K, 1, 2

  • There is no charge for teachers and aids for these programs.
  • Don't see what you're looking for? Give us a call and we will design a program to accommodate your needs.
  • We can accommodate large groups

Click here for standards for K,1,2 programs

These programs are avaliable for kindergarten through 2nd grade, program descriptions found below table.

Program Length Avaliable Suggested Grade
Maple Syruping 1.5-2hrs. March K-1-2
Learn and Discover Animals 45mins.-1hr. Year round K-1-2
Things That don't Belong 45mins.-1hr. Spring, Fall K
Signs of Fall 45mins.-1hr. Fall K
Animal Survival 45mins.-1hr. Year round 1-2
Insects 45mins.-1hr Fall 2
Pollination 45mins-1hr Fall 2
Seed Dispersal 45mins-1hr. Fall 1-2
Weathering and Erosion Option1. 45mins.-1hr. Spring, Fall 2
Weathering and Erosion Option 2.  1hr.45mins.-2hrs Spring, Fall Grade 2 only

Maple Syrup Program - Kindergarten, 1st or 2nd.

two boys eating ice cream with maple syrup on it

Students discover the origins of maple syrup through the story telling traditions of Native Americans, and the science behind where sugar comes from and why it is created in plants. They then head outdoors for a hands-on lesson on maple tree identification, tapping, and sap collection. Back at the sugar shack, students see and smell the sap being cooked into delicious maple syrup. Everyone finishes the program with a sweet celebration of ice cream with pure maple syrup on top – YUM!

1.5 - 2 hrs. $4.50/person


Cost includes one cup of ice-cream (sorry no dairy free options available).

Select from the program options below to make up a 1/2 or full day filed trip.

Cost;

  • 1/2 day $3:50

  • Full day $5:50

Learn and Discover Animals


A little boy is touching a snake with black spots on it. the snake is being held by an instructor.

Beginning with a discussion on how to respectfully handle and behave around animals, students will make connections between the structure and function of different parts of an animal during a hands-on investigation. These “education ambassadors” live right here at the nature center, and are species that are native to Wisconsin.

45 mins-1hr.

Pairs well with Animal Survival program

Things That Don't Belong - Kindergarten 

After a discussion on what can be and should be found in nature, students venture into the woods for a short hike to discover pre-hidden items that don’t belong there. Kids work together using a checklist of items to ensure everyone in the class has found each item hidden along the trail. They will then discuss what each item is,  and how they knew it did not belong in nature. At the end of the hike, students will discuss what they should do if they find things that don’t belong in nature and help the naturalist collect the items on the trail.

A soda cup laying on the ground in the woods

45 mins- 1hr.

Signs Of Fall - Kindergarten

Red colored Maple leaves in fall

Children learn about what is found in nature during the fall season. With a naturalist, they will take a short hike outside to look for and collect some examples. These items are then used to create something special that each student gets to take home.

45 mins-1hr. 

Animal Survival

Three spotted fawns standing in a field

Children will play 2 different games to learn about what animals need in a habitat to survive, and also how to avoid predators. This is an active program that is ideally done outdoors but can be done inside if weather prohibits outdoor exploration.

 45mins-1 hr.


This program pairs well with the Learn and Discover Animals program

Insects 


long brown beetle

Students will discover the interesting anatomy of an insect, how to tell them apart from other animals, and how to respect them in the wild. The class will then hold a discussion on where insects can be found and why they are important. Working together in groups, they will head outside to carefully collect insects using bug nets and jars. Finally, students will compare the variations and similarities of different specimens as a class.

45mins.-1 hr.

Pollination program 


A bumble bee on a pink flower

Students learn about the intricate world of pollination through hands-on discovery and outdoor play. After discussing the anatomy of a flower, why a transfer of pollen is needed and how it is transferred, they will head outside to put their knowledge to the test in a game of pollinator tag! During the game, pollinators and flowers interact for the formation of seeds and the growth of new flowers.

45mins-1 hr.

Seed Dispersal


fluffy milkweed seeds spilling out of a seed pod.Students will explore the different mechanisms that plants use to disperse their seeds. This program involves a short hike, hands on investigation and a game. Program is outdoors but can be done indoors if weather prohibits outdoor exploration.

45mins- 1 hr. 

Weathering and Erosion – 2nd grade (2 program options)


A cliff face showing cracks and eroded gravel

Option1.

Students learn that rocks are made up of different parts. The process of breaking the rocks into smaller pieces is explored using a hands on activity. This is followed by a demonstration showing how erosion can change the surface of of the land. Students then hike to locations in the park, including a quarry to see real world examples of weathering and erosion, and how how humans can impact these processes in both a negative and positive way.

45mins-1 hr.


Option 2.  - Includes a visit to a cave (grade 2 only)

This option starts with the activities outlined in option one.  An additional opportunity to experience real world weathering and erosion will be facilitated by a trip down underground into a cave. Students will see and learn about the natural processes that have occurred to form these cavities underground. We will enter and exit the cave using a staircase and explore one large room of the cave system.

2 hrs.