2006-2007 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 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.
2006-2007 Home School Brochure
Fee for entire series: $60 for ICNC members, $90 for nonmembers.
Fee for individual classes: $8 for ICNC members, $12 for nonmembers.
All programs will be held on Thursdays from 1 to 3 PM.
Kindergarten - Second Grade: Discover Your Wild World
We will use our senses to observe and explore the natural world. We will cover basic concepts and collect creatures in order to study them briefly. Students will be encouraged to experience and appreciate nature's wonders. Programs will be held from 1 to 3 PM.
SEPTEMBER 21, 2006: Honeybees-What is a bee? Bee jobs. Life in a hive and bee products.
OCTOBER 26, 2006: Magnificent Mushrooms-Just what is a mushroom? Their importance. Mushroom hike.
NOVEMBER 16, 2006: Unusual Animals-Bats, moles, shrews & more. Strange facts. Homes, habitats & life cycles.
DECEMBER 21, 2006: Winter Wonders-Ice cube science. Snowflakes. Snow as habitat and insulation.
JANUARY 18, 2007: Animal Signs & Sounds-Homes and holes. Bird calls. Tracks and scat. Communication.
FEBRUARY 15, 2007: Squirrels and Other Rodents-What is a rodent? What is a squirrel? Habits and diet. Seasonal activities.
MARCH 15, 2007: Maple Syruping Time-Learn how to make maple syrup. Tap a tree. Gather sap. Enjoy tasting syrup. History of maple syrup.
APRIL 19, 2007: Rocks & Fossils-Discover how rocks are formed. Types of rocks. Fossils and where to find them.
MAY 17, 2007: Feet, Feathers & Flight-Learn bird basics, habits, adaptations. Migration and ways you can help. Simple identification.
Third - Fifth Grade: Explore Your Wild World
Exploration and experimentation will be our focus. An introduction to the topic will lead students to 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 1 to 3 pm.
SEPTEMBER 21, 2006: Insect Investigations-Clues to insect life. Life cycles. Social insects. Pollination biology.
OCTOBER 26, 2006: Seeds & Fruits-How seeds disperse. Adaptations. Food uses. Fruit hike. Seed bank.
NOVEMBER 16, 2006: Symbiosis-Relationships in nature: helping & hurting. Root fungi, galls, lichens & cowbirds.
DECEMBER 21, 2006: Winter Woodlands-Tree hike. Discover evergreen adaptations. Plant dormancy. Conifer & twig identification.
JANUARY 18, 2007: Teeth, Fur & Claws-Mammals and their unique animal adaptations.
FEBRUARY 15, 2007: Mammal Mania-Hoofed animals. Aquatic animals. Flying mammals. Life cycles.
MARCH 15, 2007: Cultures of the Creek-Who lived at Indian Creek hundreds of years ago? Learn about shelters, habits & foods. Visit a midden and village site.
APRIL 19, 2007: Rocks and Fossils-Discover how rocks are formed. Types of rocks. Forces that shape the earth. Fossils and where to find them.
MAY 17, 2007: Soil: It's Alive!-Soil types and formation. What lives in soil? Conservation hike.
Family Home School Programs
Family Home School programs are designed for all ages. Each program will include hands-on learning activities, a trail adventure, and a take-home project. Programs will be held from 1 to 3 PM.
FAMILY PROGRAM FEES: Member-$10.00; Nonmember-$12.00 for each program.
OCTOBER 12, 2006: Going Buggy-Insects are the most numerous, amazing and diverse species on planet Earth. Learn about adaptations, social behavior and unique characteristics. Use sweep nets to collect a diversity of insect life in our prairie.
NOVEMBER 2, 2006: Project Feeder Watch/Bird Feeder Building-Bird watching is the most popular hobby in the U.S. Learn the basics of bird natural history and identification. Become a citizen scientist who participates in Project Feeder Watch. Build a basic birdfeeder for your yard.
DECEMBER 7 2006: Iowa Rocks and Fossils-Did you know the fifth largest industry in Iowa is mining? Discover Iowa's rock and fossil story. Learn how fossils are made and go on a fossil hunt.
JANUARY 4, 2007: Weather-Will it rain? Are temperatures going to fall? Discover what determines and how to forecast the weather.
FEBRUARY 1, 2007: Raptors-Learn about hawks, owls and eagles. Owls are nesting now, migrating hawks are beginning to return and eagles can be spotted along the Cedar River. Learn about these fascinating birds of prey. Use a spotting scope to watch eagles on the Cedar River.
MARCH 8, 2007: GPS and Geocaching-Learn how the Global Positioning System (GPS) works and use a hand-held GPS unit to determine where you are and where you are going. Discover a hidden geocache using your new skill with the GPS unit. Geocaching is a fast-growing outdoor hobby for many families.
APRIL 5, 2007: Herps-Reptiles & Amphibians-This month amphibians are singing and reptiles are stirring after winter hibernation. Learn about these fascinating creatures as we explore Nature Center ponds and trails.
MAY 3, 2007: Green and Growing-Plants capture the sun's energy and produce food. They are the only living things that can make food from sunlight, water and carbon dioxide. Discover botany basics and explore the spring woods in search of Iowa's ephemeral wildflowers.
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 Jan Aiels at janature@aol.com or Margaret Wolter at mmwnature@aol.com.
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