Students learning about the yucca on the Southwick Trail
School Programs
On-Site School Programs
The Ecology Field Program (EFP) is a 4 to 4-1/2 hour program where students learn about the basic components of an ecosystem and how all these parts are connected.
The program normally consists of:
- 1/2-hour Ecosystem Introduction/Review
- 2-hour Nature Hike
- 1/2-hour Lunch Break
- Time permitting, a hands-on activity covering some aspect of ecology or conservation.
The program is geared towards the 5th grade but is well suited for grades 3 to 7. The program is free of charge, however you will be responsible for your students' transportation to the center. Since Albuquerque Public Schools owns the site, priority is given to APS 5th grade students. If you are an APS 5th grade teacher and have any questions please contact Julie Hall at hall_j@aps.edu. If you are not an APS teacher and would like more information or would like to schedule a trip please contact Susie Davis at susan.davis@state.nm.us.
Outreach
Our outreach programs are designed mainly for 5th grade students but may be suitable for other grades as well. The programs are aligned to the New Mexico State standards and benchmarks for 5th grade and are taught by our trained professional instructors. Both programs are free of charge. If you would like more information or would like to schedule a program please feel free to contact us at (505) 281-5259 or sandiamountaincenter@gmail.com
The Ecology Road Show
The Ecology Road Show is a series of activities centered on the components of an ecosystem; producers, consumers, decomposers and the non-living parts. The program will explain what these components are and how they are all interconnected in an ecosystem through exciting hands-on activities. Your students will become eco-detectives to solve the ecological mysteries of a dead squirrel, look at decomposers at work under a microscope, learn more about New Mexico wildlife and better understand why different plants grow in different elevations on a mountain. A conservation-oriented activity may also be available depending on the number of classes at your school. The program takes place at your school and lasts about 2 hours.
Traveling Ecology Field Program
In this exciting program, the staff of the SMNHC will meet your students at a "wild" area near your school. There, we will lead your students on a nature hike and use local landmarks to explain ecosystems. The day may also include a wide array of other activities ranging from a scavenger hunt to a close observation field study. This program may last for 2-4 hours depending on the area selected. The T.E.F.P can be done anywhere there are suitable hiking trails such as National Forest Service land, Bureau of Land Management land or state and local parks. The only cost for your school would be transportation for your students to the designated "wild" area.
Other Programs
There may be opportunities for other groups to visit and utilize the center. Groups such as home school groups and summer camps have used the center on occasion. The SMNHC is not a recreational site. We customize an educational program for you! If your group can get some educational value from a visit we will try to accommodate you. If you have a group that you think could utilize the SMNHC please feel free to contact Paul Mauermann at paul.mauermann@state.nm.us
