Pioneer Living

Students cook in and learn the history of the Dutch oven as well as learning about life & survival in a Pioneer Camp headed west in the 1800’s, such as Lewis & Clark. The students measure, mix, and prepare all the ingredients for a cobbler to be made in the Dutch oven.  At the end of class the students have an opportunity to eat the cobbler they have prepared in the Dutch oven.

Animal Evidence Hike

Students will study various animal tracks from our nature guide and learn to identify them.  Then they set out to explore and see how many different tracks they can identify.

Fishing

Students have the opportunity to use a fishing pole and experience, some for the first time, the joy, excitement, and challenge of catching a fish.  They will be able to identify each fish caught, and the basic parts of the fish.  They will also keep track of the type of bait used, the time of day, what the weather was like at the time of the catch, and the weight of the fish.  All of this information will be recorded and graphed in their journal.  Students will also learn how to handle the fish in a safe and responsible way as well as the importance of catch and release fishing.

Worm Composting

Students will study Earthworms and talk about how worms eat our garbage! They will look at the different parts of a worm and discuss how these are beneficial to the worms needs.

Orienteering

Orienteering gives students the knowledge & experience of using a compass and map to navigate from one point to another.  Students learn how a compass works and how to use it to locate “challenge” stations that require teamwork and creativity to complete the task.

Canoeing

Students will learn a brief history of the first canoes, their design and the materials used. They will also be able to distinguish the different parts of a canoe and the three basic canoeing strokes.  Then they hit the water to practice their skills.

Tree Cookie

Students will describe the uniqueness of individual trees.  They will describe the need for trees, and how to care for them.  Students will learn the general structure of a tree & explain how the different parts of a tree help the tree function.  The students will be able to identify and explain the significance of a tree’s annual rings.  They will also discover how the trees get the food they need through photosynthesis.

Entomology

Students will study and identify several common insects.  A portion of the class will be devoted to exploring and identifying local insects.

Pond Water Tour

Students study and measure changes in the water quality of a lake, stream, pond, aquarium, or even a fish bowl. Each student conducts water quality tests for pH, dissolved oxygen, nitrate, and ammonia using safe, simple TesTabs® reagent tablets.

Nature Hike

On the nature hike, students will learn to identify trees and plants found at Highland Lakes. They will learn about the environment around them and get a small glimpse of the delicate balances found in nature.

Habitat Adventure

Students will gain a basic knowledge of habitats & ecosystems and how they relate to us.  We will also discuss habitat loss and how it affects wildlife.  Then we will go on an adventure to try to locate evidence of animal habitats.

Soil Study

Students will learn the importance of soil in our daily lives. They will get hands on experience testing the pH levels, nitrogen content, phosphorus content, potassium content, and texture of different soil samples.

Archery

At the archery range students have the opportunity to learn some history of archery and the parts of a bow and arrow while receiving instruction on proper shooting skills.  Each student then has the chance to put into practice what they've learning and try shooting the bows and arrows.  The range is set up in such a way that every student will be successful.