These programs have been designed to focus on a combination of learning and fun for more formal groups of kids. They work just as well though for preschool, home school, and other groups where learning a specific topic or skill is the major focus. The programs are designed to be flexible with the ability to adjust the focus of the class. Each program below includes a brief description as well as the subject it covers and the ages of kids who will most enjoy it. Classes are not meant to be a one size fits all so if you want to do it for a age group outside of the recommendation let us know so adjustments can be made. So if you don’t see a class that you are looking for check out some of the other class pages or head over to the request a program page to request something totally new!
STEM Classes
Biomimicry Engineering: Learn how some engineers have based their own inventions on things found in nature to create designs that solve similar problems. Then participants will design and create their own inventions to solve a similar issue humans historically have faced or currently do. Potential mini lessons include Flight, Locomotion, Projectiles, Communication, and Energy. Ages 10 and up
Birding STEAM: Learn about our feathery friends and the science of studying them through any of the mini lessons that cover a wide variety of STEM topics everything from engineering to technology. Potential mini lessons include Birding & Binoculars,Camouflage & Bird Blinds, Bird Feeder Engineering, Physics of Flight, and Bird Study. Ages 4 – 12.
Math Outdoors: Use the outdoors to help teach basic math like addition, subtraction, and fractions plus more! Offers a wide variety of activities and games that can incorporate other subjects and topics into the learning. Ages 2 – 10.
Outdoor Survival STEM: Depending on what resources are available at your location there are a few different activities we can do to teach outdoor survival with a STEM focus. Some examples include Shelter Building & Engineering, Fire Science & Physics, and Water Purification & Engineering. Ages 8 and up.
Wildlife & Ecosystems
Adaptive Animals: The name of the game is survival, literally! Learn the different ways animals adapt to survive predators, pursue prey, and out compete the competition. Ages 5 – 12.
Animal Life Cycles: Kids will learn about the amazing transformations wildlife goes through from baby to adult. They will learn this through games, activities, and more! Ages 4 – 10.
Animal Superheroes: Animals have all kinds of special abilities that help them survive as predators and prey. Tons of fun activities and games to pick from that help kids learn about different animal’s superpowers that help them survive. Mini lessons to pick from include Speed, Strength, Flight, Pollinator Powers, Vision, and Camouflage. Ages 5 – 12.
Pond Study: Learn about the aquatic ecosystem found in ponds through an exploration activity plus opportunities to add on a game or additional activity. It’s okay if you don’t have a pond by you we can bring our own! Ages 8 and up.
Physical Sciences
Rock & Roll Cycle: Learn about Rocks and Geology through a series of games, activities, and music! A fun and engaging way to learn about rocks while incorporating music and other activities. Ages 2 – 12.
Wonderful Water: Depending on what resources are available at your location learn about the water cycle through exploration, games, and other activities. Tons of different activities an easy topic to connect to learning different subjects for cross-curricular learning. Ages 2 – 12.
Reading & Writing
Nature Journaling: This helps kids work on their writing and reading skills as well as using scientific observation skills and practicing using drawing. Nature journaling can focus on a variety of topics and can be incorporated into some other classes. Ages 10 and up.
History
Native American Games: Learn how Native American children historically learned different life skills through games. As well as learn some of the history of the Dakota and Ojibwe people of Minnesota along the way. Ages 5 and up.
Service Learning Project Facilitation
Service learning projects are a great way for kids to learn while doing something that helps improve their community and the habitat around them. This is for sure multi session classes to help kids pick a topic, plan a solution, and carry it out. As well as helping with applying for grants or other paperwork that needs to be done. Some of the typical projects include pollinator gardens, rain gardens, and improving habitats for wildlife. If you are looking for more information about Service Learning Project Facilitation check out it’s page. Ages 5 and up but best for 4th through 12th grade.