FPDWC.org - On-Site Educational Programs



05/12/2008

On-Site Educational Programs

Environmental Learning Center | Isle a la Cache Museum | Plum Creek Nature Center

The Forest Preserve presents natural history, cultural history, and environmental educational programs to school children.

Programs are offered at Plum Creek Nature Center (Beecher), Isle a la Cache Museum (Romeoville), and the Environmental Learning Center (Mokena). Programs are presented April - June and September - October at Plum Creek and Isle a la Cache and presented September - June at the Environmental Learning Center. Call the facility hosting the program for more information or to make a reservation.

Plum Creek Nature Center 708.946.2216

Isle a la Cache Museum 815.886.1467

Environmental Learning Center
Fees apply. Call for details.
708.479.2255

Environmental Learning Center

Animal Signs

Explore the animal world by visiting different habitats and search for traces of life. Students will learn how different habitats determine the type of animal life living in them. They will also learn about the role that tracking played during the pre-settlement period, and the role it plays in today's society.

Grades: 5-12

Fee: Fees: $5.00/student for up to two different one-hour programs. Additional $1.00/student for a thrid program offering

Program Length: 1 hour (s)

ISBE Learning Standards: 12.A.2a, 12.B.2a, 12.B.2b, 12.A.3c, 12.B.3a, 12.B.3b, 12.B.4a, 12.B.4b, 12.B.5a, 12.B.5b

Reserve Your Spot: Call 708.479.2255 for details.

Edible Wild Plants

This program will teach students about the unique gifts that plants possess. Students will learn the importance that plants played in the pre-European settlement period, along with the early settlement years, and the roles that they play today. Depending on the season, students will allowed to taste a variety of different plants that grow in the preserve.

Grades: 5-12

Fee: Fees: $5.00/student for up to two different one-hour programs. Additional $1.00/student for a thrid program offering

Program Length: 1 hour (s)

ISBE Learning Standards: Goal 12: A.1a, A.1b, B.1a, A.2a, B.2b, B.3b, B.4b, B.5b Goal 13: A.1a, A.1c, B.1a, B.1c, B.1d, A.2a, A.2c, B.2e, A.3a, B.3b, A.4a, A.4c, A.5a, B.5e Goal 16: A.1a, A.1c, E.1, E.2a, E.3a, E.3b

Reserve Your Spot: Call 708.479.2255 for details.

Flowering Plants

Take advantage of the season's flora and have students examine the world of flowering plants inside and out. Students analyze flower parts up close through dissection of field samples. The class will experience flowers in the field to discuss flora. variation, medicinal properties, and polination. This program requires you to walk off trail, up slopes, and through low areas.

Grades: 6-12

Fee: Fees: $5.00/student for up to two different one-hour programs. Additional $1.00/student for a thrid program offering

Program Length: 2 hour (s)

ISBE Learning Standards: 12.A.2a, 12.B.2b, 12.A.3c, 12.B.3a, 12.B.3b

Reserve Your Spot: Call 708.479.2255 for details.

Forest Ecology

Unlock the mysteries of tree anatomy and characteristics. Students use their investigative skills to identify trees at the Environmental Learning Center. Learn the importance of trees, how they affect the environment, and how the environment affects them.

Grades: 5-12

Fee: Fees: $5.00/student for up to two different one-hour programs. Additional $1.00/student for a thrid program offering

Program Length: 1 hour (s)

ISBE Learning Standards: 12.B.2b

Reserve Your Spot: Call 708.479.2255 for details.

Introduction to Canoes and Canoe Safety

Students will learn about canoe safety, including how to get in and out of a canoe, its different parts, and the equipment needed. This program also includes an introduction to basic canoe strokes needed to maneuver the canoe. Please note that there are no lifeguards on duty - You are responsible for following your organization's canoeing policies.

Grades: 5-12

Fee: Fees: $5.00/student for up to two different one-hour programs. Additional $1.00/student for a thrid program offering

Program Length: 3/4 hour (s)

ISBE Learning Standards: Goal 19: A.2, C.2a, C.2b, A.3, B.3, C.3a, C.3b, A.4, B.4, C.4a, C.4b, A.5, B.5, C.5a, C.5b Goal 21: A.2a, A.2b, B.2, A.3a, A.3b, A.3c, B.3, A.4a, A.4b, B.4, A.5, B.5 Goal 22: A.2c, C.2, A.3c, A.4c, A.5c

Reserve Your Spot: Call 708.479.2255 for details.

Introduction to Orienteering

Combining the abilities of reading a map and using a compass, students will learn basic orienteering skills. After basic knowledge is gained, your students will practice these skills by working an orienteering course. Depending upon skill level, students may have an opportunity to create their own compass course for others to try.

Grades: 5-12

Fee: n/a

Program Length: 1-2 hour (s)

ISBE Learning Standards: Goal 17: A.3a, A.3b, A.4b, A.5

Reserve Your Spot: Call 708.479.2255 for details.

Orienteering: Maps and Compass

Combining the abilities of map reading and using a compass, students will learn basic orienteering skills.After basic knowledge is gained, your students will practice these skills by working an orienteering course. Depending upon skill level, students may have an opportunity to create their own compass course for others to try

Grades: 5-12

Fee: Fees: $5.00/student for up to two different one-hour programs. Additional $1.00/student for a thrid program offering

Program Length: 1-1/2 - 2 hour (s)

ISBE Learning Standards: Goal 17: A.3a, A.3b, A.4b, A.5

Reserve Your Spot: Call 708.479.2255 for details.

Pond & Stream Exploration

Students will explore an aquatic environment and collect live specimens for identification. They'll learn the different environmental factors that affect the health of the aquatic ecosystem studied Microscopes can be used to further the investigation and identification of these aquatic invertebrates. A program extended module, Pon and Stream Ecology, discusses differing aquatic ecosystems. Wear old shoes; the pond's shore is muddy and sloping.

Grades: Ages 5-12

Fee: Fees: $5.00/student for up to two different one-hour programs. Additional $1.00/student for a thrid program offering

Program Length: 1-2 with microscopes hour (s)

ISBE Learning Standards: 11.A.3b, 11.A.3.c, 11.A.3d, 11.A.3f, 11.A.3g, 11.A.4b, 11.A.4e, 11.A.5c, 11.A.5e, 11.B.4b, 11.B.4f; 12.A.3c, 12.A.4a, 12.A.4b, 12.A.4c, 12.A.5a, 12.B.3b, 12.B.4a, 12.B.4b, 12.B.5b

Reserve Your Spot: Call 708.479.2255 for details.

Understory Explorations

This program introduces students to decomposition and the role it plays in the natural world. Students learn the types of organisms that rely on decaying logs while exploring a woodland habitat. They will draw conclusions regarding the types of species found in and around the dead logs.

Grades: 4-12

Fee: Fees: $5.00/student for up to two different one-hour programs. Additional $1.00/student for a thrid program offering

Program Length: 1 hour (s)

ISBE Learning Standards: 11.A.2a, 11.A.2b, 11.A.2e, 11.A.3a, 11.A.3c, 11.A.3d, 11.A.4c, 11.A.4e, 11.A.5e, 12.A.2a, 12.A.3c, 12.A.4b, 12.A.5a, 12.B.2a, 12.B.2b, 12.B.3a, 12.B.3b, 12.B.4a, 12.B.4b

Reserve Your Spot: Call 708.479.2255 for details.

Isle a la Cache Museum

A Voyageur’s Life

What was life like for a French fur trader? How much knowledge did these early explorers need in order to survive their journey in search of furs? Students learn about the skills, risks, and rewards of being a French fur trader.

Grades: 2-6

Fee: n/a

Program Length: 1 1/2 hour (s)

ISBE Learning Standards: .E.2a(W), 16.E.2a(US), 18.B.1a, 18.C.1, 21.B.2, 28.B.1b, 28.B.2b, 30.B.2a

Reserve Your Spot: Call 815.886.1467 for details.

Living on the Land

Explore in detail the Native American’s relationship with the land. Students will learn about the seasonal survival activities and preparations of the Potawatomi people.

Grades: K-6

Fee: n/a

Program Length: 1 1/2 hour (s)

ISBE Learning Standards: .C.1a, 16.A.1c, 16.C.1a(W), 16.C1B(W), 16.E.1(US), 16.E.2a(W), 17.C.1a, 17.C.2a, 17.C.2c, 18.C.1, 18.C2

Reserve Your Spot: Call 815.886.1467 for details.

The Story Circle

Students learn the importance of oral tradition as a means to promote cultural values and traditions as they explore the stories of the French and the Native Americans of the Great Lakes Region. During this exploration students will create a myth using pictography and communicate in Native American sign language.

Grades: K-6

Fee: n/a

Program Length: 1 1/2 hour (s)

ISBE Learning Standards: .A. 1b, 2.A.2c, 2.B. 2b, 4.A.2b, 5.C.2a, 16.A.1b, 16.A.2a, 16.E.1 (W), 16E.2a (W), 18.A.2, 28.B.1b, 28B.2b, 29.A.1, 29.A2

Reserve Your Spot: Call 815.886.1467 for details.

The Trade

Stepping back into the 1750s of Illinois, students will explore the barter system used by the French and Native Americans to exchange goods. By participating in a trade you will see the benefits of this economic process.

Grades: K-6

Fee: n/a

Program Length: 1 1/2 hour (s)

ISBE Learning Standards: 15.B.2c, 15D.1b, 15.D.2a, 16.A.1c, 16.C1a(US), 16.C.1a(W), 16.C.3a(US), 16.D.1(W), 16.E.2a(US), 16.E.2c(US), 16.E.2a(W),18.C.1

Reserve Your Spot: Call 815.886.1467 for details.

Plum Creek Nature Center

E.L.E.X. Trail

Through the use of the Early Learner's Exercise Trail, students are challenged to mimic the movements of local wildlife. They will discover how appendage adaptations help animals with their locomotion in various habitats. By comparing and constrasting students' ability to maneuver with that of wildlife, they begin to understand and appreciate their own adaptive strengths.

Grades: K-3

Fee: n/a

Program Length: 1-1 1/2 hour (s)

ISBE Learning Standards: 4.A.1a, 4.A.1b, 4.A.1c, 4.B.1b, 4.B.2b, 12.A.1a, 12.B.1a, 19.A.1

Reserve Your Spot: Call 708.946.2216 for details.

Hands-On Herpetology

Introduce students to the amphibians and reptiles that live in Will County. Explore the habitat of several species that live in Goodenow Grove. Learn fun facts about the differences between lizards, frogs, snakes, and turtles. Learn the similarities and differences between reptiles and amphibians from around the world.

Grades: 4-6

Fee: n/a

Program Length: 1 1/2 hour (s)

ISBE Learning Standards: 4.A.2a, 4.A.2b, 4.B.2b, 12.B.2b, 17.A.2a, 17.B.2b, 17.C.2c

Reserve Your Spot: Call 708.946.2216 for details.

Incredible Insects

Think insects will take over the world? They already have. Insects can be found all around us. (Over one million species have been named!) Join us as we explore for critters that hop, fly, crawl, click, chirp, and buzz. Learn how they are different and what makes them important.

Grades: K-3

Fee: n/a

Program Length: 1-1 1/2 hour (s)

ISBE Learning Standards: 4.A.1a, 4.A.1b, 1.A.1c, 4.B.1b, 4.B.2b, 11.A.1a, 12.B.2a

Reserve Your Spot: Call 708.946.2216 for details.

Sights Unseen

Which of the five senses do we humans use the most? Sight! We learn about our world by looking. Some animals, use predominately the sense of smell and others use their sense of hearing. What animals use predominantly the senses of taste and touch? Find out in this program where students will stimulate their other senses by taking away their major sense of sight. Students will be blindfolded and hold onto a rope while being guided on a hike using their other four senses. Hike may cover gravel, grass, and uneven ground.

Grades: K-6

Fee: n/a

Program Length: 1-1.5 hour (s)

ISBE Learning Standards: 1C1a, 1C2a, 4A1a, 4A2a, 4B1b, 4B2b, 11A1a

Reserve Your Spot: Call 708.946.2216 for details.

Sniff, Look, and Listen

In this program, students explore various habitats throughout Goodenow Grove. Through hands-on observation, they become aware of habitat similarities and differences and how each provides its inhabitants with basic needs for survival. Possible habitats explored include pond, prairie, and forest.

Grades: K-6

Fee: n/a

Program Length: 1-1 1/2 hour (s)

ISBE Learning Standards: 4.A.1a, 4.A.1b, 4.A.1c, 4.B.1b, 4.B.2b, 12.B.2a

Reserve Your Spot: Call 708.946.2216 for details.

Stalking the Wild Tracks

Get on track and learn to identify clues left behind by Will County wildlife. In this program students examine real animal tracks and learn skills to make their own plaster cast. While searching for animal signs, students compare and contrast the tracks and track patterns left by local bounders, gallopers, pacers, and diagnol walkers.

Grades: 4-6

Fee: n/a

Program Length: 1 1/2 hour (s)

ISBE Learning Standards: 4.A.2b, 4.B.2b, 11.A.2b, 11.A.2d, 12.B.2b

Reserve Your Spot: Call 708.946.2216 for details.

Taste of the Wild

Ready to tantalize your taste buds? Learn to safely identify and sample berries, seeds, nuts, leaves, flowers, stalks, and roots, depending upon the season. Hike through different habitats and discover how plants are adapted for survival.

Grades: 4-6

Fee: n/a

Program Length: 1-1 1/2 hour (s)

ISBE Learning Standards: 4.B.2b, 12.B.2b

Reserve Your Spot: Call 708.946.2216 for details.

Treemendous Trees

This program will teach students the value and significance of trees. They will learn differences among trees, leaves, bark, and seed. They will explore the wonders of the forest and discover the magic of trees.

Grades: 4-6

Fee: n/a

Program Length: 1 1/2 hour (s)

ISBE Learning Standards: 1.B.2d, 1.C.2b, 1.C.2d; 1.C.2e; 2.B.2a, 2.B.2b, 2.B.2c, 4.B.2d, 12.A.2a, 12.B.2a, 12.B.2b, 12.F.2a, 12.E.2a, 12.B.2c, 12.B.2e, 12.B.2f

Reserve Your Spot: Call 708.946.2216 for details.

Wetland Wonders

Hidden beneath the flowering water of a creek or pond is an abundance of life in many stages that await discovery. Use observational skills to learn about adaptations for aqautic living. The diversity of these organisms is a good indication of the quality of the water. Students will sample a wetland, identify aquatic invertebrates, and draw conclusions based on the data collected.

Grades: 4-6

Fee: n/a

Program Length: 1 1/2 hour (s)

ISBE Learning Standards: 11.A.2b, 12.B.2a, 12.B.2b

Reserve Your Spot: Call 708.946.2216 for details.