Program Fees
- Fees per student for 90 minute school programs: $100 per classroom ($5.00 for each over 25), no cost for teachers and chaperones
- Non-School District of Beloit schools please add $10.00 to per classroom fees.
Outreach Program Fees
- All include mileage: $0.60/mile roundtrip from the center
- No mileage charges for School District of Beloit schools
More details at the bottom of this page.
Environmental Programs
Legend
W = Program suitable for winter
C = Welty staff come to the classroom
WEC = Program held at Welty Environmental Center
To Be A Tree (W, WEC, C)
Students will define what makes up a habitat, how trees fit into different aspects of habitat, and how important trees are for local wildlife and people. We will learn about the parts of a tree, stages trees go through each season, and act out how they work. We will go on a hunt to discover first-hand how wildlife are using the tree, alive, and dead. Students will get to adopt their own tree and record observations to take home.
Meets NGSS Learning Standards:
– K-LS1.C: Analyzing & Interpreting, Data Patterns
– K-ESS3.A: Developing and Using Models, Systems & System Models
– 1-LS1.A Constructing Explanations & Designing Solutions, Structure & Function
Meets WI Environmental Literacy & Sustainability Standards: ELS.C1.B.e; ELS.EX2.A.e; ELS.EX2.B.e; ELS.EX3.B.e; ELS.EX5.B.e; ELS.E4.A.e; ELS.EX2.C.e
Frog Legs (WEC, C)
Amphibians, like frogs, are common in the area, but lead very different lives from us mammals. We will investigate what makes a frog an amphibian, how they change as they grow, where they live, and why frogs are so sensitive to pollution and other changes in their environment. A Native American legend about the bullfrog, singing like frogs, and an adventure to find frogs and toads are all included.
Meets NGSS Learning Standards:
-1-LS1.A: Obtaining, Evaluating, & Communicating Information, Structure & Function
-1-LS1.B: Obtaining, Evaluating, & Communicating Information, Patterns
Meets WI Environmental Literacy & Sustainability Standards:
ELS.EX2.B.e; ELS.EX3.A.e; ELS.EX5.B.e; ELS.EX5.B.e; ELS.EX5.C.e; ELS.EN6.A.e
Bugs! (WEC, C)
They are some of the oldest life forms known on this planet. Bugs, including insects, arachnids, and other arthropods, have interesting ways of moving, hunting, colorations, growing up and life cycle changes. We will check out what makes all of these creatures both alike and different, then go on a bug hunt to see what we can find.
Meets NGSS Learning Standards:
-K-LS1.C: Analyzing & Interpreting Data, Patterns
-K-ESS3.A: Asking Questions & Defining Problems, Systems & System Models
-1-LS1.A or D: Obtaining, Evaluating, & Communicating Information, Structure & Function
Meets WI Environmental Literacy & Sustainability Standards:
ELS.C1.B.e; ELS.EX2.B.e; ELS.EX5.B.e; ELS.EX5.B.e
Turtles To Go (W, WEC, C)
Turtles are amazing creatures that have been on the Earth for millions of years. Students will get to observe and interact with our Red-Eared Slider turtles as they learn about reptiles in general and special adaptations that help turtles thrive in our wetlands and woodlands. A turtle scavenger hunt will get students thinking about turtles in the wild and what they eat. A Native American legend about the turtle and ethics about wild animals and pets are included in this program.
Meets NGSS Learning Standards:
-K-LS1.C: Analyzing & Interpreting Data, Patterns
-1-LS1.A: Obtaining, Evaluating, & Communicating Information, Structure & Function
Meets WI Environmental Literacy & Sustainability Standards:
ELS.C1.B.e; ELS.EX2.B.e; ELS.EX3.C.e; ELS.EX5.B.e; ELS. EX5.C.e
Birds At Your Window (W, WEC, C)
Not only are birds unique, amazing animals, but they can be observed almost anywhere. We will learn what birds are common in the area, and follow clues of their colors, songs, habitats, and habits to identify them. A bird scavenger hunt will help students find out about a bird’s life. Simple feeders will give everyone the chance to help and observe birds in their own backyards.
Meets NGSS Standards:
-K-ESS3.A: Asking Questions & Defining Problems, Interdependence of Science, Engineering, and Technology
-K-ETS1.B: Developing and Using Models, Systems & System Models
Meets WI Environmental Literacy & Sustainability Standards:
ELS.EX2.B.e; ELS.EX5.B.e; ELS.EN6.B.e; ELS.EN7.B.e
Amazing Arachnids (W, WEC, C)
What has eight legs, two body parts, and can be more than just a spider? Arachnids are predators, herbivores, and even parasites, and they can live almost anywhere on this planet. Find out what makes arachnids unique, not scary, then we will go on a safari to find as many as we can.
Meets NGSS Learning Standards:
-K-LS1.C: Analyzing & Interpreting Data, Patterns
-K-ESS3.A: Developing and Using Models, Systems & System Models
-1-LS1.A or D: Obtaining, Evaluating, & Communicating Information, Structure & Function
Meets WI Environmental Literacy & Sustainability Standards:
ELS.EX2.B.e; ELS.EX4.A.e; ELS.EX5.B.e
Insect Safari (WEC, C)
You might call them “bugs,” but we will find out in this program what sets insects apart from other arthropods. Song and dance will help us remember their anatomy, then we will use nets, and our own bare hands to find as many of these amazing creatures as we can. All observed insects will be released after observation.
Meets NGSS Learning Standards:
-2-LS4.D: Planning & Carrying Out Investigations
-3-LS4.C: Constructing Explanations & Designing Solutions, Scale, Proportion, & Quantity
Meets WI Environmental Literacy & Sustainability Standards:
C1.C; EX2.A; EX2.B; EX5.B; EN6.B
Trees As Habitats (W, WEC, C)
A tree, whether alive or dead, offers wildlife food, water, shelter, and space – all things needed in a habitat. Find out about and search for local wildlife that depends on trees for survival. We will even act out the life of a tree from the inside out to find out how amazing these plants really are.
Meets NGSS Learning Standards:
-2-LS4.D: Planning & Carrying Out Investigations
Meets WI Environmental Literacy & Sustainability Standards:
C1.C; EX2.A; EX2.B; EX3.B; EX5.B
On Silent Wings – Owls (W, WEC, C)
Separate fact from fiction about owls as we learn what adaptations owls have that make them the perfect nocturnal predator. Owl artifacts and a mounted Great-Horned Owl will give everyone an up-close and personal experience. We will finish up by investigating how everyone can help our local owls. For an additional fee and time owl pellet dissection can be included in this program.
Meets NGSS Learning Standards:
-3-LS4.D: Constructing Explanations & Designing Solutions, Cause & Effect
Meets WI Environmental Literacy & Sustainability Standards:
C1.A; EX2.B;EN6.B; EN7.A; EN7.C
A Sense Of Community (WEC, C)
In our community people do many different jobs to make the whole thing work well. The same is true in nature. No matter what the particular habitat living, non-living and once-living things work together to make the whole healthy. Explore the natural world with your senses to find out how consumers, producers and decomposers interact to make natural communities healthy. This program can be done at our site, your site, or a natural area near your site.
Meets NGSS Learning Standards:
-2-LS2.A: Planning & Carrying Out Investigations, Cause & Effect
-2-LS4.D: Planning & Carrying Out Investigations
-3-LS1.B: Developing & Using Models, Patterns
-3-LS4.D: Constructing Explanations & Designing Solutions, Systems & System Models
Meets WI Environmental Literacy & Sustainability Standards:
C1.A; C1.C; EX2.A; EX2.B; EX3.B; EX4.A; EX5.B; EN6.A
A Place For Everything: Animal Classification (W, WEC, C)
Putting animals into smaller groups that are alike makes them easier to learn about. We will use props to figure out what makes birds, mammals, insects, arachnids, amphibians and reptiles all unique groups of animals. Students will become the “experts” in their particular field and put their knowledge to practice on an adventure to find these animals and the evidence that they have been around. Fill-in field guides will be included for each student.
Meets NGSS Learning Standards:
-2-LS4.D: Scientific Knowledge is Based on Empirical Evidence
-3-LS1.B: Developing & Using Models, Patterns
-3-LS3.B: Constructing Explanations & Designing Solutions, Patterns
Meets WI Environmental Literacy & Sustainability Standards:
EX2.A; EX2.B
Life Beneath Our Feet (W, WEC, C)
The worms crawl in, the worms crawl out…. And so do moles, shrews, centipedes and more! Explore what it takes to spend your life underground, and how these creatures benefit us all. We will “charm” for worms (weather dependent), check out worm anatomy and learn how to make a worm compost bin. We will try our hand at moving without sight too.
Meets NGSS Learning Standards:
-3-LS4.C: Constructing Explanations & Designing Solutions, Systems & System Models
Meets WI Environmental Literacy & Sustainability Standards:
C1.C; EX2.A; EX2.B; EX4.A; EN7.A
Hunters On The Wing – Raptors (W, WEC, C)
Hawks, falcons, eagles and owls are all hunters with special adaptations that make them top predators. Find out about these adaptations and the raptor’s place in the food web, and even when and where they are vulnerable. Play a game that helps students understand how raptors fit in our local food webs. Leave with ways to make your school and home more raptor-friendly.
Meets NGSS Learning Standards:
-4-LS1.A: Developing & Using Models, Systems & System Models
-4-LS1.D: Developing & Using Models, Systems & System Models
-5-LS2.A: Developing & Using Models, Systems & System Models
Meets WI Environmental Literacy & Sustainability Standards:
ELS.EX2.B.i; ELS.EX3.B.i; ELS.EX4.A.i;ELS.EX5.B.i; ELS.EN6.B.i; ELS.EN7.A.i; ELS.EN7.C.i
Forest Ecology (WEC, C)
We will find out that a forest is more than just a group of trees. As we explore the forest we will experience first-hand all the organisms that work together to produce a healthy forest ecosystem. Learn identification tricks for common trees, plants and animals we encounter along the way. This program can take place at Big Hill Park in Beloit, WI, or at a forest close to your site.
Meets NGSS Learning Standards:
-5-LS2.A: Developing & Using Models, Systems & System Models
Meets WI Environmental Literacy & Sustainability Standards:
ELS.C1.C.i; ELS.EX2.A.i; ELS.EX2.B.i; ELS.EX3.B.i; ELS.EX4.A.i; ELS.EN6.A.i
Six Legs and More – Land Invertebrates (WEC, C)
Explore the wonderful and often weird world of land invertebrates. These animals surround us in our daily lives, help us, harm us, and sometimes feed us. We will investigate what an invertebrate is, the roles invertebrates play in the ecosystem, the impact humans have on the diversity of invertebrates, and what groups there are around us. We will look for, and maybe even catch some arthropods with which we share the world.
Meets NGSS Learning Standards:
-4-LS1.A: Developing & Using Models, Systems & System Models
Meets WI Environmental Literacy & Sustainability Standards:
ELS.C1.C.i; ELS.EX2.A.i; ELS.EX2.B.i; ELS.EX3.B.i, ELS.EX5.B.i
Water Doctors (WEC, C)
Be an ecologist as we study one of our most important natural resources – water. This program includes students doing actual chemical, physical and biological tests to see what the water quality is and investigate ways to improve it if needed. This program can be done at the side of a body of water, or at our site.
Meets NGSS Learning Standards:
-5-PS1.A: Planning & Carrying Out Investigations, Scale, Proportion, & Quantity
-5-ESS3.C: Obtaining, Evaluating, & Communicating Information, Science Addresses Questions About the Natural and Material World
-3-5-ETS1.B: Planning & Carrying Out Investigations, Influence of Engineering, Technology, and Science on Society and the Natural World
Meets WI Environmental Literacy & Sustainability Standards:
ELS.C1.C.i; ELS.EX3.B.i; ELS.EX3.C.i; ELS.EN6.B.i; ELS.EN7.A.i; ELS.EN7.C.i
Prairie 101 (WEC, C)
What is a prairie? Why was it here? Why should I care? These questions and more will be answered as we explore one of the most degraded ecosystems on the planet. We will touch, see, hear and smell all the ways prairie plants and animals survive our hot, dry summer and cold, windy winters. We will discover how prairie ecosystems recover after a fire, and the importance/history of Wisconsin prairies. Depending on the season and group a service project to help restore prairie ecosystems may be included. This program can be done at the Welty Environmental Center, a school prairie, or other appropriate site.
Meets NGSS Learning Standards:
-4-LS1.A: Developing & Using Models, Systems & System Models
-4-ESS2.A: Planning & Carrying Out Investigations, Cause & Effect
-4-ESS2.E: Planning & Carrying Out Investigations, Cause & Effect
-5-LS2.A: Science Models, Laws, Mechanisms, and Theories Explain Natural Phenomena, Systems & System Models
-5-ESS3.C: Obtaining, Evaluating, & Communicating Information, Systems & System Models
Meets WI Environmental Literacy & Sustainability Standards:
ELS.C1.C.i; ELS.EX2.A.i; ELS.EX2.B.i; ELS.EX2.C.i; ELS.EX3.B.i; ELS.EX5.B.i; ELS.EX5.C.i; ELS.EN7.A.i; ELS.EN7.B.i; ELS.EN7.C.i
A Hairy Past – Local Wildlife and The Early Fur Trade (W, WEC, C)
Find out how rodents, canoes and high fashion came together to bring some of the first Europeans to this area in this hands-on program. We will explore how beaver pelts, and the furs of other mammals, were traded between Europe and the indigenous people, and the lasting influence of this trade is still felt today. Finish up the day by trying your own hand at the fur trade.
Meets NGSS Learning Standards:
-4-ESS3.A: Obtaining, Evaluating, & Communicating Information, Influence of Science, Engineering, and Technology on Society and the Natural World
-3-5-ETS1.B: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions, Influence of Science, Engineering, and Technology on Society and the Natural World
-5-ESS3.C: Obtaining, Evaluating, & Communicating Information, Science Addresses Questions About the Natural and Material World
Meets WI Environmental Literacy & Sustainability Standards:
ELS.C1.B.i; ELS.EX2.C.i; ELS.EX3.A.i; ELS.EX3.B.i; ELS.EX3.C.i; ELS.EX4.B.i; ELS.EX5.C.i; ELS.EN6.A.i
Prairie Primer (WEC, C)
A prairie is a special ecosystem of plants and animals working together to thrive in a hot, dry, windy place. What happened to create this ecosystem, and why are people working so hard to bring it back? Check out a restored prairie first-hand and even leave with ways to bring back a patch of prairie at your school or home. The program can take place at the Welty Environmental Center, a school prairie, or other appropriate site.
Meets NGSS Learning Standards:
-MS-LS1.B: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions, Cause & Effect
-MS-LS2.A: Analyzing & Interpreting Data, Cause & Effect
-MS-LS2.C: Analyzing & Interpreting Data, Energy & Matter
-MS-ESS3.C: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions, Influence of Science, Engineering, and Technology on Society and the Natural World
Meets WI Environmental Literacy & Sustainability Standards:
ELS.C1.B.m; ELS.C1.C.m; ELS.EX2.B.m; ELS.EX2.C.m; ELS.EX3.B.m; ELS.EX5.A.m; ELS.EX5.C.m; ELS.EN7.B.m; ELS.EN7.C.m
A Sense Of Place (W, WEC, C)
The Midwest has a unique natural history that has resulted in the flora, fauna and geology that call it home. See a prairie from the root view, check out the threads that tie our local life together, and take part in an optional restoration project if appropriate. We will take inspiration from nature authors to do some reflecting and journaling on our own place in this world.
Meets NGSS Learning Standards:
-MS-LS2.A: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions, Influence of Science, Engineering, and Technology on Society and the Natural World
-MS-LS2.B: Analyzing & Interpreting Data, Energy & Matter
-MS-ESS3.C: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions, Cause & Effect
Meets WI Environmental Literacy & Sustainability Standards:
ELS.C1.A.m; ELS.C1.B.m; ELS.C1.D.m; ELS.EX2.A.m; ELS.EX2.B.m; ELS.EX3.C.m; ELS.EX4.A.m; ELS.EN6.B.m; ELS.EN7.C.m
Six Legs and More – Land Invertebrates (WEC, C)
Explore the wonderful and often weird world of land invertebrates. These animals surround us in our daily lives, help us, harm us, and sometimes feed us. We will investigate what an invertebrate is, the roles invertebrates play in the ecosystem, the impact humans have on diversity of invertebrates, and what groups there are around us. We will look for, and maybe even catch some arthropods with which we share the world.
Meets NGSS Learning Standards:
-MS-LS2.A: Analyzing & Interpreting Data, Cause & Effect
-MS-LS4.D: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions, Stability & Change
Meets Wisconsin Environmental Literacy & Sustainability Standards:
ELS.C1.C.m; ELS.EX2.A.m; ELS.EX2.B.m, ELS.EX3.B.m, ELS.EX5.B.m
Water Doctors (WEC, C)
Be an ecologist as we study one of our most important natural resources – water. This program includes students doing actual chemical, physical and biological tests to see what the water quality is and investigate ways to improve it if needed. This program can be done at the side of a body of water, or at our site.
Meets NGSS Learning Standards:
-MS-LS4.C: Analyzing & Interpreting Data, Stability & Change
-MS-LS4.D: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions, Influence of Science, Engineering, and Technology on Society and the Natural World
-MS-ESS3.C: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions, Influence of Science, Engineering, and Technology on Society and the Natural World
Meets WI Environmental Literacy & Sustainability Standards:
ELS.C1.B.m; ELS.EX2.B.m; ELS.EX3.Bm; ELS.EX5.A.m; ELS.EX5.B.m; ELS.EN6.B.m; ELS.EN6.C.m
Pollination Sensation (WEC, C)
Without pollination there would be no fruit, chocolate or coffee. Learn the surprising partnerships between plants and their pollinators, and what different plants do to attract these pollinators. We will take a hike to look for local pollinator partnerships, match up plants and their pollinators, and even try our hand at pollinating plants too.
Meets NGSS Learning Standards:
-MS-LS1.B: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions, Cause & Effect
-MS-LS2.A: Analyzing & Interpreting Data, Cause & Effect
-MS-LS4.D: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions, Influence of Science, Engineering, and Technology on Society and the Natural World
Meets WI Environmental Literacy & Sustainability Standards:
ELS.C1.C.m; ELS.EX2.A.m; ELS.EX2.B.m; ELS.EX5.B.m; ELS.EN6.C.m; ELS.EN7.A.m; ELS.EN7.B.m
Water Doctors (WEC, C)
Be an ecologist as we study one of our most important natural resources – water. This program includes students doing actual chemical, physical and biological tests to see what the water quality is and investigate ways to improve it if needed. This program can be done at the side of a body of water, or at our site.
Meets NGSS Learning Standards:
-HS-LS2.C: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking, Scale, Proportion, and Quantity
-HS-LS4.D: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions, Stability & Change
-HS-ETS1.B: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions, Cause & Effect
-HS-ESS2.C: Planning & Carrying Out Investigations, Cause & Effect
Meets WI Environmental Literacy & Sustainability Standards:
ELS.EX3.B.h; ELS.EX5.B.h; ELS.EX5.C.h; ELS.EN6.B.h; ELS.EN7.A.h
A Sense Of Place (W, WEC, C)
The Midwest has a unique natural history that has resulted in the flora, fauna and geology that call it home. See a prairie from the root view, check out the threads that tie our local life together, and take part in an optional restoration project if appropriate. We will take inspiration from nature authors to do some journaling and reflection on our own place in this world.
Meets NGSS Learning Standards:
-HS-LS2.C: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions, Systems & System Models
-HS-LS4.D: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions, Stability & Change
-HS-ETS1.C: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions, Influence of Science, Engineering, and Technology on Society and the Natural World
Meets WI Environmental Literacy & Sustainability Standards:
ELS.C1.C.h; ELS.C1.D.h; ELS.EX2.B.h; ELS.EX3.C.h; ELS.EX4.A.h; ELS.EN6.A.h; ELS.EN7.B.h; ELS.EN7.C.h
A Walk With Aldo (W, WEC, C)
Aldo Leopold may have died in 1948, but his theories and writings are still fresh today. They form the basis of modern land and game management, and restoration practices. We will connect Leopold’s writings to our local landscapes and wild places. Learn about phenology and how it helps modern scientists. Everyone will get a chance to connect with, journal about, and reflect on a special place to cap off this program.
Meets NGSS Learning Standards:
-HS-LS2.C: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions, Stability & Change
-HS-LS4.D: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions, Cause & Effect
-HS-ESS3.C: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions, Science is a Human Endeavor
Meets WI Environmental Literacy & Sustainability Standards:
ELS.C1.B.h; ELS.C1.D.h; ELS.EX2.C.h; ELS.EX3.A.h; ELS.EX3.C.h; ELS.EX5.C.h; ELS.EN6.A.h; ELS.EN7.B.h
She Swallowed The Spider To Catch The Fly (WEC, C)
I don’t know why she swallowed the fly. Perhaps she’ll die. This program investigates invasive species and ethics. People do just what the old lady did all the time and do not even know it. When a pest attacks a crop brought from somewhere else we bring in the “spider” to fight it. Check out first hand the invasive species present in this area, what is being done to combat them, and explore the ethics of the effect of it all. Students may take part in an optional service project if appropriate.
Meets NGSS Learning Standards:
-HS-LS2.A: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions, Stability & Change
-HS-LS2.C: Engaging in Argument from Evidence, Stability & Change
-HS-LS4.D: Engaging in Argument from Evidence, Stability & Change
-HS-LS4.C: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions, Cause & Effect
Meets WI Environmental Literacy & Sustainability Standards:
ELS.EX2.B.h; ELS.EX3.B.h; ELS.EX3.C.h; ELS.EX4.A.h; ELS.EX5.C.h; ELS.EN7.B.h
People And The Prairie (WEC, C)
Prairie has existed in this area of the country for about 10,000 years, and people have lived here for that long as well. We have used plants for food and medicine, animals for food and shelter, and have used fire to manipulate the landscape. Check out our prairie or yours for these partnerships. More recently, our interactions have done more harm than good for the prairie ecosystem. See how people are working to restore prairie habitats and how this can benefit both Mother Nature and mankind. An optional service project can be included if appropriate.
Meets NGSS Learning Standards:
-HS-LS2.C: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions, Stability & Change
-HS-LS4.D: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions, Cause & Effect
-HS-ESS3.C: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions, Cause & Effect
-HS-ETS1.B: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions, Influence of Science, Engineering, and Technology on Society and the Natural World
Meets WI Environmental Literacy & Sustainability Standards:
ELS.C1.B.h; ELS.EX3.B.h; ELS.EX4.B.h; ELS.EX5.C.h; ELS.EN6.A.h; ELS.EN7.B.h; ELS.EN7.C.h
Beneath The Canopy – Woodland Botany (WEC, C)
A forest is so much more than just its trees. Learn about basic tree identification by use of a dichotomous key, look for common fungi and flowers, and investigate how trees are important to the forest community after death. Discuss how forest density and composition can impact the health of a forest ecosystem. Be ready to do some math as we check out tree physiology too. This program is appropriate for grades 6-12.
Meets NGSS Learning Standards:
-HS-LS2.B: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions, Energy & Matter
-HS-LS2.C: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions, Systems & System Models
-HS-LS2.A: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions, Cause & Effect
Meets WI Environmental Literacy & Sustainability Standards:
ELS.C1.C.h; ELS.EX2.B.h; ELS.EX3.B.h; ELS.EX4.A.h; ELS.EX4.B.h
Stories In The Snow – Tracking (W, WEC, C)
Learn to read the stories left behind by animals as they live their lives. We will check out tracks, scat, homes, feeding and other signs to identify who was there and what they were doing. This program is best done when there is snow or mud on the ground.
Maple Sugaring (WEC)
Every spring as the days warm but the nights remain cold maple trees produce sweet sap, and we only have a few weeks to collect it. Learn all the steps in maple sugaring from identifying a maple tree to history to the science and math involved in processing sap into sugar. Dress for the weather for this very seasonable program. This program is subject to availability.
Outdoor Living Skills (W, WEC, C)
If you had to, could you live off the land? This program will give students a hands-on learning experience learning about what is needed to survive and in what priority. Activities include choosing what items to bring, building a weather-resistant shelter, and fire building skills and responsibilities. Special topics and activities can be included to better fit with your curriculum with one month notice. This program will give your students a chance to learn and practice skills that may be practical in a real life situation.
Habitats Of The Midwest (W, WEC, C)
Choose from the following stations for this program: Stream, Prairie, Wetland, or Woodland. As we explore we will look for the four elements needed for any successful habitat and some of the plants and animals that call this habitat a home. You may choose as many stations as time allows, with a minimum of 30 minutes to explore each habitat. A scavenger hunt can be added as part of this program. This program can be done at the Welty Environmental Center or at an appropriate site close to you. Exploring the schoolyard as a habitat may be done as well.
Monarch Migrations (WEC, C)
Some butterflies lay eggs and then die before winter sets in. Some move a little further south. And then there is the Monarch, Danaus plexippus. This plucky butterfly that may be seen sipping nectar in your garden is fueling up for an amazing journey to Mexico. Learn the life cycle and migration route for Monarch butterflies, some mythology associated with them, and some of the dangers they face. We will make a Monarch mobile and go home with ways to protect and preserve this amazing insect.
Animal Study (WEC, C)
Choose from the following stations: Birds, Mammals, Insects, Arachnids or Reptiles and Amphibians. You may choose as many as time will allow, with each station taking 30 minutes. We will explore what makes each group related to the other and unique unto itself. After learning their characteristics through the use of props we will go look for them, or at least the signs they have left behind. A craft based on one of your selected stations will cap off the program.
Fishing 101 (WEC)
Few things in life are as relaxing and rewarding as fishing. Learn the basics for a foundation of a lifetime hobby. Topics covered include how to tie and bait a hook, fish identification, and ethical angling. Please note – all adults assisting with this program in the state of Wisconsin need a fishing license. Youth 16 years and under do not need a fishing licence at any time.
Wetland Wanderings (WEC, C)
You can call it a marsh, a swamp, or a wet prairie, but no matter what you call it wetlands have a positive impact on the land and the life, including people, of all that live there. Check out our wetland or yours for unique life and how they are adapted to live there. Find out the benefits for all life, and the issues involved with wetlands and human development. Cap off the day with an art project to connect with this unique ecosystem.
Fleeting Beauty – Spring Windflowers (WEC, C)
There is a magical time in spring when it is warm enough for plants to grow, but early enough that the leaves are not large enough to shade the forest floor. This is a time for wildflowers. We will explore to find as many of our native species as we can, learn to identify them, and match the pollinator to it’s favorite bloom. This program can be done at Big Hill Park in Beloit, WI or at an appropriate site close to you.
Weather Watcher (WEC, C)
The weather is always changing and directly impacts human activity. Knowing how to read and measure the weather helps people to prepare for living with weather conditions. Learn the science behind forecasting the weather. In this program students will learn to read the sky, make tools to predict coming weather, and learn how to stay safe during extreme weather conditions. The difference between climate and weather will be examined as well. After making some tools we will take them outside to do some weather observation and forecasting of our own
Stream Study (WEC, C)
People think of fish, frogs and turtles living in our local streams. We will peek into creeks to find the hidden life that supports these larger animals. Dress to be a little wet as we use nets and our bare hands to check in and around plants and under rocks for unique macroinvertebrates. Maybe we will be lucky enough to catch a crayfish or spy a snake. After we check out all of our critters we will let them go back in the stream to continue creeping, clinging and shredding.
These programs are all designed to take to your site. They can include an outdoor component, but can also be done completely indoors (except for Water Monitoring).
The cost for an outreach program is $110 (School: per classroom of up to 25 students; Library: per event) for a 60-90 minute session and mileage at $0.60 per mile round trip from the Welty Environmental Center. Some programs have additional supply fees.
All the following programs can include an interactive storytelling session, hands-on activities that teach about the topic, natural artifacts for the students to observe and touch, and a make and take craft project.
- Rocks Rock – Geology and Fossils
- Water Monitoring – Chemistry and Aquatic Life
- Wonderful Worms – Worms And Worm Composting
- Turtles To Go – Turtles And Other Reptiles