Pre-School-Kindergarten  

Animal Classification (1.5 hours)

Fall, Winter, Spring

30 students @ $2.50 each

Feathers, fur and scales are just the beginning of this program.  Students will meet a live animal, and then take a hike to detect animals and animal clues.

The Seasons and our Senses (1 Hour)

50 students @ $1.50 each

FALL - September-October - Students will learn how nature prepares for winter.  They will take a sensory hike to explore for seeds, colorful leaves and other fall signs.

WINTER - January-February - This program focuses on what animals do in the winter.  Students will look for animal tracks and winter shelters while experiencing winter scents, sounds and textures.

SPRING - April-May - Students explore the world of spring:  opening buds, bird songs, spring flowers and animals awakening from winter.

First-Second Grade

Learning to "See" (1.5 hours)

April-May

60 students @ $2.00 each

Observing life in the forest community includes everything from a very small ant to the towering cottonwood.  Students will simulate how animals see using binoculars, kaleidoscopes and a variety of glasses.  Also, they will use their senses to examine the community.

Life Cycles of These Butterflies and Bees (1.5 hours)

April-May

60 students @ $2.00 each

Students will learn about insect life cycles through personal observations, educational games and a short hike.  This program explains to students what insects are, how they grow and why we need them.

Third Grade

FALL (2 hours)

September-October

60 students @ $2.00 each

This program focuses on habitats and how animals are adapted to live in different places.  Children get to see and are allowed to touch beaver skulls, owl talons, and woodpecker beaks.

WINTER (2 hours)

January-February

60 students @ $2.00 each

Our winter program combines animal tracking with the concept of populations and predator/prey relationships.  Time outside is adjusted to the daily temperature and wind conditions.

SPRING (2 hours)

April-May

60 students @ $2.00 each

Spring brings wildflower identification and forest community awareness.  We will discuss food chains, food webs, producers, consumers and decomposers.  We stress the connection between all living things necessary for a healthy ecosystem.

Fourth-Seventh Grade

Prairie Vs. Forest (2.5 hours)

September

50 students @ $2.50 each

Students will investigate one of the goat prairies that adorn the bluff tops and then work their way down through the forest.  Students exploration is focused on contrasting plant adaptations in the prairie and forest environments.  The entire duration of the program is outside.

Birds & Biodiversity (2.5 hours)

January-February

30 students @ $2.50 each

Learn about bio-diversity, study birds and go snow-shoeing all at the same time!  This program is a combination of indoor and outdoor activities.

Marsh Mania (2.5 hours)

September-November

60 students @ $2.50 each

Marsh metaphors, mapping and orienteering fill this program with hands-on learning.  While hiking, students will explore the importance of the marsh through discussion of historical and current issues.

Custom Programs - Scout Groups - Birthday Parties

The EcoCenter's professional Staff will work with you to design a program based on the children's needs and theme being studied.  Cost and length of the program varies depending on the age of the students/group.  Call the EcoCenter at (608)784-0303 or email for more information!