- What time should I show up for the visit?
You should arrive at the same scheduled time as the students. Please check with the teacher for the arrival time of the bus.
[Back to Top]
- Can I be in the same habitat as my child?
No. To avoid any conflict we suggest parents be placed in a habitat different from their child. It is difficult to resist the temptation of “helping” your own child when they are trying to work. On the contrary, it is also easy to expect more out of your own child than the other scientists.. We have found that both students and volunteers have an optimal day when they are not in the same habitats. You will have ample opportunities to be with your child during the EarthWorks visit.
[Back to Top]
- What should I wear?
Jeans or similar attire is appropriate and we recommend comfortable shoes. The temperature stays around 68 degrees at EarthWorks, so dress accordingly.
[Back to Top]
- Do I need to provide my own lunch?
All participants in the program are asked to bring an ecological lunch which is a lunch which produces the least amount of trash. Examples of this are bringing your lunch in reusable bags/containers or foil which can be recycled. Also, fruit and vegetable remnants can be put in our compost bin.
[Back to Top]
- When are the orientations?
Volunteer Orientations are held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on specified Tuesdays. Training schedules for both teachers and volunteers can be found under training schedules on this site. Your child’s teacher will communicate the dates of Volunteer Orientation. It is the teacher’s responsibility to submit the Volunteer Orientation Reservation form.
[Back to Top]
- I want to be a volunteer, but I can't attend any of the orientations. Can I still participate on the day of my school's visit? Do I have to attend training?
We ask that all volunteers attend an orientation before the date of their school's visit. From previous experience, we have found that untrained volunteers are not particularly helpful and do not contribute in a positive manner to the students' experience during their site visit. We appreciate your offer to volunteer, but if you are unable to attend a training session, we ask that you not accompany your school on the day of their visit. If a volunteer has been oriented in the past three years they do not need to attend an additional orientation. Please identify yourself to your student’s teacher if this pertains to you.
[Back to Top]
- Why is it so important that the volunteers be trained before they help at Exchange City or EarthWorks?
Both programs, although unique in content, require the assistance of volunteers. Our philosophy and methods may be different than other field trip experiences We believe it is necessary that those working with the children in our programs receive basic exposure to our unique experiential learning philosophy. Our intent is not only to inform volunteers about the visit but to also give parent educators exposure to a unique approach to learning that will benefit their child both in the classroom and at home.
[Back to Top]
- Why don't you give the volunteers a list of all the things the students are supposed to do in their jobs?
The day is designed so each student has the optimal learning experience. In an effort to keep the experience student-focused, we find that having the volunteers learn with the students, provides more opportunities for students to be in charge of their own experience.
[Back to Top]
- Are there days when families can come to EarthWorks and Exchange City?
Stay tuned to our website for family opportunities as they arise.
[Back to Top]
|