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Environmental Education at the Preserves
Branching Out With Trees
Students will broaden their knowledge about trees as they hike and learn to identify trees through distinguishing characteristics such as bark and leaf shape.
{May-November}
Grades K-8
Program Length: 1.5 hours
Prairie Patterns
Students will explore the plants, animals and history of the Illinois prairie as we hike through the forest preserve. Watch as we turn a student into a prairie animal!
{June-November}
Grades K-8
Program Length: 1.5 hours
Wetlands and Waterfowl
We will head to the Middle Fork River Forest Preserve and learn about the five fabulous functions of wetlands. Students will be introduced to the animal and plant life within the kettle marsh and waterfowl areas at Middle Fork.
{July-October}
Grades 3-8
Program Length: 1.5 hours
Aquatic Ecologist
Students will discuss how watersheds are related to water quality. Then they will test water quality using simple kits and compare results with the aquatic organisms they collect. Pre-trip review of vocabulary is essential for this program.
{Mid-April - Mid-October}
Grades 3-8
Program Length: 1.5 hours
Frog Follies
Explore the frog and toad life cycle. Have a hoppin' good time while singing in a frog chorus and turning a classmate into a frog.
{Mid-April - Mid-October}
Grades K-2
Program Length: 1.5 hours
Hatchet
This program is designed to complement Hatchet, a story of a young boy's adventure in the wilderness by Gary Paulsen. Students will interpret the book through hands-on activities, including basic survival skills. Program is available only at Homer Lake Forest Preserve.
{Year-Round}
Grades 4-6
Program Length: 2 hours
Sights and Sounds of Nature
Students will hike and explore the wonders of our natural world. Students will be engaged in a variety of hands-on discovery activities using their senses.
{Year-Round}
Grades K-6
Program Length: 1.5 hours
Remarkable Reptiles
Learn more about the anatomy and adaptations of these ancient creatures. Students get an opportunity to meet our resident reptiles.
{April - October}
Grades K-5
Program Length: 1.5 hours
Into Insects
Students have the opportunity to go searching for these six-legged creatures. Discover what makes an insect unique and where these creatures are hiding.
{April - November}
Grades K-5
Program Length: 1.5 hours
The Nature of Winter
Take a break from being indoors and gain a new appreciation for this surprisingly active time of year. Students will explore physical and behavioral adaptations that allow local flora and fauna to survive winter, and then hike to observe these firsthand.
{December - March}
Grades K-6
Program Length: 1-1.5 hours
Birds of a Feather
Students will learn basic bird identification and explore their amazing adaptations. Then we'll go on a hike to find birds living in the preserves.
{Year-Round}
Grades K-6
Program Length: 1.5 hours
Illinois Mammals
Learn about Illinois mammals and how the presence of wildlife has changed since Illinois was settled. We will transform a classmate into a mammal and then search for clues left behind by area mammals.
{Year-Round}
Grades K-8
Program Length: 1.5 hours
Naturalist in the Classroom
A member of the environmental education staff will visit your classroom and bring the flora and fauna indoors. Visits may be scheduled anytime between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Presentation length varies from 30 minutes to an hour per classroom. Please choose from the previous list of field trips for possible programs.
{Year-Round}
Grades K-8
Program Length: Variable
Junior Winter Bird Feeding Challenge
In this exciting program, students will maintain bird feeders and make observations of birds at your school; then they send their data to the Illinois Audubon Society for compilation. Our educators will also visit your classroom three times, during November, January and February, to introduce the program and conduct activities about bird identification and adaptations. Bird feeders and bird seed are not provided. Space is limited; call for more information.
{November-February}
Grades 2-6
Program Length: Visits 1 & 2 are 45 minutes; visit 3 is 20 minutes.
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Historical Education at the Museum of the Grand Prairie (Formerly Early American Museum)
Growing Up in the 19th Century
What was it like to be a child in the past? Was it similar to today or vastly different? We'll see!
Grades 1-2
Program Length: 1.5 hours
Life on the Grand Prairie
Through discussion, exhibits and hands-on activities, we will explore life in Central Illinois during the 1800s. Specific subject matter and activities are flexible to meet teacher needs and will be determined when you register.
Grades 2-5
Program Length: 1.5-2 hours
Immigrants and Migrants
America is often referred to as the "Melting Pot." Enhance your unit of study with the abundant richness of immigrant contributions to our local communities.
Grades 4 & Up
Program Length: 1 hour
First Illinoisans
Long before Euro-American settlers arrived in Illinois, the region was home to many native peoples. What was life like for these first Illinoisans? How have things changed?
Grades 3-5
Program Length: 2 hours
School House/School Days
Were all teachers once mean and strict? Were all children polite? Find out in our old-time schoolhouse! Spend a morning or afternoon "back in history" with one of our schoolmarms or masters. This program is available most days in October, and mid-April through May. This program does not include a museum tour.
Grades 2-5
Program Length: 1.5 hours
Wagons Ho!
Pack your wagon because we're heading west! Learn how to get to Oregon and find out what a skid, an heirloom and a tinderbox have in common. Wherever you are in your trek across the Oregon Trail unit, this program will spice it up.
Grades 4-5
Program Length: 2 hours
Ft. Sumter Has Surrendered: J.T. Everett Has Not!
How many major Civil War battles were fought in Illinois? None. Does that mean the war had no impact on Illinoisans? No! Learn about the effect of the war in Illinois and what it was like to be a soldier; and enjoy a special surprise ending!
Grades 4-8
Program Length: 2 hours
Christmas Past
How did Germany influence Christmas in America? Has Santa Claus always looked the same? Dabble in the history of the season and make a late 1800s-early 1900s ornament to take home.
All Grades
Program Length: 1 hour
Kids as Curators
This is an exciting opportunity for you and your students to experience history through collecting, something we all do! Learn the who, what, when, where and why of collecting. Through classroom visits by museum staff and a trip to the museum, you will discover what really goes on "behind the scenes" in our museum. Your class will design and put together their collection, which will be on display in the museum for several months. This project will be tailored to meet your needs. Participation is limited. Contact the Museum of the Grand Prairie (formerly the Early American Museum) for more information at (217) 586-2612 or sosborne@ccfpd.org.
Writing Historic Tales
What a great way to incorporate Social Studies and Language Arts into one exciting program! Local children's authors team up with our educator for storytelling and writing. Learn some secrets to writing historic fiction, then study museum artifacts and begin writing a story based on what you saw. This program most often takes place in the museum, but can also be presented in your classroom. Available dates are contingent upon your needs and the author's schedule. An additional author's fee of $2-$4 per student, dependent on number of students, is required.
Grades 3-8
Program Length: 1.5 hours
Educator in the Classroom
If you are finding it difficult to schedule a field trip to the Museum of the Grand Prairie, consider bringing a part of us to you! Our historical educator will tailor the visit to meet your classroom needs. Possibilities include, but are not limited to, established traveling kits; specific topic program, such as the Depression Era; and projects, such as oral histories. Call to discuss any idea you have for your class. This experience could be for one class, multiple classes or your entire school.
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Plant Science Programs at the Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden
Seed Safari
Students will explore plant life cycles and plant diversity, and experience the Botanical Garden through games, drama and a hands-on activity.
{Year-Round}
Grades K-2
Program Length: 1.5 hours
Botany Basics
Explore the world of botany. Learn why plants are important and study their diverse structures and adaptations. Students will participate in a learning activities followed by a planting activity.
{Year-Round}
Grades 3-5
Program Length: 1.5 hours
Plant Science Programs in the Classroom
Soil Science
Students will learn about the importance of decomposers, such as bacteria, fungi and worms. Soil types will be investigated, and then students will plant seeds in gardening soil they have mixed to take home and grow.
{Year-Round}
Grades 1-5
Program Length: 1 hour
