Each of these topics can be adapted based on grade/interest level and they can be offered as either a single lesson or deeper dive multi-part series (Animal Behavior and Mammalian A&P were originally built as college courses and can be offered in the most detail at this time.) Classes are available evenings or weekends, and they can either be over Zoom or in-person. All are intentionally interactive, and appropriate state standards covered can be documented. Let’s chat to find out what works best for your group!
Year Round
Wild Pennsylvania – An exploration of our region’s living things and how they interact to create an exciting ecosystem
Nature Writing – an introduction to elements of storytelling, writing mechanics, and research
Introduction to Ecology – An exploration of relationships between living members and non-living components of a space
*New* Climate 101 – Are your garden flowers blooming earlier in the spring? Do leaves seem to change color later in the fall? Does it seem like floods and droughts are happening more frequently? Does it feel like the summers are getting hotter and strong storms are becoming more damaging? If you’ve noticed these things, you’re not alone! You’re spying the effects of climate change, and you are spot on. For this chat, we will talk about…what is climate change, how do scientists know it’s happening, and what can we all do to help?
Animal Behavior – How do animals find resources, organize their social groups, and communicate with each other?
Mammalian Anatomy and Physiology – From cells to organs to systems!
Research 101: Media Literacy – With so much information, misinformation, disinformation out there, what are some helpful strategies to identify trustworthy from untrustworthy sources? What are helpful ways to identify sources that would be useful in some situations but not others?
*New* Seasonal
Fall – Flights of Wonder – Migratory birds spend incredible amounts of energy traveling long distances for their seasonal migrations. Learn more about the how and why birds travel thousands of miles just to make the same trip again a few months later.
Fall – Nature’s Tricks and Treats – Caterpillars that look like snake eyes? Snakes that try to look like each other? Plants that pretend to offer a sweet treat to insects…aka…dinner? The wild world is full of hidden “tricks” as a part of survival. While we celebrate the candy version of tricks and treats this Halloween, nature has some tricks going year round!
Fall – Not So Spooky? – Picture a dark, clear night. Does your hair raise when you hear who who who who…who? Do you jump back when a black cat walks across your bat? Does the high-high-high pitched squeaking of a bat make your scalp tingle? Never fear! These furred and feathered neighbors, among other wild friends, are often feared or misunderstood, but let’s take some time to learn how exciting they actually are!
Fall/Winter – Science at the North Pole – Santa and the elves may wear jackets, but what is life like for all of the plants and animals who live far north and south of the planet? What is the weather really like and how do the North and South Pole residents stay warm and find enough food?
