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On-Site Programs:
(1 1/2 hour programs at Irons Oaks)
Sense Hike: Pre-K - 1st: year round
Explore the natural world using four (sorry, no tasting) of the five senses. Join a naturalist for a hike through Irons Oaks to disvover all the sights, sounds, textures, and smells that nature has to offer.
State Goals: 4,12,19
Nature Stories: Pre-K - 1st: year round
It's story time in the forest! An Irons Oaks Naturalist will read a book about nature and then lead the gorup on an adventure to witness
some of the events in real life. This program changes seasonally and focuses on the changing of the seasons.
State Goals: 2,4,12,19
Winter Wonders: K - 6th: December-January
Winter is quiet in the forest but several animals leave their tracks for people to find. Students will learn what animals do to survive the harsh
winter and search for some of those that have adapted to stay in Illinois.
State Goals: 4,12,19
Insect Investigations: 1st - 6th: April 15 - October 15
Illinois is home to nearly 28,000 species of insects. Through hands-on learning students will discover what makes these creatures so unique
and spend time searching for them at Irons Oaks.
State Goals: 3,4,10,12,19,21
Birdwatchers: 2nd - 6th: March - November
Birds are a very diverse and uniquely adapted group of animals. Discover how feathers, beaks, and flight help birds survive in the wild and hike
in search of some Illinois bird species. Your group will also learn how birds adjust to the changing of the seasons.
State Goals: 4,5,10,11,12,19,21
Life in a Pond: 2nd - HS: April 15 - October 15
The pond is full of life below the surface. Join an Irons Oaks Naturalist to sample the water in search of invertebrates and then assess if the water is healthy, or slightly polluted. Students will also identify sources of pollution and discuss ways to improve our water quality.
State Goals: 4,5,7,10,11,12,16,19,21,22
Water Cycle: 3rd - 6th: March - October
Today the same water that dinosaurs drank is bubbling out of water fountains and filling up bathtubs. Students will become a part of the water cycle as they learn where water travels and just how limited of a resource it is.
State Goals: 4,10,11,12,17,19,21,22,26
Wild Survival: 3rd - 6th: year round
To eat and avoid being eaten are everyday challenges for wildlife. Learn how an animal’s physical and behavioral adaptations help them survive
in the wild through hands-on activities and creative thinking.
State Goals: 1,4,11,12,19,21
Web of Life: 3rd - 6th: year round
Illinois is full of biodiversity and every part plays a vital role in a healthy environment. Students will work cooperatively to make a giant food web and learn
how important every species is, from tiny insects to towering oak trees.
State Goals: 1,4,12,19,21,22,26
Arky for Kids: 3rd-8th: year round *coming soon in July 2008
Come to Irons Oaks and explore what once was! We’ll explore an ancient village’s footprint through a mock dig and uncover a past way of life. Students will be using deductive reasoning and well as taking measurements to better understand the footprint of a previous village.
State Goals: 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 18, 21, 27
Tree Ecology: 3rd - HS: May - November
From roots to canopy trees are an important part of our environment. Bring your group to Irons Oaks to examine a tree from the inside out.
Students will learn the parts of the tree, how to age and identify common species, and what is happening to Illinois forests today.
State Goals: 1,3,4,5,6,7,10,11,12,16,17,19,21
Field Days:
(3 hour programs at Irons Oaks)
Habitat Hike: 2nd - HS: April - November
Spend the day at Irons Oaks exploring three native habitats. Students will learn characteristics
of forests, prairies, and wetlands and how the plants and animals are adapted to live in them.
State Goals: 1,3,4,5,7,10,11,12,13,15,16,17,19
Pond Field Day: 2nd - HS: year round
Search for life in the pond, examine water quality, become a part of the water cycle, and discover what animals call the pond home. This program is all about what makes water such a valuable resource.
State Goals: 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 19, 21, 26
Illinois Biodiversity: 4th - HS: April - November
Thousands of organisms call Illinois home besides people. Investigate what kinds of life fill the state and the important role they have in the balance of nature. Students will use modern technology to scout the forest in search of all that call Irons Oaks home. Data collected will then be entered into a database onsite.
State Goals: 1, 4, 6, 11, 12, 16, 19, 21, 24
Mighty Acorns®: 4th-6th: three seasonal visits per year
This Chicago Wilderness program aims to introduce students in the Chicagoland region to nature through stewardship and exploration. Students typically visit Irons Oaks three times over the course of one year to participate in a field experience that focuses on restoration, education, and exploration. Curriculum is based on the IL State Learning Standards and covers topics such as adaptations, habitat needs, the web of life, biodiversity, and basic ecology. This program is offered at a discounted rate and offers teacher training for pre- and post- trip activities. Please call for additional information.
State Goals: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17, 19, 21, 26
Custom Programs: all ages: year round
Choose two onsite programs or call us to arrange a special program for your group.
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