinn smcguinn@aacps.org

Arlington Echo 410-222-3822

Art Trek

Published: 18 February 2008
Written by Administrator
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Categories: Camps

Art Trek
“Art and Nature Unified”
For campers entering grades 3-6

9:00 A.M.-3:30 P.M.

Space is Limited!

The goal of the Art Trek outdoor education program is to challenge and encourage students with aspiring interests and emerging skills in art. Taught by county art teachers, the Art Trek experience offers drawing, painting, sculpture, as well as other activities. Students will have the opportunity to become acquainted with new friends with similar artistic interests. Swimming, canoeing, and back by popular demand- The Water Carnival will be offered again this year. These activities will be supervised by certified aquatic instructors at all times.

Transportation
Students needing bus transportation will be sent bus stop and schedule information at a later date.

Cost
$275.00. Financial Assistance Scholarships my be available to students.

Meals
Students will be provided with lunch and a snack each day.

Application Procedures
1. Students must complete the application form by April 17th – including payment
2. Selection by committee will be based on the student application form. Space is limited and expected to sell out quickly!
3. Selection decisions will be mailed to parents of applicants from the Art Office.
4. To download and print a scholarship application form, click here . Send completed form to the Art Office, 2644 Riva Rd. Annapolis, MD 21401.

*Online registration** Applications will require you to create a Google login, unless you already have a Google account. If creating an account, it is not necessary to create a “gmail” email account – you can use any email address you currently own. Please note creating a login and Google account is free.

Register ONLINE! .

Follow-up Mailing to Participants

Students selected to participate will receive a map to Arlington Echo, a student camper information form, and a sample schedule of activities for the week as well as transportation information.

For more information call the Art Office at 410-222-5450

Spanish Camp

Published: 18 February 2008
Written by Administrator
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Categories: Camps

El Campo del Bosque
Grades 1-5
 
8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

The goal of El Campo del Bosque is to help learners make basic exchanges in spanish and develop an appreciation for the diverse Hispanic cultures. Children with any range of Spanish proficiency are encouraged to attend and immerse themselves into the non-intimidating yet challenging “Spanish only” environment.  Native and non-native speaking AACPS teachers instruct small groups with the help of counselors who are current high school Spanish students.  During the 5 days, campers will experience the structure and sound of the language through the use of engaging songs, crafts, outdoor games, as well as exciting cultural and environmental activities.  Children are grouped primarily by their grade levels.  Campers also participate in swimming, canoeing, seining, crabbing, which are supervised by certified, English-speaking instructors at all times.  This year will include a field trip on Tuesday, and archery will be offered for campers entering 4th or 5th grade in the fall!

Transportation

At this time, no transportation will be provided for this camp. Parents are expected to drop off their children promptly at 8:15 and pick up their children promptly at 3:30.

Cost

$300.00 ($100.00 nonrefundable deposit, $200.00 to be paid upon acceptance.)
Financial Assistance in the form of partial scholarships may be available to students. 

Meals

Students will be provided with a culturally authentic lunch and snack each day.

Application Procedures

1. Students must complete El Campo del Bosque application form. 
2. The school office will supply the SIF number.
3. A $100.00 deposit must be sent with application forms (refunded if the student is not accepted or if the camp does not run. A minimum of 60 campers are needed in order to run the camp.)
4. Student Application Form, a Request for Financial Assistance Form, if applicable, and a $100.00 deposit must be returned by July 5 or until capacity is filled. Checks and applications should be mailed to:

World & Classical Language Office
Anne Arundel County Public Schools
2644 Riva Road
Annapolis, MD 21401

Please write on the outside of the envelope:
El Campo del Bosque

5. Attendance at the camp will be based on a“ first-come, first-served” basis. The deposit will be refunded only
if the student is not accepted or if AACPS does not run the camp.

Follow-up Mailing to Participants

Students who will attend the camp will receive a map to Arlington Echo, a student information form,
and a sample schedule of activities for the week. For more information, call the World and Classical Languages Office at 410-222-5424 or send an email to ElCampodelBosque@aacps.org . 

Make the check payable to:
Anne Arundel County Public Schools.

Payment/Refund Policy:
Full payment is due 30 days prior to start of camp. If full payment is not received by this time, your child’s reservation will not be held. After this date, we cannot guarantee that space will be available when your payment is received. If a cancellation is made before the 30 day time period, a 100% refund will be issued (with a $10 processing fee). If a cancellation is made any time between 30-15 days prior to the start of camp, a 50% refund will be issued (with a $10 processing fee). No refunds will be issued 14 days or less prior to the start of camp. Additionally, there shall be no partial refund granted for any camper’s late arrival, early withdrawal, non-arrival or dismissal for cause. All cancellations must be received in writing.

For more information, call the World and Classical Languages Office at 410-222-5424 or send an email to ElCampodelBosque@aacps.org . 

 

Our Green Practices

Published: 18 February 2008
Written by Administrator
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Categories: Restoration Projects

maeoe green centerArlington Echo has been recognized as a Green Center by the Maryland Association of Environmental and Outdoor Educators (MAEOE).

The Maryland Green Center Program recognizes facilities that model efforts in environmental education, conservation, sustainable practices and community engagement. Maryland Green Centers offer support to schools working towards the Maryland Green Schools Award.

  

  Check out our “green” highlights.

Bird Conservation

Composting

Electric Hand Dryers

Enery-Saving Lighting

Green Roof

Living Shoreline

Locally Grown Foods

Native Plants

No Idle Zone

Pervious Concrete

Rain Barrels

Recycling

Solar Panels

Stormwater Landscaping

Waste Watchers

Water Fountains

Bird FeedersBird Conservation

Wild birds face many challenges because of human activity ( e.g., loss of natural nesting sites, free-roaming cats, window strikes, pesticide poisoning). Arlington Echo gives wild birds a boost with bird feeding stations to supplement their natural diets. This is especially helpful in cold weather. Bird feeders can also provide a quick energy stop for busy bird parents We have also installed a variety of nest structures to give wild birds additional support. Birds use these structures during the nesting season to shelter and protect their families. In winter, some birds roost together for warmth in nest boxes. We also plan to make changes to our windows to protect birds from window strikes.

For more information about feeding birds, visit Cornell Lab of Ornithology Feeding Birds. 

For more information about nest structures, visit Cornell Lab of Ornithology NestWatch All About.Birdhouses. 

For more information about protecting birds, visit Safe Skies Maryland.

Compost BinsComposting

Composting is a way to conserve natural resources and reduce the amount of waste going into landfills. Composting is recycling natural materials into “humus,” a soil-like product that can be used to improve soil quality. During meals at Arlington Echo students learn what waste can be composted. Leftover food that is plant-based can be composted. Our compost demonstration area shows different styles of compost bins.

For more information about composting, visit EPA Composting at Home.

  

hand dryer 2Electric Hand Dryers

Electric hand dryers conserve trees and reduce paper waste. These have been installed in the restrooms in our two main buildings.

LIght SwitchEnergy-Saving Lighting

We are using LED lighting and motion-sensing light switches to reduce the amount of energy used for lighting on our site. LED stands for “light emitting diode.” These long-lasting, energy-efficient lights have replaced all other interior and exterior types of lighting on our site. Light switches with motion sensors have also been installed in various locations. If people forget to turn out the lights when they leave a room, the motion sensors will do it for them after a short time of sensing no movement in the room.

For more information about energy-saving lighting, visit Lighting Choices Save to You Money and Lighting Controls.

Copy of Green Roof 1Green Roof

The green roof on the boat house is made of living sedums, plants that are adapted to extreme temperature and drought. The plants remove nitrogen from the rainwater, which helps prevent algae blooms in the river. The green roof also insulates the building, keeping it cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

For more information about green roofs, visit Maryland Department of the Environment Facts about Stormwater Management & Green Roof Technology.

Copy of Arlington Echo ShorelineLiving Shoreline

Through strategic placement of stone, sand and native plants, the living shoreline reduces erosion and sedimentation and provides habitat for a wide variety of aquatic species. This shoreline also dampens wave action, which further protects all area shorelines from erosion.

For more information about living shorelines, visit Watershed Stewards Academy Living Shorelines.

Locally Grown Foods

Students learn about eating sustainably which includes eating locally grown foods when possible. They prepare a snack from locally grown produce in season: pickles from locally grown cucumbers, applesauce from local apples, and kale salad with locally grown kale. In addition, AACPS Food and Nutrition Services participates in the “Farm to School” program, which benefits students and local farmers, and the “Tasting of the Rainbow” program which encourages students to eat colorful, healthy fruits and vegetables, locally grown when possible.

For more information about locally grown foods, visit Benefits of Local Foods.

Native Plants

We use native plants in our gardens at Arlington Echo. Native plants are low maintenance. They thrive in the local climate without extra water or fertilizer. They also provide habitat for local wildlife, such as insects and birds.

We also conserve some special native plants such as pitcher plants and sun dews, carnivorous plants that attract and digest insects. These plants are endangered in Maryland because there are few bogs remaining, due to development. We also propagate Atlantic White Cedars, a rot-resistant tree that needs wet soil and can grow to be 80-100 feet tall. These trees are considered rare because of past logging and habitat loss.

For more information about native plants, visit University of Maryland Extension Home and Garden Information Center Native Plants.

Why include native plants in your garden?

no idleNo Idle Zone

Idling cars, trucks, and buses waste fuel and create air pollution. Maryland has a law prohibiting idling for more than five minutes. Our “no idling” signs remind drivers not to idle.

For more information about idling, visit Maryland Department of the Environment Idle Free MD.

 Pervious Concrete

Pervious concrete is one of the many ways we treat storm water at Arlington Echo. Pervious concrete is specialized asphalt with multiple layers of different sized aggregate. The aggregates promote infiltration of rainwater into the ground. Water filters through the pores, slowing down and depositing sediment and pollutants that it is carrying with it.

For more information about pervious concrete, visit EPA Soak Up the Rain: Permeable Pavement.

Rain Barrels

Throughout Arlington Echo we have rain barrels attached to the downspout of every building—that’s a total of 96 rain barrels. Rain barrels gather the rainwater that falls on the roofs. The barrels collect the first flush of stormwater that is loaded with pollutants from the air. The water is then slowly released into a garden or shallow dry well area where it infiltrates the soil and is cleaned. By diverting water from storm drains, the impact of runoff into streams and the Chesapeake Bay is greatly decreased.

For more information about rain barrels, visit Watershed Stewards Academy Rain Barrels.

Recycling

Recycling is a way to conserve natural resources, reduce waste and pollution. We participate in Anne Arundel County’s single stream recycling program. Paper, plastic, and metal are recycled. Single-stream glass, which is not suitable for recycling, is crushed and used as part of daily cover in landfills.

For more information about recycling, visit Anne Arundel County Recycling.

Solar Panels

Arlington Echo has solar panels on the roof of Field Hall. These panels generate electricity from the sun’s energy, thus reducing our carbon footprint from greenhouse gases.

For more information about solar panels, visit Maryland Consumer’s Guide to Solar.

Stormwater Landscaping

Stormwater from some of our roofs and paved surfaces is diverted into our demonstration coastal plain bogs. These areas collect rainwater and release it slowly into the environment through evaporation and wicking. This reduces the impact of our stormwater on the Severn River and the Chesapeake Bay. These areas also provide habitat for native plants and animals.

For more information about landscaping to manage stormwater, visit Watershed Stewards Academy Conservation Landscapes.

Waste Watchers

We encourage students to reduce food waste. Reducing food waste reduces the environmental impact of producing, packaging and transporting food. This also reduces the amount of waste going to landfills.

For more information about reducing food waste, visit EPA Reducing Food Waste at Home.

water bottle filling station 2

Water Fountains

We encourage students to use reusable water bottles. This reduces waste of resources and energy associated with single-use bottled water. Arlington Echo has water fountains configured to refill water bottles easily. Adult groups that meet on site are discouraged from bringing single-use bottled water.

Summer Camps

Published: 18 February 2008
Written by Administrator
No comments
Categories: Camps

The Environmental Literacy and Outdoor Education Office offers a variety of summer camps at Arlington Echo for students entering grades kindergarten through 12. Our camp culture is fun, safe and supportive. Senior staff are certified teachers and other professionals. The Visual Arts Office and World and Classical Languages Office also offer engaging and enriching camps at Arlington Echo.

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Visit our Camp Arlington Echo Page for more information

 

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 Questions? Visit our FAQs page 

 

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Questions? Contact Arlington Echo- 410-222-3822