Exploring Nature

Students explore seasons as spring wakes up around them! Get out on the trails and investigate adaptations, the diversity of life, and ecosystem interactions. Dip for pond creatures, play concept-reinforcing games, and experience spring in Indiana.


One of our most popular field trips, Exploring Nature, brings students out on the trail to experience spring!  Look for signs of nature “waking up” as it changes week by week.  

Search for ephemeral spring wildflowers, or listen for bird calls as migrants return back home. A favorite activity is a stop at some of our vernal ponds; a wetland that appears only seasonally! Dip for critters like crawfish, fairy shrimp, or tadpoles to see what creatures live in this thriving spring habitat. 

Play games and do fun activities that use spring as the backdrop for learning habitats, characteristics of living things, and more!

(See also Winter Nature)

Exploring Nature Program Summary - Prek

Exploring Nature Program Summary - Prek

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Exploring Nature Program Summary - K-2nd

Exploring Nature Program Summary - K-2nd

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Exploring Nature Program Summary - 3rd-5th

Exploring Nature Program Summary - 3rd-5th

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Exploring Nature Standards Correlation

Interested in learning more about how Exploring Nature correlates to the Indiana Academic Standards for Science as well as the Indiana Environmental Literacy Guidelines for up to 4th grade? Click the > to learn more!

Exploring Nature Standards Correlation