Birmingham Public Schools
ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER
PLEASE READ
Dear
3rd
Grade Parent or Guardian,
Winter 2010
This year your student scientist will explore the science of Taxonomy. They will be exploring the
organization of all living things based upon their physical features. Outside they will be focused on
vertebrates, specifically the birds. Inside they will concentrate on the invertebrates with an emphasis
on arthropods.
On the day of their scheduled visit it is very important that your student dress appropriately for a cold
weather experience. We realize that Michigan weather is unpredictable. However, we will be
outdoors for a portion of the morning. We find that layering clothing and jackets works well for
variable temperatures. A hat is also very helpful in keeping scientists warm while outside. Even if
there is no snow we can count on mud so boots are also encouraged.
The ECOStore has proven to be a popular option so we are continuing to make a selection of items
available. This voluntary opportunity offers a selection of simple science tools and also some fun
science novelty items. The details and an order form are attached. These items are also available online. Go to the Birmingham Home page and select Academics which will bring you to a list that includes the
Environmental Center. Select the Environmental Center and at the top of the page choose ECOStore . You
can view the items and print out an order form.
In addition the EC is open to the public, during the school year, on the first Sunday of each month
from 1-4 p.m. You are welcome to visit and let your student scientist show you around. Mark your
calendar with the 2010 dates: Jan. 3, Feb. 7, Mar. 7, Apr. 4, May 2, & June 6.
If you have any questions about the Environmental Center programs please feel free to give us a call
or email bp03bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us. Don’t forget to check out the EC web page @
http://www.birmingham.k12.mi.us/Academics/Environmental+Center/
We are looking forward to working with your student scientist.
Sincerely,
Barbara J. Pepper
Teacher Consultant
Environmental Center
(248) 203-3403
FIELD TRIP DATE Tuesday January 19th, 2010
Please keep the above portion for your records.
Return the permission slip below to your child’s teacher.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Birmingham Public Schools ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER Third Grade Field Trip
Beverly Elementary
(School)
Scott J. Levitt
(teachers name)
My student _________________________________ has my permission to ride the
(name)
school bus to participate in the Environmental Center field trip on 1/19/2010
(date)
Signature ____________________________________
Date ______________
BPS Environmental Center
During their EC visit students often ask if they may keep the equipment we are using. We are
unable to give away materials, so we have stocked a few of the more popular items in our
ECOStore. We are making them available, at a reasonable cost, to interested students.
Proceeds will be used to care for the live animal collection and to support EC programming.
2010 ECOStore ORDER FORM
To place an order simply fill out the form below and place it, with payment, in an envelope.
Payment type: cash or check payable to BPS Environmental Center.
Please return the completed order to your student’s classroom teacher before their EC visit.
Orders will be filled during their visit. Students will not be shopping on site.
Questions? Please call the EC at (248) 203-3403
Student Name ________________________________________________________________
Teacher Name ________________________________ School _________________________
Item Description Quantity Price per Total
Fossil Shark Tooth: Size approximately .5” - .75” $ 0.25
Glo Lizard: A tiny 2.5” plastic critter absorbs light & glows in the dark . $ 0.25
Hand magnifier: The plastic 1” diameter lens is 4x power. $ 0.50
EC Logo Window Cling: Student art 2x3” logo will stick & remove $ 0.50
Solar Bead Zipper Pull: These 1/4” specially treated beads turn
color whenever they are exposed to solar radiation. $ 1.00
1” cube Bug Box: Has a 4x power magnifier lid. $ 1.00
Key to Insects at the EC: This ten page 3x4” booklet is a $ 1.00
Michigan specific dichotomous key to common orders.
Animal Track Guide: This 2-sided 2”x3” laminated card shows track $ 1.00
patterns of ten common backyard animals. With wrist band.
Compass Clips: 2.5” plastic belt-loop clip with a small compass. $ 1.50
Owl Pellet: Approximately 1” - 1.5” contains the bones, teeth, fur
or feathers of the Owl’s prey. Plus a description page of bones. $ 2.00
Earth Wrist Band: The green & blue silicone band is $ 2.00
recyclable and free of lead, PVC, and latex.
Earth Ball: A 2” vinyl toss ball (does not bounce). $ 2.00
EC Logo Pin: 1” x .75” Seven color tie-tack EC Logo lapel pin. $ 3.00
EC Logo Lunch Sack Birmingham students designed the logo $ 3.00
NEW ITEMS! CREATE & DECORATE YOUR OWN DESIGNS.
You can use any medium. Permanent markers, paint, glitter, or bedazzle!
Decorate a Wooden Snake: 20”” long segmented and wiggly. $ 2.00
Decorate your own cap. White canvas. One size fits most. $ 2.00
Decorate your own bean bag lizard This 6” white critter needs art. $ 2.00
Decorate your own bean bag frog This 4” inch white critter needs art. $ 2.00
Decorate your own Bracelet 8” inch long white strap w/snap needs art. $ 2.00
Total enclosed = Please indicate method of payment. CHECK # _______ CASH $_______
2010
To see pictures of these items, visit the Environmental Center ECOStore web page.
Go to the Birmingham School’s home page and select Academics, then Environmental Center & ECOStore.
Or go directly to: http://www.birmingham.k12.mi.us/Academics/Environmental+Center/ECOStore.htm
Thank you