Programs for School Children and Educators
School Field Trips
Explorer Programs, for grades K through 6, use exciting natural history topics to teach important ecological concepts. These interesting programs promote greater awareness and appreciation of our surroundings, often using hands-on-activities, specimens, slide shows, and nature walks.
Traveling Naturalist Programs
Traveling Naturalist Programs are designed to liven up the science curriculum without having to leave the classroom! The programs are presented in a way which is appropriate for each grade level and includes important concepts relative to the state’s science expectations.
Important Information
All groups must make prior arrangements with the nature center before coming. Early scheduling is recommended due to the great demand for programs and may be done up to a year in advance.
- Dress for the weather and natural setting. The desire to learn rapidly fades when children are cold or wet.
- Sack lunches may be eaten in the pavilion. We have no indoor eating facilities.
- Groups have access to the trails only under the supervision of a naturalist.
- Seven Ponds is a nature sanctuary - collecting plants and animals is not permitted.
- When scheduling a program let us know about children with special needs-physical, emotional or learning. This allows us to make the appropriate arrangements prior to your arrival.
- The Rookery Gift Shop also carries a wide selection of nature oriented materials appropriate for students to purchase as gifts and souvenirs.
Borrow a Teacher Kit
Teacher kits are hands-on, multi-media packages (including specimens) which help present interesting lessons to get students thinking about the natural world they depend on. Three kits are currently available:
- Owls of Michigan
- Hawks of Michigan
- Bird Nests
Teacher kits can be borrowed for two weeks. Fee: $10.00 per kit.