Senior Elementary

The Senior Elementary Homeschool Program is designed for students ages 9-11 to delve deeper into the natural world. Alongside experienced naturalists, students will explore habitats including the shore of Lake Michigan, ponds, prairies, and forests. We offer a variety of interactions with nature such as hikes, field data collection, and live animals.

2019/20 Curriculum

Fall

September 12, 2019 | Ponding Through the Year: Fall

This program is an introduction to the ecosystem of different ponds throughout the year. Students participate in water testing and learn how to take basic measurements in the field. The program hones observational and identification skills while studying living and non-living parts of the pond environment.

October 10, 2019 | Great Lake Michigan Water Study

Explore the largest freshwater system on Earth! The class studies Lake Michigan’s glacial past and the present day challenges of the system. Students collect scientific data on the health of Lake Michigan. In addition to hiking the shoreline, participants use hands-on discovery and observations in learning about water cycles, pollution and prevention, invasive species, bioaccumulation, and the importance of preserving and protecting the world’s fresh water.

November 14, 2019 | The Awesome World of Raptors

Birds are an important part of every ecosystem on Earth. Through hands-on activities, outdoor exploration, and games, students study flight dynamics, adaptations, migration, and more! Participants will meet LIVE raptors and focus on the role of raptors in their environment.

Winter

*Winter programming is weather dependent and monthly subjects may vary according to weather*

December 12, 2019 |  Ponding Through the Year: Winter

This program is a continuation of our Fall Ponding experience. Yes, life does go on under the ice winter!  Students continue the study of the ecosystem of ponds found at the Center. We continue our observation of specialized wetland plant and animal communities. Students will meet a live pond critter and discuss how they survive the winter.

January 9, 2020 | Predator-Prey Relationships

Through a combination of audio-visual presentations, hands-on interaction, and outdoor investigations, students examine the interrelationships between predators and prey during winter. Everyone hikes outside to experience a camouflage trail and looks for signs of predators and prey. Students will meet live predators!

February 13, 2020 | Snowshoeing 101

Explore the beautiful winter setting of our forests, fields, and lakes by snowshoe! Students will observe how plants and animals adapt to winter. In the exceptional absence of snow, we will still learn how to use snowshoes and participate in a game wearing snowshoes, and after removing them, take a winter ecology hike.

Spring

March 12, 2020 | The History of Maple Sugaring

We celebrate this time of year by discovering the natural history of maple sugaring. Everyone starts indoors for storytelling about how maple sugaring started. Our group will focus on the traditions of maple sugaring, including an ethnobotany hike to the wigwam. Everyone reconvenes in the building for pancakes, pickles, and real maple syrup!

April 9, 2020 | Ponding through the Year: Spring

This program is the final session in our seasonal ponding study. Students will summarize our study of the ecosystem of different ponds found at the Center. We compare and contrast the seasonal dynamics of our wetland plant and animal communities. Students test water and take basic measurements in the field.  We will review the life cycle of insects in the pond.

May 14, 2020 | Herpetology: The Study of Reptiles and Amphibians

Students engage in a hands-on investigation of snakes, turtles, lizards, frogs, and salamanders. We discuss the many adaptations, structural and behavioral, that these creatures possess in order to thrive in their ecosystem. We will discover the habitats they reside in by venturing out in search of these reptiles and amphibians.

Registration & Pricing

Registration for the 2019/20 school year will open on Tuesday, July 16.

A completed student profile, which includes a health history and emergency care plan, is required for each participant prior to registration. Since we are transitioning to online forms, one must be submitted for each child regardless of prior year participation.

We offer a discounted rate for year-long participation.

Fall (September – November)
Member: $55 | Non-Member: $75

Winter (December – February)
Member: $55 | Non-Member: $75

Spring (March – May)
Member: $55 | Non-Member: $75

Full Year (September – May)
Member: $145 | Non-Member: $205