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Ancient Ones
Subjects: Art, Science, Social Studies
Grades: K-6
Students will be provided a historical and hands-on look at Native American rock art. This class will emphasize the protection, preservation and history of artifacts. In addition, students will be given the opportunity to create their own petroglyphs.
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Aquatic Life
Subject: Science
Grades: 2-12
In this course students will play the role of microbiologists. Students will discover aquatic communities and animals, and learn the difference between lakes and ponds as they examine living specimens under a microscope.
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Archaeology
Subjects: Science, Social Studies
Grades: 2-12
Students will be introduced to important archaeological concepts and terms such as chronology, context, inference, artifacts, and observation through participation in games of ancient times, and hands-on activities.
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Arizona Rocks!
Subjects: History, Science
Grades 4-12
This basic geology course will familiarize students with Arizona rocks and minerals. Students will be exposed to crystals, gems, aggregates, and fossils indigenous to the area. Hands-on activities will teach the formation of minerals, and the identification of rocks.
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Bat Attitudes
Subject: Science
Grades: K-12
This creative class will invite students into the dark realm of bats. Students will examine the uniqueness, physiology and adaptations of bats through presentation and simulated activities. This class is designed to dispel any misconceptions about these often misunderstood creatures.
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Bugs
Subject: Science
Grades: K-12
Come explore the most astonishing animals on earth, insects! Students will see how insects differ from other animals. Students will learn terminology such as endoskeleton and exoskeleton. After a classroom presentation, students will explore natural areas to locate and identify these creatures.
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Cactimendous
Subject: Science
Grades: 3-12
Students will study various species of cactus, examine them closely, and learn how to use a taxonomic key. Students will use the process of gathering information, interpreting data and thinking deductively.
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Cast-Away Kids
Subject: Science
Grades: K-12
This informative class will instruct children on basic fishing knowledge and skills, and will promote awareness, appreciation and support for Arizona's recreational fishing opportunities. Participants get a look at Arizona's native and non-native fish species. Students will learn hands-on casting and rod handling skills.
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Day Of The Dinosaur
Subject: Science
Grades 2-6
Travel back in time to explore our ancient world. Meet our state dinosaurs along the journey and learn what a paleontologist is. Work together while building a prehistoric carnivore, and learn how paleontologists make mammoth discoveries.
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Desert Survival I & II
Subjects: Science, Social Studies, Work Place Skills Development
Grades: K-12
This class offers a look into the world of reptiles and amphibians. After discussion on cold blooded animal adaptations and common desert species, students get to view creatures in a live reptile exhibit. Special Curatorship presentations (in lieu of discussion) available on MWF upon request.
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Earth Energy
Subject: Science
Grades: 4-12
Discover what electricity is, and the many ways it is produced in this comprehensive class. Students will explore different types of renewable energy including solar, wind, and hydro through demonstrations and hands-on experiments.
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Eco-Systems
Subject: Science
Grades: 2-6
Students learn what is meant by the term ecosystem. This class will introduce the concepts of food chain, habitat, and the interdependence of all organisms and their environment. Activities in this class will teach students predator-prey relationships, balance of nature, and extinction.
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Edibles
Subjects: Science, Social Studies
Grades: 4-12
While on a hike, students will be introduced to edible plants of the area. They will learn which plants should not be touched, how edible plants can be cooked, and how native people used these desert plants for medicinal purposes. This class is offered in early spring or fall.
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Hike
Subjects: Science, Social Studies
Grades: K-12
This class is designed as an interpretive and recreational hike. Students will learn geology, animal signs, plant names, history, and ecology along a designated trail. For grades K-2 this class will consist of a shorter hike that emphasizes the shapes, sounds, and colors of the desert.
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In Cold Blood
Subject: Science
Grades: K-12
This class will present a close-up view into the world of reptiles and amphibians. After a discussion of terms such as cold blooded, warm blooded, and adaptations, students will have the opportunity to examine creatures in a live reptile exhibit.
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It’s A Bird! It’s A Plane!
Subject: Science
Grades: K-12
In grades 4-12 students explore the science of flight and the adaptations unique to birds that enable them to fly. Through comparative anatomy activities, students learn flight dynamics, wing and feather structure, and air foil design. In grades K-3 students examine the many facets of birds: beak applications, body structure, and bird homes.
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Mad Map Relay
Subject: Social Studies
Grade: 5-12
In this class students will learn how to use a map and compass. Designed around a fun outdoor relay race, this hands-on exercise will help students communicate and work together. In addition, participants will use a map distance ledger, and apply basic orienteering skills.
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Mammals
Subject: Science
Grades: K-12
Students will learn how mammals use their physical characteristics for survival, and how they differ from other creatures. Students will examine mammal pelts, skulls, and tracks. Activities will be incorporated to assist students in remembering Arizona mammals.
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Mind Boggle
Subjects: Physical Education, Work Place Skills Development
Grades: 3-12
In this class students will experience group dynamics and develop team-building skills such as communication, leadership, cooperation, and trust. Students will work together in fun group activities to overcome challenging obstacles.
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Nature Notes
Subject: Art
Grades: 2-6
Throughout the ages right into today’s creative endeavors, journals have been the working place of the world’s greatest thinkers, inventors, and artists. Students will create their own journals, and will be given the opportunity to write while observing nature.
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Park Ranger
Subject: Work Place Skills Development
Grades: K-5
Students will learn the basic principles of park management. Course activities encourage students to think about this career field. They will learn techniques that solve problems in a parks environment. At the end of this course students become "Jr. Park Rangers," and receive an honorary badge.
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Stones, Hoops and Sticks
Subjects: Science, Social Studies, Art
Grades: 3-12
In this class students will actively participate in games developed by Native Americans. Students will learn how modern team sports such as basketball, soccer and baseball evolved from games of early America.
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The Great Impact Monster
Subjects: Science, Social Studies, Work Place Schools Development
Grades: 2-6
As an introduction to the principles of “minimum impact” and “leave no trace,” students will interact in a fun, role-playing skit known as Impact Monster. This exercise will allow students to discuss the positive and negative effects they have on their environment.
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Tracking
Subject: Science
Grades: K-12
Students will use their senses to learn the science of animal tracking. The first part of this class will be an indoor discussion of animal signs and track identification. The second part will be held in the natural setting, and involve a simulated tracking hunt allowing students to practice their tracking skills.
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Venomous Creatures
Subject: Science
Grades 3-12
Scorpions, centipedes, Gila monsters, and more. Learn about these mysterious sometimes frightening but beautiful desert friends, and what to do when encountered. Students explore how and when these creatures use their venom and differences between poison, venom, bite, and sting.
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Weather Or Not
Subject: Science
Grades: 5-12
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the basics of weather and climate. Students will learn about the aspects of weather, including temperature, air pressure, winds and humidity, and the basic concepts of meteorology so they can understand how scientists predict weather.
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