Calling all homeschool families! This program takes place on select Wednesdays. Our Elementary sessions meet 10 – 11:30 am. Sessions fill up quickly, so be sure to register early for your preferred dates.

Our sessions may include hikes, nature exploration, games, experiments, art projects, or scientific surveys. Participants at our younger sessions will also receive extension activities that can be completed at home with their whole family. Topics rotate each month and sessions are offered September through May.

Elementary sessions require a parent or guardian to attend with their child. 8 child minimum, 30 child max for Elementary sessions.
Program Fees: $8/child members, $10/child non-members. Parents/guardians are free. Pre-registration is required.

August 13th – Math in Nature
Let’s look at numbers, shapes, and measurements, all while outside! From symmetry in nature, to finding the numerical data we need for plants, we’re rounding up our best outdoor math activities.

August 21st or 28th – Bug Safari
Catch and examine insects in the prairie! Learn the parts of an insect and practice collecting nectar like a honeybee.

September 11th or 25th – Wildly Creative Creations
Create nature-inspired art using a menagerie of tools and supplies! Students will complete several outdoor art projects during our time together.

October 9th or 23rd – Funky Fungi
Molds, mushrooms, lichens, and more! Explore rotten logs, dissect some fungi, and design your very own mushroom.

October 29th – Nocturnal Nature, 6 – 7 pm
Explore TNI at night! Learn about our local nocturnal wildlife, take a night hike, and do special experiments in the dark.

November 13th or 27th – Survival Skills: Part 1
Build a shelter, light a fire, and learn to identify edible & medicinal plants in part 1 of our 2-part survival skills lesson.

December 11th – Wilderness Medicine (3rd – 6th)
This special upper elementary class is all about how to treat injuries and illnesses in a wilderness setting. Students will get hands-on experience in splinting, scene assessment, and assessing their ‘patients’. Parents/guardians should come prepared to be our unlucky patients, complete with fake blood and scenarios! Limited spots available. 3rd – 6th graders only due to content.

December 12th – Ooey Gooey Science (1st – 3rd)
This special lower elementary class will focus on messy experiments! We’ll explore the properties of slime, oobleck, and bubbles. You’ll also get a chance to shake up some homemade ice cream! Limited spots available. Older siblings are welcome.

January 15th or 29th – Wonders of a Prehistoric Era
Who roamed the earth before humans? Dinosaurs, of course! Stomp into a paleontological adventure this month by examining fossils, excavating a dinosaur from an egg, and more.

February 12th or 26th – Sustainability Scientists
Dig into sustainability in this special earth-friendly class. We’ll investigate a vermicompost bin, create recycled art, and make a few homemade supplies for you to take home.

February 6th, 6 – 7 pm: Owl Prowl
Join a TNI naturalist to call for owls on the property. Students will also have the opportunity to dissect real owl pellets!

March 12th or 26th – Survival Skills: Part 2
Learn how to use a compass, gain introductory archery skills, and make your own water filter. Feel free to register even if you did not complete part 1. Ages 8 and up required due to the archery component. Younger siblings may attend, but cannot complete the archery segment.

April 9th or 23rd – Trek to Beaver Falls, 10 am – 12 pm
Journey to Beaver Falls on a naturalist-led hike to explore all of the seasonal spring happenings. Learn to identify spring wildflowers and discover species living under creek rocks. Beaver Falls is a 2.3 mile hike round trip with uneven and wet terrain. This adventure is slightly longer than usual and recommended for ages 8 and up due to hiking length. If your kiddo is used to longer hikes and is younger than 8, they are welcome to join!

May 7th or 21st – Forestry Fundamentals
Learn the basics of forestry through examining tree cookies, exploring special tree adaptations, and discovering the elements of a healthy forest.

Register Here: https://www.thenatureinstitute.org/eco/