SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Animals need a lot to survive! Explore how different animals are able to find food, water, and
shelter in their habitat. Search for animal homes as we investigate the forest, prairie, and
wetlands on a guided exploration.

Examine the wonders of life in the water! Students will develop an understanding of how
aquatic habitats are formed, how they sustain life, and why we need to protect these fragile
ecosystems. We’ll learn about ecosystem diversity by comparing and contrasting multiple
wetland areas.

Have you ever sat outside and heard a beautiful song coming from the forest but didn’t know who was singing it? Or, seen a flash of color go flying by on an afternoon hike and said to yourself, “what was that?” Well, this is the chance for all of your questions to be answered and more. The Backyard Birding program teaches kids the biology of birds, how to identify them through colors and songs, as well as the tips and tricks that every birder needs to know. 

Beetles and millipedes and worms, oh my! Bugs & Slugs will introduce students to the wide world of insects and invertebrates. If it’s creepy and crawly, we will investigate it. From essential decomposer bugs that live beneath our feet to high-flying, winged insect predators of the sky, students will follow the paths to some of Fenner’s creepiest and coolest critters.

Mammal biology is a fascinating subject exploring animal behavior, adaptations, and habitat
selection. Discover how different species stay warm through the Michigan winter, and investigate how adaptations like teeth, horns, and fur help mammals thrive.

Explore the wonderful world of minerals that make up this planet. Learn the transformative properties of the rock cycle as students investigate igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. Students dig into soil structures, compare land forms, categorize minerals, and investigate “living” fossils found right here at Fenner. 

Tracks in the mud; a trace of fur; there seems to have been a struggle. But what has happened to the prey, and who is the predator? As NSI agents, students will hone their detective skills as they forensically scour nature’s “crime scenes” and link the clues they find together to solve the mystery.

Join our naturalists for a journey through the forest and prairie to learn why plants are so important to all other life on Earth.  Students will learn about plant life cycles, parts of a plant, important native species, and the impact of invasive plants on the ecosystem.

From snakes to salamanders and turtles to toads, Scales and Tails introduces students to the fascinating cold-blooded world of reptiles and amphibians. Students will learn how they survive in our northern climate, the places they call home, what and especially HOW they eat, and investigate some very common misconceptions about these scaly and slimy neighbors of ours. 

Learn about this delicious, heritage apple product through the lens of plant biology, modern agriculture, and traditional cooking techniques over an open fire. You’ll test out apple farming tools and learn what it takes to create a fruitful orchard. Who knows, you might even learn to sing the apple butter stirring song!

Experience the beauty of nature in the wintertime! Students learn the variety of ways Michigan animals survive the cold temperatures of winter. On a guided exploration of the grounds, bundle up to search for tracks in the snow, learn the science of snowflakes, and survey the frozen wetlands.

Liquid Gold of the North! Students will learn the biology of maple trees and practice tapping a tree, then stop by our working evaporator to see the sap-to-syrup process in action. If you’ve never tapped a maple tree before, now is your chance!

Don’t see what you’re looking for here? Reach out to our education team and we’ll work with you to craft a custom field trip program that fits your class’s needs.