2004-2005 Home School Programs
The purpose of these programs is to introduce home school students to basic principles of ecology and biology while nurturing an appreciation for and understanding of the natural world.
Students will become familiar with plants and animals native to Iowa and learn about interrelationships of these organisms and how human activities affect the environment.
The Indian Creek Nature Center is offering three series of nature programs designed for students in different grade levels. Each program consists of a 2 1/2-hour session which includes indoor instruction, background, and hands-on study of a topic, followed by field experience on Nature Center grounds or nearby locations. Depending on the topic of study, students may observe animals or plants, collect insects or aquatic creatures, take measurements of weather or water quality, or hear stories about the history of an area.
They will learn about natural cycles and the relationships between living things as they interact with nature and each other. Take-home activities and suggestions for further study on each topic and an outline of information covered in each session are available.
All programs will be held on Thursdays from 9:30 AM to noon.
Kindergarten - Second Grade: Discover Your Wild World
We will use our senses to observe and explore the natural world. Concepts covered will be very basic. At times we will collect creatures in order to study them briefly. Students will be encouraged to experience and appreciate the wonders of nature found around them. Programs will be held from 9:30 AM to noon.
SEPTEMBER 9, 2004: Honey Bees-What Makes a Bee?-Bee Jobs-Bee society-Bee products and how they are made.
Outline: download PDF
OCTOBER 7, 2004: Magnificent Mushrooms-What is a mushroom?-Fungus in our lives-Mushroom hike.
Outline: download PDF
NOVEMBER 11, 2004: Unusual Animals-What is a rodent?-Woodchucks, chipmunks, moles, shrews, etc.
Outline: download PDF
DECEMBER 9, 2004: Animal Signs & Sounds-Tracks & scat-Homes & holes-Bird calls-Animal sounds.
Outline: download PDF
JANUARY 6, 2005: Squirrels-What makes a squirrel-Habits and diet-Seasonal activities-Related rodents.
Outline: download PDF
FEBRUARY 3, 2005: Winter Wonders-Ice cube science-Snowflakes-Snow as habitat and insulation.
Outline: download PDF
MARCH 3, 2005: Maple Syrup Time-Trees-Where it comes from-Forms & uses-How to get it.
Outline: download PDF
APRIL 7, 2005: Rocks-Types and formation-Fossils-Kinds in our area.
Outline: download PDF
MAY 5, 2005: Water Birds-How are they different?-Waders, ducks, divers-Migration and life cycle-Signs hike.
Outline: download PDF
Third - Fifth Grade: Explore Your Wild World
Exploration and experimentation will be our focus. Basic information on the topic will guide the students in hands-on activities using a variety of basic science equipment. A majority of program time will be spent outside in prairie, woodland, riparian, and wetland habitats. Programs will be held from 9:30 am to noon.
SEPTEMBER 16, 2004: Insects-Characteristics and adaptations-Life cycles-Social insects-Pollination biology.
Outline: download PDF
OCTOBER 14, 2004: Seeds & Fruits-Adaptations and dispersal strategies-Seed bank-Food uses-Fruit hike.
Outline: download PDF
NOVEMBER 11, 2004: Symbiosis-Types of relationships-Helping or hurting?-Root fungi, galls, lichens, cowbirds.
Outline: download PDF
DECEMBER 9, 2004: More Mammals-Hoofed mammals-Aquatic animals-Flying mammals-Life cycles.
Outline: download PDF
JANUARY 13, 2005: Winter Woodlands-Evergreen adaptations-Conifer & twig identification-Plant dormancy-Tree hike.
Outline: download PDF
FEBRUARY 10, 2005: Ravenous Rodents-Characteristics & adaptations-Teeth-Habitat & homes-Hike for signs.
Outline: download PDF
MARCH 10, 2005: Rocks & Fossils-Rock types and formation-Collecting and identifying-Sand casting.
Outline: download PDF
APRIL 14, 2005: Soil-It's Alive!-Soil types and formation-What's in it-Study invertebrates-Conservation-Hike.
Outline: download PDF
MAY 12, 2005: Cultures of the Creek-Historic peoples-Shelter & habits-Food & middens-Signal trees.
Outline: download PDF
Sixth Grade and Up: Understand Your Wild World
This series will focus on environmental issues, technology used to help solve natural resource problems, and student involvement as responsible protectors of the environment. Visits with experts and off-site field trips will be included when relevant. Programs will be held from 9:30 AM to noon.
SEPTEMBER 23, 2004: Insect Ecology-Characteristics-Life cycles and metamorphosis-Pollination biology-Insects in agriculture.
Outline: download PDF
OCTOBER 21, 2004: Plant Interactions-Plant diseases-Galls-Types & shapes-Fungal associations-Chemical deterrence.
Outline: download PDF
NOVEMBER 18, 2004: Resource Management-Scope of field-Forestry, geology, biology,etc.-Careers in parks: rangers and naturalists.
Outline: download PDF
DECEMBER 16, 2004: Astronomy-Seasonal constellations-Telescopes-Sun viewing-History of navigation.
Outline: download PDF
JANUARY 20, 2005: Restoration Ecology-Reintroduction of lost native species-Otters-Eagles-Turkeys-Osprey.
Outline: download PDF
FEBRUARY 17, 2005: Maple Syruping-History-How & why-Products-How to run an operation.
Outline: download PDF
MARCH 17, 2005: Soil Conservation-Soil formation-Loss prevention-Construction, agriculture, business.
Outline: download PDF
APRIL 21, 2005: Population Ecology-Animal populations-Deer, birds, predator, human effects-Habitat-Management.
Outline: download PDF
MAY 19, 2005: Invasive Aliens-Insects-Plants-Control methods.
Outline: download PDF
Family Home School Programs
SEPTEMBER 30, 2004-Our Iowa Prairies-Discover the rich pioneer history of our state's largest ecosystem. Learn about the plants and animals that survive best in the prairie. Take a prairie hike, play games, and find out how to establish and maintain a large or small prairie planting of your own. Try your hand at some prairie restoration techniques.
FEBRUARY 24, 2005-Enjoying Winter Birds-Discover what makes a bird a bird, and find out which species migrate and which stay here. Learn about the neotropical conncection and observe our winter birds. You will hike, play games, and learn how to create good bird habitat in your yard. We will also introduce you to Project FeederWatch, a research program you can continue at home. Then you will make a bird feeder.
MARCH 31, 2005-Iowa Nesting Birds-Discover birding basics, and which native species are likely to nest in your area. Learn about neotropical migrants, and how to help desirable nesting birds. You will hike along one of our Bluebird trails, play games, and find out about Bluebird trail establishment and monitoring. We will introduce you to the Cornell Nest Box Survey program, which you can continue at home. Then you can help us get bird boxes ready, and build a Bluebird house.
MAY 26, 2005-Protecting Our Water-Discover our Iowa waterways and wetlands and learn their importance and function in our environment. You will hike to our wetland to observe its fauna. We will teach you how to do various water quality tests and introduce you to the Iowater and Adopt-A-Stream Programs. Learn how to protect our wetlands from erosion and other water quality threats. Then you can help us further restore our wetland. (Dress in older clothes/shoes.)
What to Bring/How to Dress Students
WE WILL GO OUTSIDE every session! Please remember to bring a water bottle, sunscreen, and insect repellent in warm weather. Always bring a rain jacket or rain suit. A hat is also a good idea. Wear tennis shoes or hiking boots, NOT open-toed shoes or sandals. For cold weather wear warm layers of clothing and boots, and bring a warm hat and mittens.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
For questions about these programs, call the Nature Center at 319-362-0664 or contact Home School Coordinator, Christine Kirpes at janature@aol.com
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