Your Local Resource forField Explorations & Science Education

Classroom Connections

6th - 12th Grade school proGrams

Exciting

& New!

Where High Tech Meets High Touch!Building on ALNC’s award-winning hands-on outdoor education programs, we are pleased to now offer new and expanded programs connecting science, technology, society and the natural world. Enhanced by state-of-the-art multi-media experiences, these new programs create exciting learning experiences for all ages.

New features include...• Premier interactive hands-on programs• Science on a Sphere: a suspended 6-foot globe with astonishing HD images of real science

in action• Storms360:Wisconsin’sWeather,animmersivefly-throughweatherexperience• Renewable energy demonstrations and programs• Nina Leopold Bradley Phenology Center• STEM and cutting-edge science and technology• Assess student learning using iClicker technology • New programs on weather, climate, energy and our changing world

ADD-ON AvAilAble! In addition to ALNC’s award-winning environmental education programs, ALNC has developed new programs on weather, climate, energy and our changing world. Bring your students for one of these programs that includes activities in our new interactive exhibit hall; or, add on a self-guided exploration of the new exhibits on climate, energy and the environment to yourvisit!Ifaddingontoafieldtrip,werecommendallowing approximately 45 minutes before or after your scheduled program for this option. Please see last page of brochure for more information and pricing.

Introducing the New & Expanded Aldo Leopold Nature Center!The Aldo Leopold Nature Center is proud to introduce exciting

For elementary programs, request a copy of Classroom Connections For Grades Pre-K - 5, or go online tonaturenet.com/alnc/field.html

2Koshland Exhibit

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Introducing the New & Expanded Aldo Leopold Nature Center!new programs geared to engage your students in learning!

Our programs meet your needs:• Designed to address Wisconsin Academic Standards and Common Core Standards in many subject areas• Tailored to meet your class curriculum• Field based education programs• Most offered at two convenient locations in Monona and Black Earth

Monona HighlightsNewly expanded facilityALNC’s Monona Campus features more than twenty acres of outdoor classroom for nature observation and discovery. Based on our hands-on, high-tech, high-touch approach, ALNC recently expanded field trip programs to better emphasize STEM learning through interactive exhibits.

• Focus on "learning by doing" with experienced naturalists• Enjoy individual attention with low student to naturalist ratios• Discover Aldo Leopold and his legacy at "The Children's Shack"• Afterschool programs are also available• Explore our prairie, woodland and pond habitats as a framework for science

exploration and learning

Black Earth HighlightsA challenging outdoor classroom!Nestled in a remote, hidden valley, the 38-acre Black Earth Campus is perfect for classrooms looking for a close-to-home wilderness experience. Forests, prairie and rocky outcroppings form the backdrop for scientific exploration, service learning projects, overnight programs and more! • Twoestablishedtreeidentificationcoursesonsite• Idealforfieldstudyinvestigation• Remote location perfect for overnight programming• Service learning component is ideal for this site• Explore rugged hills, rock outcroppings, restored oak savanna and prairie habitats

Animal Tracking “January Thaw,” an essay found in Leopold’s A Sand County Almanac, kicks off this program as an introduction to how “trackers” read the landscape to discover the secret lives of animals. Students will discover the skills of observation and inference as we search for types of animal signs, learn typicaltrackpatternclassification,andhitthetrailsto uncover the stories the land can tell. Skins and skulls are included in this program. Great for a winter program!

Aquatic Field StudiesNaturalistswillguidestudentsinadetailedaquaticfieldstudy of a wetland or pond system at the Aldo Leopold Nature Center. Students will work in teams to gather data on the living and non-living parameters of an aquatic system. Usingscientifictools,wewillmeasurepH,temperature, dissolved oxygen, and invertebrate biodiversity. Students will learn the relationships between these factors, and discuss the potential impact of human activities on aquatic systems.

Changes Over TimeAldo Leopold once wrote, “keeping records enhances the pleasure of the search”. Students will make and record obser-vations about the natural world. We’ll add these to Leopold’s historical data and analyze the data for any changes over time. We’ll discuss the difference between short-term and long-term changes and examine the natural processes and humanactivitiesthatcaninfluencethesechanges.Partners well with add-on self-guided exploration of new interactive exhibits.

Crazy About Climate! Find out about the science behind climate and how our cli-mate is changing. Through interactive investigations, experi-ments and activities, students learn the concepts behind the carboncycle,greenhouseeffectandotherscientificphenom-enon that contribute to climate change. We then innovate and create solutions that reduce these effects. Adapts well to a longer program and partners with Energy and Society and/or add-on self-guided exploration of new interactive exhibits.

Energy 101Energy!Constantlyflowing,driving,andtransformingthe physical shape of the earth and the biological processes of its living organisms. Students will learn that energy always follows natural laws. Hands-on experiments and observations involving heat transfer, power measurement and decomposition will be conducted. Partners well with Energy and Society and/or add-on self-guided exploration of new interactive exhibits.

Energy and SocietyAll human energy sources have advantages over others. Some pollute less, some are cheaper and some last forever. In this program, students will examine their own energy use andsomeofitscostsandbenefitswhileexploringalterna-tives.Studentswillseeenergyconservationfirst-handthroughgreen practices at ALNC, consider the impact of human en-ergy use on global resources and innovate ways to conserve and use resources sustainably. Partners well with Energy 101, Crazy About Climate, and/or add-on self-guided exploration of new interactive exhibits.

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Grades 6-12

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Forest Diversity (Black Earth only)Howdoestopographyinfluencewhatplantsarefoundinanarea? Using data collection techniques, students will conduct a forest survey to measure both the living and non-living components of two areas in a forest ecosystem. They’ll then compare what communities thrive on north-facing vs. south-facing slopes.

Forest MathStudentswillfindthereisplentyofmathlurkinginthe forest during this program as they are introduced to tools and techniques utilized by foresters to determine the diameter of trees, calculate board feet and determine the age of a tree. We’ll also discuss options for careers in forestry and the knowledge needed for these jobs.

Geology of the Driftless Region (Black Earth only)Hundreds of millions of years ago, Black Earth was under-neath a tidal sea. We know this because the remains of that seabed are found all around the Driftless Region! Students will learn about how the rocks and landscape of this area were formed and search for fossils as we explore the ancient hills and rocky outcroppings of Black Earth.

Glaciers: Past, Present and FutureLearn about the glaciers that formed the landscape of Wisconsin and what formations they made along the way. Students will hike a glacial drumlin to see the work of glaciersfirst-hand,observeamodelglacierandlearnhowEarth’s glaciers of today are changing. Come away with an understanding of how powerful glaciers really are and their role in a global ecosystem. Partners well with add-on self-guided exploration of new interactive exhibits.

Leopold’s Life and Legacy As they learn about the Leopold family’s legacy and how Aldo’slandethicinfluencesconservationeffortseventoday,students will hike the woods, prairie and pond areas sur-rounding the Nature Center and spend time in the Children’s Shack. Partake in some of Aldo Leopold’s favorite past-times suchasbirdwatching,treeidentification,orlandrestoration.We’ll record our observations in the Nina Leopold Bradley Phenology Center. Partners well with Nature Writing and Changes Over Time.

Nature Writing Aldo Leopold’s fame can be largely attributed to his skill as a nature writer. In Leopold fashion, students will become nature writers, using journaling and sketches to record their observations about the natural world. This program enhances writing and observational skills, encourages attention to detail, and teaches the Leopold legacy. Partners well with Leopold’s Life and Legacy and Changes Over Time.

Orienteering (Add Geocaching component for an all-day adventure!)Students will learn the parts of a compass, how to hold and use it properly, and pacing. We’ll lead them through some introductory initiatives, and then test their skills on two challenging outdoor orienteering courses. For advanced groups, this course can also be done as a competitive orienteering course by using a topographical map and determining their own bearings and pacing.

Grades 6-12 continued

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Wildlife Ecology Aldo Leopold wrote, “When we begin to see the land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect”. Students will investigate the dynamic interrelationships of wildlife populations and their habitats. Through investigative activities and explorations, we will learn about ecosystems, carrying capacities, limiting factors, natural selection and their effect on populations. We will also discuss the impact biodiversity has on the health of a community. Partners well with Changes Over Time.

Winter Ecology Students will hike the Nature Center grounds to learn about the ecological importance of snow cover and discover how ice thickness can affect ecological populations. We’ll also look for signs of the animals that are still around during the difficultcoldmonthsandhowtheysurviveWisconsinwinters.

Wisconsin’s Wacky Weather After learning about weather and collecting data on today’s weather patterns, students will create a forecast for the next day. We’ll explore differences between weather and climate, learn how Earth’s climate has and is changing, discuss fac-tors that play into this change and consider the effects of our actions. Partners well with Crazy About Climate and/or add-on self-guided exploration of new interactive exhibits.

Most programs are suitable year round.

Grades 6-12 continuedOutdoor Survival Anyonecouldfindthemselvesinasituationwheretheyneedto use survival skills. Not only must we respect natural forces but also learn what nature provides to help us survive. We will learn how to dress, pack a survival kit and work coop-eratively to develop a strategy when faced with a survival situation.Studentswillalsoworkinteamstobuildafire, boil water, and make a debris shelter.

Small Mammal Ecology“Pest” rodents like mice, voles, moles and shrews are essential to the food chain. Students will look for signs in local habitats and explore adaptations by looking at small mammal skeletons up close and by dissecting an owl pellet. We may even see a small mammal through live trapping!

Team BuildingWhat are the attributes of a good team and why are teams important? In this program, students will be given progres-sivelymoredifficult“initiativegames”tochallengetheirproblem solving, creative thinking and communication skills. Our Naturalists will select the best initiatives to help your class build trust and cooperation and work to achieve a common goal in a physically safe environment.

Tree I.D.In this program, students will discover how to use a dichoto-mous key to identify some of Wisconsin’s most common tree species. Using a map and key, students will then work in teams to test their newly acquired skills on our tree ID course. This program can be done in either spring/fall when leaves are present or in winter by using a tree bud ID key.

Can't find what you're looking for?Your program topic can be tailored to fit your group’s specific needs. Ask us about a topic of your choice!

Field Trip RegistrationProgram Information & Fees:•Programlengthisnegotiable;howeverwerecommendaminimumof2-4hours.

•ProgramTimes:Generallybetween9am-3pm,butcanbeadjustedtomeetyourneeds.

•ProgramFee:*$60/Naturalistfor2-hourprogram.

•NaturalisttoStudentratiois1:12.

•Addonaself-guidedexplorationofthenewinteractiveexhibitsonclimate,energyandtheenvironmenttoyourvisit!Werecommendallowingapproximately45minutesbeforeorafteryourscheduledprogramforthisoption.Additionalfeeof$2/studentapplies. Please let our Program Coordinator know if you are interested in this option when booking your field trip.

•Specialrequestswillbeaccommodatedtothegreatestextentpossible.

•Allprogramsareheldrainorshine!

•Buildingsmaybeusedforaportionoftheprogramandininclementweather.

•Allteachers,aidesandonechaperonepernaturalistarefree.

•Additionalchaperonesare$3each.

•OvernightprogramoptionsareavailableatourBlackEarthCampus.

•ServiceLearningComponentscanoftenbeaddeduponrequest.

•Studentsandchaperonesshouldbedressedfortheoutdoorsasappropriatefortheseason.

•Snowshoesareavailableforuseaspartofseveralwinterprogramsforanadditional$1/student. Askaboutavailability-Groupsizesforsnowshoeinglimitedto25persession.

How to Register:CALL (608) 221-0404x1 EMAIL ALNCREG@NATuRENET.COM ONLINE AT WWW.NATuRENET.COM/ALNC

(Online registrations are not confirmed until you are contacted by the Program Coordinator.)

Provide us with the information listed below:• Dates and Program Time you prefer

• School or Group Name

• Contact Name

• Phone Number

• Email Address

• Total Number of Students

• Grade Level of Students

• Program Choice(s)

• Specify Monona or Black Earth Campus

*Fees subject to change

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Combine two programs to

make a full day field trip.

Groups are welcome to bring

bag lunches and have an

outdoor picnic. Please see

our website for recommended

program pairings or make

your own!

Before You Come: Register & provide ALNC with all information to the left. Send payment (Send prior to the program or bring on the

day of the program.) Call with changes to attendance numbers or cancellations -

requires two weeks notice. (Note: Any changes after this will result in a full charge.) Let ALNC know if you would like a Spanish-speaking naturalist. Two weeks advance notice is required. Let ALNC know what current vocabulary and pre-visit

preparation information is being covered in class so that they can better tailor the program to meet your needs. Provide ALNC with information about students with

special needs. Seepage12foradaptivewinterequipment. Let ALNC know if all the students have the same back- ground information (if more than one class is attending). Check out Nature Net’s Nature Express Program, naturenet.com/express.html,toseeifyoumightbe eligible for bus funding.

Program Partners: The Evjue Foundation, Inc.the charitable arm of The Capital Times 12095M

330FemriteDrive,Monona,WI53716Education:608-221-0404x1

Fax:608-221-9095

www.naturenet.com/alnc

We offer many teacher workshops upon request!

BLACK EARTH CAMPuS10648 Sutcliffe Rd, Black Earth, WisconsinThissiteisconvenientlylocatedapproximately20minutesfromMadison’swest

sideona38-acreprivatecampus.TakeRoute14westtoBlackEarth.Turnsouth

atRte78/CtyF.Follow78/CtyFfor1/2milethroughtown,turnwestonF/KP.

FollowF/KP~1miletoCtyF.TurnsouthonCtyFandturnontoSutcliffe

Road(itwillbethesecondroadonyourright.)FollowSutcliffeRdwestfor1

mile. The driveway is just over the crest of the hill, on the north side of the road.

(This site is open by appointment only.) Naturalists will meet your group at the

bus parking lot upon arrival.

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ALNC’s Mission is to provide innovative hands-on programs for children and teachers that “...teach the student to see the land, to understand what he sees, and enjoy what he understands” in the spirit of Aldo Leopold.

ALNC now has a sit ski - an

adaptive piece of equipment designed to allow those with

physical disabilities an opportunity to get outside and explore

the snow packed trails alongside their

classmates!

New!

MONONA CAMPuS330 Femrite Drive, Monona, WisconsinThissiteislocatedona21-acreconservationpark.TaketheBeltline

(Hwy12-18)toMononaDrive.Exitnorthandcontinuethroughthe

MononaDrive/BroadwayStreetintersection.TurnEast(right)onto

Femrite Drive and pull into the Woodland Park driveway on the

North (left) side of the street. Follow the driveway to the Bus Parking

Lot (first lot on right). Naturalists will meet your group at the bus

parking lot upon arrival.

10648 SuTCLIFFE