Winter in the wild!
Winter Adaptations
Skiing and Snowshoeing
Winter Adaptations
Have you ever wondered where animals go in winter, or what lives in the snow? Bundled up, kids venture into the AELC "wild" to discover the wonders of the winter environment. Follow mouse trails, discover tracks left behind by a mysterious animal, or simply enjoy a hike through the winter wilderness.
Winter Survival
Skiing and Snowshoeing
Winter Adaptations
During this activity students will learn about the effects of cold on the human body, the body's basic needs for survival, and the art of fire building. They will be divided into teams and given a "survival pack". As a team they will work together to build a shelter and survive in the northern Minnesota wilderness!
Skiing and Snowshoeing
Skiing and Snowshoeing
Skiing and Snowshoeing
There are many miles of snowshoe and groomed cross-country ski trails in the Sand Hills. Students will learn how to use the equipment then embark on an adventure to discover all that winter in Minnesota has to offer.
Equipment is available at the nature center.
Geocaching
Ahoy, mates....let the treasure hunting begin! Join the international game called Geocaching. Learn to use GPS technology to find treasures, or geocaches, which have been hidden in the Sand Hills. Jot your experiences in a log book, then check out the loot. But remember, if you take something from the geocache, you have to replace it with something for the next person to find...or walk the plank!
Searching for Animal Signs
Sand Hill River Stream Survey
Sand Hill River Stream Survey
Students will experience their senses in a whole new way, just as Helen Keller did when she lost her ability to see and hear. They will interact with the natural world through touch, smell, and sounds when they walk blindfolded along the Helen Keller rope trail.
Sand Hill River Stream Survey
Sand Hill River Stream Survey
Sand Hill River Stream Survey
Use this amazing natural resource to explore and study the Sand Hill River watershed. Students will help each other use their science discovery sills to determine whether the Sand Hill River is a healthy river ecosystem. Your students will be able to "get their feet wet" while taking samples of macroinvertebrates right from the stream. Students will use chemistry and animal identification to solve the mystery of the Sand Hill River.
Natural Communities Study
Sand Hill River Stream Survey
Natural Communities Study
Students will go on an exciting adventure to discover the plants and animals adapted to live in the Fertile Sand Hills by performing their very own field survey. After trekking through a variety of habitats, students will even get the opportunity to create their very own perfectly adapted animal.