Hands-on activities help students learn the concepts of wind speed, the water cycle, cloud types, and temperature. Students will have the opportunity to use different weather “tools” ranging from anemometers to simple flags as they compare weather observations between the prairie, woods, or pond habitats. We’ll also visit our Science On a Sphere to view earth from space as we learn about Earth, water vapor, clouds and view real time weather satellite images. 

What is energy? Where does it come from? Students will answer these questions as they investigate different forms and sources of energy. We’ll learn about energy transfer through food chains and how renewable resources help with energy conservation.

Discover the integral part habitats play in the ways organisms meet their basic needs in order to survive. In this program, students will investigate the prairie, pond, and forest habitats of the Nature Center, compare and contrast the animals and plants found in each, and explore how each habitat supports life and is changed by its inhabitants. Pond dipping included when possible.

Journey to the pond in search of aquatic insects in various life cycle stages. Take a hike through the prairie to inspect pollinators, galls, and ant hills. Roll over logs and examine leaf litter in the forest to discover incredible hidden insects. Finally, sit back and enjoy a puppet show that illustrates the two types of insect metamorphosis, and identify insect parts while examining the Nature Center’s awesome insect collection up close.

Aligned with 4th grade curricula objectives, but adaptable for grades K-5.
This program is only offered for three weeks in March in 2019 (March 11th-29th). Students will learn basic tree identification, try tools used to “tap a tree,” taste sap, learn the science of sap flow and watch it cook down to syrup during the boiling process. We will teach the history of maple syrup making from the Native Americans to the present—and taste the final product! Adapts easily to a longer program.

Students will observe, describe, and sort earth materials based on size, texture, and other properties. We’ll explore places where earth materials are found and discuss how they are used. After reading Everybody Needs a Rock, students will “adopt” their own rock. Finally, we’ll hike to the woods to talk about soil creation and meet some critters that call soil “home!”

There’s always something new happening at the Nature Center! Students will learn to observe how plants and animals respond to seasonal changes.

• Fall – Sunny prairie flowers, sticky seeds, migrating birds, scurrying squirrels and falling leaves
• Winter – Animal tracks, snow crystals, tree skeletons, hardy birds, burrowing mammals
• Spring – Woodland wildflowers, bursting tree buds, chorusing frogs, returning birds, emerging insects

Offered January through mid-March, conditions permitting. Grades 2nd and up.
Snowshoeing is a great way to enjoy winter and stay healthy! After introducing the history of snowshoeing and learning about various styles, each student will be given a pair of snowshoes and we’ll head out across the snow covered prairie to learn basic snowshoeing skills and techniques. Along our hike, we’ll stop and observe weather, tracks, watch for winter birds and other seasonal highlights. Sit ski available for students with physical disabilities, giving them an opportunity to get outside and explore the snow packed trails alongside their classmates!

Recommended for Grades 2nd and up.
Wisconsin’s rich cultural history comes to life! Students will experience a variety of activities related to early sustainable living including games and household chores like fetching water, churning butter, washing laundry and grinding grain. Adapts well to a longer program.

Although one of the most biologically diverse and productive ecosystems in the world, wetlands are disappearing at an alarming rate. Aldo Leopold valued the beauty of wetlands and understood their importance to the natural world. In this popular hands-on program, students will learn to appreciate the hidden wonders of wetlands through an in-depth look at this fascinating and often misunderstood habitat.

Students will delve into the diverse world of plants by investigating the unique flora of the Nature Center’s three habitats. A scavenger hunt will lead students to the discovery of flowering plant parts as they review the jobs of each part and examine how specialized structures help plants to survive in their habitat. Students will receive a Plant Journal in which to record their observations and thinking during the habitat hikes and sketch their favorite seeds, leaves, and plants!