Onsite Programs

Mussels, snakes and beavers; each species has a niche or role in the environment. Through the use of pelts and other hands-on items, participants will explore animals that call the Mississippi River home!

Keywords: Adaptations, Native Species, Classification, Habitats, Biodiversity  

Join us for story time with one of our Animal Ambassadors. Meet the star of the story while learning animal facts along the way. Animal options are snake, frog, turtle, or lizard.  

Keywords: Early Childhood/Early Elementary, animal behaviors, life cycles, diet, life science  

Explore the fascinating world of reptiles through exciting myths and scientific facts where students can learn the truth behind myths and wives tales.

Keywords: Life science, fiction and non-fiction, adaptations for survival (Prey and Predators), animal behaviors, scientific literacy and storytelling  

Learn the similarities and differences of reptiles and amphibians. Meet our Animal Ambassadors.

Keywords: Animal adaptations, comparative anatomy, species identification, Herpetology, habitats, survival, ecological roles  

Explore different ways animals communicate with each other. Transform into an animal chorus and meet live animals up close!

Keywords: Animal Communication (vocalization, sounds), territory signals, social interactions, comparative biology, sensory perception, environmental influences 

You CAN Judge an Animal by its Cover. Different groups of animals have different coverings on their bodies. Examine animals to determine how they live, how they move, and what they do!

Keywords: Scientific investigation, comparative anatomy, classification, species behaviors, adaptations 

Follow the life of aquatic insects and amphibians and see how they change from tiny eggs in the water to animals living on land or in the sky.

Keywords: Life Cycle, Metamorphosis, Reproduction, Observation & Inquiry, Habitats 

Meet common invertebrates such as beetles, tarantula, roach, and millipede. Learn what has helped them survive.

Keywords: Invertebrates, Adaptations, Diversity, Survival traits 

Have you ever wondered what the Mississippi River valley was like as the first settlers began to arrive and build their homes? Through hands-on activities and demonstrations students will learn what life was like for those who settled along the Mississippi river. They will experience the way of life of the pioneers, a restored log cabin, and how they lived through hot summers and cold winters. Students will learn about why people settled in this area and experience some of the tools they used to develop the region.  

Keywords: Behavioral sciences, Early American history, architecture, communities and cultures, comparative education: daily life 

Explore the world of boat building and how the technology and tools of this industry developed through history.

Keywords: Engineering practices, industrial development (steam engine, historic tools & technology), economics, local history, transportation and trade  

An explorer’s life was one of travel and trade, as they encountered new landscapes, new cultures, and new wildlife in the Driftless area. Examine how the lives of historic individuals were influenced by the Upper Mississippi River and its unique land features.  Learn how we have been today have been impacted by natural resources like furs and lead.  

Keywords: Behavioral sciences, economics, geography, local history, trade and commerce 

Do you know how your actions affect the overall health of the Mississippi River? Investigate humans’ effect on our watershed and explore conservation practices to keep it healthy.  Our 3D Enviroscape model allows you to see how pollution from different sources can affect lakes, rivers, and streams.  

Keywords: Conservation, Pollution, Human Impact, Environment, Erosion, Watershed  

Investigate natural sciences with hands-on experiments to learn more about the relationships amongst living organisms and our environment. Activities may include water quality testing, identify species, or explore on our onsite wetlands.

Keywords: ecology, conservation, sustainability, environmental stewardship  

Choose a challenge to create, test, and learn from with hands-on activities. Challenges offered may include engineering air pressure rockets, using physics to design a mini catapult, or apply chemistry to create slimy creations. Dive further into topics within STEM through fun activities.

Keywords: scientific method, inquiry-based learning, collaboration, applied science  

Work as a team to learn and apply a variety of outdoor skills and techniques through fun interactive activities.

Keywords: Animal Tracking, Team Building, Outdoor Skills