Teenagers can be a difficult group to connect to activities and learning but we have found that over the years you can make this easier by taking them outdoors. Below the classes have been adjusted with activities that fit better for students ranging in ages from 12 to 17 but covering the same content and standards. All classes can be adjusted for different ages or to shift secondary topic focuses to better fit the needs or goals of the group. 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!
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. Can be taught anywhere with space preferably an open area with trails. This one may surprise you teenagers REALLY get into it.
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. Can be taught anywhere there is enough space.
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! Can be taught anywhere there is outdoor space or a pond.
The Tracking Games: Form teams and compete in a series of games and activities to help you learn and develop different tracking skills. As well as learn about the more common animal’s and their signs that you can come across outdoors. Has specific habitat requirement.
Outdoor Classes
Outdoor Survival: Depending on what resources are available at your location there are a few different activities we can do to teach outdoor survival. We also can alter the class to have a STEM focus. Some examples include Shelter Building & Engineering, Fire Science & Physics, and Water Purification & Engineering. Has specific outdoor space requirements.
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. Best for kids ages 10 and up and can be taught anywhere there is space available.
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. Can be taught anywhere with enough indoor space or with rock beds outdoors.
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. Need to have some kind of water available it is easier to teach outdoors.
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. Best taught outdoors or a space with windows viewing a natural area.
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. Need to have enough space for kids to run around for the games. This one may surprise you as well teenagers REALLY get into it.
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 can do it but best for kids ages 8 through 18 years old need a mixture of indoor and outdoor space depending on the projects. For more information check out the Service Learning Projects Page!