2007-2008 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.

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 20, 2007: Creepy Crawlies-Learn about the little creatures that make the world run: worms, invertebrates, bees, insects, and caterpillars.

OCTOBER 18, 2007: Towering Trees-Trees are special plants. Discover their importance and how they affect you and the world.

NOVEMBER 15, 2007: Fall Changes-More than just leaves make changes in the fall. Learn about migration, hibernation, dormancy, and the creatures that participate in each.

DECEMBER 20, 2007: Nature's Art-Explore the prairie and woods for inspiration to create a wild art project.

JANUARY 17, 2008: Birds of Prey-A special program for the entire family. Learn about owls, hawks, and eagles. Visit the Cedar River to view eagles.

FEBRUARY 21, 2008: Furry Friends-Mammals leave their tracks to tell stories about how they survive and find food.

MARCH 20, 2008: Water Creatures-All life needs water. Learn about water's special properties and the creatures who live in it.

APRIL 17, 2008: Tadpole Tales-The amphibians are singing. Learn to recognize their songs and discover their life cycle as you visit the pond.

MAY 15, 2008: Spring Bloomers-Woodland wildflowers color spring hillsides. Learn about the flowers and changes that come in spring.

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 20, 2007: Tallgrass Prairie-The prairie is a community of fascinating creatures, each with a story to tell. Step back in history as you visit the prairie, learn about prairie fires, and plant seeds for the future.

OCTOBER 18, 2007: Woodlands-A forest is more than just trees. Learn about the community that lives within, the anatomy of a tree, and role of fire in woodlands.

NOVEMBER 15, 2007: Bird Brains-Learn about Iowa's beautiful birds, migration mysteries, and how you can be a scientist for Project Feeder Watch.

DECEMBER 20, 2007: Our Shrinking Planet-Conservation in today's world is important. Global warming, habitat loss, and species extinction are big problems. Learn everyday changes we can all make in our lives that make a difference.

JANUARY 17, 2008: Birds of Prey-A special program for the entire family. Learn about owls, hawks, and eagles. Visit the Cedar River to view eagles.

FEBRUARY 21, 2008: The Year of the River-Discover your watershed. Learn about water issues in Iowa and how they affect you.

MARCH 20, 2008: GPS-You and your family are invited to learn how the global positioning system works. Operate a GPS unit to find a hidden geocache. This popular family hobby is both fun and educational.

APRIL 17, 2008: Watery Worlds-The wetland comes alive each spring as home to water birds, amphibians, aquatic insects, and migrating birds. Come explore and learn.

MAY 15, 2008: Flowering Plants-Explore May woodlands to discover Iowa's spring wildflowers and learn their stories.

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.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION

For questions about these programs, call the Nature Center at 319-362-0664 or contact Jan Aiels at jaiels@indiancreeknaturecenter.org or Margaret Wolter at mwolter@indiancreeknaturecenter.org.