Home School

Indian Creek Nature Center’s Home School programs are a supplement to your home school science curriculum.  Join one of our naturalists to discover and learn about the wild world in your backyard as well as basic principals of ecology.  Students will become familiar with plants and animals native to Iowa as well as life around the world.  Learn how human activities interact with nature and affect our environment.

Each program consists of a two-hour session that includes background information and hands-on study of a topic, followed by field experience outdoors. Students will make observations, take measurements, collect and record data, and draw conclusions from their experiences.

Children will learn about natural cycles and relationships among living things. Take-home activities and suggestions for further study on each topic are provided.

Download 2011-2012 Home School Brochure

Kindergarten – Second Grade: Discover Your Wild World
We will use our senses to observe and explore the natural world. We will cover basic concepts and collect creatures for brief study. Students will be encouraged to experience and appreciate nature’s wonders. Programs held from 1:00-3:00 PM.

*September 15, 2011: Mighty Monarchs – Learn about the life history of monarchs and their migration saga. Catch and tag monarchs.
October 20, 2011: Night Sights & Sounds – Discover the special features of creatures that become active after sunset. Why do they prefer nightlife?
November 17, 2011: Pioneers on the Prairie – Farmers settled this land around 1850. Find out what life was like back then through various activities.
December 15, 2011: Natural Resources & Energy Conservation – Discover how earth’s resources are used to create power. Learn easy ways to make better use of our resources.
January 19, 2012: Dinosaurs & Fossils – Learn about ancient creatures that once roamed the planet. Discover what animals swam Iowa’s seas by studying the Nature Center’s fossil collection.
February 16, 2012: American Indians – Imagine finding all food, shelter and clothing in nature. American Indians did this for hundreds of years, on this very land. Hear stories and play games.
March 15, 2012: Weather – Iowa weather is always changing, whether we like it or not! Learn what “creates” the changing seasons and all that comes with them. Use equipment and record data.
April 19, 2012: Natural Sense - Bring your five senses along on a nature adventure. See, touch, hear, smell and even taste during our outdoor exploration.
*May 19, 2011: Fishing – Iowa’s fish are unique, interesting and fun to catch. Learn a few tricks as you make your own pole and try your luck fishing in our wetland.

Third – Sixth Grade: Explore Your Wild World
Exploration and experimentation will be our focus. Students will participate in hands-on activities using a variety of basic science equipment. Most program time will be spent outside in prairie, woodland, riparian, and wetland habitats. Programs held from 1:00-3:00 PM.

*September 15, 2011: Mighty Monarchs - Learn about the life history of monarchs and their migration saga. Catch and tag monarchs.
October 20, 2011: Quicksand and Other Brook Delights – Hike up Bena Brook and explore dynamics of the stream. Look for some of the rare plants sheltering brookside. (Wear boots!)
November 17, 2011: Survivors! – Nature can be challenging. Learn how plants and animals adapt to survive harsh conditions. Discover unique physical and behavioral adaptations.
December 15, 2011: Sense of Place - What is biome? Where do you live? Learn the history of Iowa’s landscapes and watershed. Discover our natural communities and who lives in each.
January 19, 2012: Ice Age Mega-Sloths – Examine giant sloth bones to learn about one of the rarest and most mysterious Iowa mammals to have ever lived.
February 16, 2012: Nature’s Calendar – Phenology is the study of nature’s calendar of events. Learn about natural cycles and relationships among animals, plants and people.
March 15, 2012: Rare & Endangered - Understand the causes of depleting species and learn what to do to help. Who’s endangered in Iowa?
April 19 2012: Dead Wood -Trees can be more “alive” dead than alive.  Hike up the hill and dissect a dead log.  Learn about the vital role of decomposers in the carbon cycle.
*May 17, 2012: Fishing – Iowa’s fish are unique, interesting and fun to catch. Learn a few tricks as you make your own pole and try your luck fishing in our wetland.

*Both age groups will meet together for these programs. Immediate family members are invited to join us at no additional charge!

Students may register for a single session or multiple programs.  However, they MUST be registered one week in advance to attend a program. Once registered, families will be sent directions to the Nature Center and a health/emergency contact form.

PARENTS: Mail completed Emergency Contact/Health Information form to the Nature Center before the first program.
Download Emergency Contact/Health Information form

WHAT TO BRING/HOW TO DRESS STUDENTS:
WE WILL GO OUTSIDE EVERY SESSION! Please remember to bring a water bottle, sunscreen, and insect repellent in warm weather. Always bring a rain jacket or rain suit. A hat is also a good idea. Wear tennis shoes or hiking boots, NOT open-toed shoes or sandals. For cold weather, wear layers of warm clothing and boots and bring a warm hat and mittens.

PROGRAM FEES
For entire series: Member-$60.00; Nonmember-$90.00.
For individual classes: Member-$8.00; Nonmember-$12.00.