We’re happy to serve students of all ages, even middle and high school students. Field trips listed below are specialized for secondary students and include a major outdoor component. Fees are $4 per student and field trips are 90 minutes long, unless otherwise noted. Adult chaperones are free, except for maple syruping programs which are $2 per adult.
Middle School–High School Field Trips
Please note: Due to COVID, we are currently limiting group program capacities to 30 students and 4 adults. For larger groups, please request multiple sessions and we will do our best to accommodate your group. Thank you!
All programs scheduled will require 50% of the total paid in advance in order to reserve the date for your program.
This fee includes free admission to exhibits and use of picnic areas. Our calendar fills quickly so call early to reserve your date. Visit our Scheduling and Policies section for more details.
If a topic you are interested in is not covered in our field trip list, we may be able to create a special field trip for you!
Sponsored by
Fall
NGSS: (6-8): MS-ESS3-1, MS-ESS3-3, MS-ESS3-5, MS-ETS1-3
Common Core: (6-8): CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.7, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.7, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.7, CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.7.G.B.6
Get ready to explore the Indian Creek Watershed and the problems it faces as a result of human activity. Using a 3-D watershed model you will look at urban and rural pollution sources, erosion and flooding. Conservation techniques will be discussed and viewed as students experiment with a stream table. Tour a rain garden and parking lot bioswale, while also looking at an example of permeable paving. The focus is on what each of us can do individually to improve watershed health.
For a longer experience, pairs well with: Water Monitoring
Maximum number: 30 students
Duration: 2 hours
NGSS: (6-8): MS-LS2-5 (9-12): HS-LS2-6, HS-LS2-7, HS-LS4-5
Common Core: (6-8): CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.7, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.7, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.7, CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.7.G.B.6 (9-10): CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.7 (11-12): CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.4
You will get their feet wet – literally – as you record chemical, physical and biological stream measurements and assessments. Time will also be spent focusing on finding and identifying macroinvertebrates. What do the presence or absence of these small organisms tell us about the health of the stream? Detailed information and vocabulary will be sent to the teacher before this program so students can be prepared for the adventure.
Duration: 2 hours
For a longer experience, pairs well with: Watersheds or Geocaching (depending on age)
Maximum number: 30 students
Duration: 2 hours
NGSS: Varies by activities
Common Core: (6-8): CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.7
An outdoor skills experience with hands-on activities including fire building, use of flint and steel to start fires, shelter building, plants to avoid, and marking your trial. Indoor inclement weather plans may include introduction to compasses, map skills, what to bring on adventures or knot tying.
Duration: 2 hours
For a longer experience, pairs well with: Geocaching or Team Building
Maximum number: 50 students
NGSS: Varies by trails selected
Common Core: (6-8): CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.7
Geocaching is a recreational activity that requires creative thinking, patience, and teamwork. The objective is to hunt for and locate a hidden object using GPS coordinates. You will work together and locate hidden objects, while enjoying the natural beauty of the prairie and trails at Indian Creek Nature Center.
For a longer experience, pairs well with: Team Building
Maximum number: 30 students
NGSS: Project Dependent
Common Core: (6-8): CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.7
Projects vary by season and include an educational component. One example could be removing invasive species, including learning about the history of the species, where it is native to, how it came to Iowa, ways that invasive plants spread, how to prevent spreading them, the threats these species pose to native habitats, control measures, and the nation-wide prevalence of some species. If you are studying specific concepts in the classroom and would like us to include them in your Nature Center field experience, please contact us.
Duration: Project dependent
Fee: Project dependent
Maximum number: Varies based on project
NGSS: Varies by activities
Common Core: (6-8): CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.7
Communication, working together and patience are important life skills. Get ready to put these skills to the test as you attempt many fun challenges and cooperate to reach common goals. We discuss the importance of clear communication, both verbal and non-verbal. Come dressed and prepared to enjoy the great outdoors in all weather.
For a longer experience, pairs well with: Geocaching
Maximum number: 40 students
Winter
Month of March only
NGSS: (6-8): MS-LS1-4, MS-LS1-5, MS-LS1-6, MS-LS2-5 (9-12): HS-ESS3-1, HS-ESS3-4
Common Core: (6-8): CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.7
After a brief history of the Native American, colonial and pioneer history of ‘sugaring’, a Teacher-Naturalist will review the physiology and identification of maple trees. This experience includes a hike in the sugar bush and using tools to tap a maple tree, as well as a tour the sugarhouse to learn how sap is boiled to create maple syrup. You’ll also enjoy a sample of the maple syrup made at Indian Creek Nature Center on a small ice cream cone. This program meets at the Penningroth Barn (6665 Otis Road SE).
Duration: 1 hour
Fee: $4/student $2/adult
For a longer experience: Enjoy an up close look of our live animals (at Amazing Space building)
Maximum number: 50 people
Duration: 2 hours
NGSS: Varies by activities
Common Core: (6-8): CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.7
An outdoor skills experience with hands-on activities including fire building, use of flint and steel to start fires, shelter building, plants to avoid, and marking your trial. Indoor inclement weather plans may include introduction to compasses, map skills, what to bring on adventures or knot tying.
Duration: 2 hours
For a longer experience, pairs well with: Geocaching or Team Building
Maximum number: 50 students
Available with 5 + inches of snow
NGSS: Varies by trails selected
Strap on snowshoes, and head for the trails! This outdoor snowshoeing experience includes discussion of the history of snowshoes while you explore the trails looking for signs of wildlife. ICNC has a limited number of adult-sized snowshoes that are included in the registration, and participants are welcome to bring their own snowshoes as well. Not enough snow on the ground? Don’t worry! We will go on a guided winter trek through the woods.
For a longer experience, pairs well with: Outdoor Skills
Maximum number: 12 students
NGSS: Project Dependent
Common Core: (6-8): CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.7
Projects vary by season and include an educational component. One example could be removing invasive species, including learning about the history of the species, where it is native to, how it came to Iowa, ways that invasive plants spread, how to prevent spreading them, the threats these species pose to native habitats, control measures, and the nation-wide prevalence of some species. If you are studying specific concepts in the classroom and would like us to include them in your Nature Center field experience, please contact us.
Duration: Project dependent
Fee: Project dependent
Maximum number: Varies based on project
NGSS: Varies by activities
Common Core: (6-8): CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.7
Communication, working together and patience are important life skills. Get ready to put these skills to the test as you attempt many fun challenges and cooperate to reach common goals. We discuss the importance of clear communication, both verbal and non-verbal. Come dressed and prepared to enjoy the great outdoors in all weather.
For a longer experience, pairs well with: Geocaching
Maximum number: 40 students
Spring
NGSS: (6-8): MS-ESS3-1, MS-ESS3-3, MS-ESS3-5, MS-ETS1-3
Common Core: (6-8): CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.7, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.7, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.7, CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.7.G.B.6
Get ready to explore the Indian Creek Watershed and the problems it faces as a result of human activity. Using a 3-D watershed model you will look at urban and rural pollution sources, erosion and flooding. Conservation techniques will be discussed and viewed as students experiment with a stream table. Tour a rain garden and parking lot bioswale, while also looking at an example of permeable paving. The focus is on what each of us can do individually to improve watershed health.
For a longer experience, pairs well with: Water Monitoring
Maximum number: 30 students
Duration: 2 hours
NGSS: (6-8): MS-LS2-5 (9-12): HS-LS2-6, HS-LS2-7, HS-LS4-5
Common Core: (6-8): CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.7, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.7, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.7, CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.7.G.B.6 (9-10): CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.7 (11-12): CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.4
You will get their feet wet – literally – as you record chemical, physical and biological stream measurements and assessments. Time will also be spent focusing on finding and identifying macroinvertebrates. What do the presence or absence of these small organisms tell us about the health of the stream? Detailed information and vocabulary will be sent to the teacher before this program so students can be prepared for the adventure.
Duration: 2 hours
For a longer experience, pairs well with: Watersheds or Geocaching (depending on age)
Maximum number: 30 students
NGSS: Varies by trails selected
Common Core: (6-8): CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.7
Geocaching is a recreational activity that requires creative thinking, patience, and teamwork. The objective is to hunt for and locate a hidden object using GPS coordinates. You will work together and locate hidden objects, while enjoying the natural beauty of the prairie and trails at Indian Creek Nature Center.
For a longer experience, pairs well with: Team Building
Maximum number: 30 students
NGSS: Project Dependent
Common Core: (6-8): CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.7
Projects vary by season and include an educational component. One example could be removing invasive species, including learning about the history of the species, where it is native to, how it came to Iowa, ways that invasive plants spread, how to prevent spreading them, the threats these species pose to native habitats, control measures, and the nation-wide prevalence of some species. If you are studying specific concepts in the classroom and would like us to include them in your Nature Center field experience, please contact us.
Duration: Project dependent
Fee: Project dependent
Maximum number: Varies based on project
NGSS: Varies by activities
Common Core: (6-8): CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.7
Communication, working together and patience are important life skills. Get ready to put these skills to the test as you attempt many fun challenges and cooperate to reach common goals. We discuss the importance of clear communication, both verbal and non-verbal. Come dressed and prepared to enjoy the great outdoors in all weather.
For a longer experience, pairs well with: Geocaching
Maximum number: 40 students
Duration: 2 hours
NGSS: Varies by activities
Common Core: (6-8): CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.7
An outdoor skills experience with hands-on activities including fire building, use of flint and steel to start fires, shelter building, plants to avoid, and marking your trial. Indoor inclement weather plans may include introduction to compasses, map skills, what to bring on adventures or knot tying.
Duration: 2 hours
For a longer experience, pairs well with: Geocaching or Team Building
Maximum number: 50 students
Summer
Learning doesn’t stop in the summer! In fact, the Nature Center is brimming with insect and animal activity. Summer Group Experiences take place June through August.
Fee: $5 per student. No fee for chaperones.
NGSS: Project Dependent
Common Core: (6-8): CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.7
Projects vary by season and include an educational component. One example could be removing invasive species, including learning about the history of the species, where it is native to, how it came to Iowa, ways that invasive plants spread, how to prevent spreading them, the threats these species pose to native habitats, control measures, and the nation-wide prevalence of some species. If you are studying specific concepts in the classroom and would like us to include them in your Nature Center field experience, please contact us.
Duration: Project dependent
Fee: Project dependent
Maximum number: Varies based on project
NGSS: Varies by trails selected
Common Core: (6-8): CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.7
Geocaching is a recreational activity that requires creative thinking, patience, and teamwork. The objective is to hunt for and locate a hidden object using GPS coordinates. You will work together and locate hidden objects, while enjoying the natural beauty of the prairie and trails at Indian Creek Nature Center.
For a longer experience, pairs well with: Team Building
Maximum number: 30 students
NGSS: Varies by activities
Common Core: (6-8): CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.7
Communication, working together and patience are important life skills. Get ready to put these skills to the test as you attempt many fun challenges and cooperate to reach common goals. We discuss the importance of clear communication, both verbal and non-verbal. Come dressed and prepared to enjoy the great outdoors in all weather.
For a longer experience, pairs well with: Geocaching
Maximum number: 40 students