Quick links:
Our curriculum is written to state academic standards, and focuses on building STEM, humanities (history, culture, language arts) and life skills (communication, team building, outdoor recreation) knowledge and experience.
Weave environmental education into your own classroom by book-ending your experience with pre- and post-trip activities designed around your Eagle Bluff classes and trip outcomes.
Advanced Orienteering
Would you be able to find your way through the woods using only a map and a compass? Reading a topographic map, understanding contour lines, and utilizing compass skills will be essential in this fast-paced class. Participants will be challenged to work as a team while navigating through the woods to find ten hidden checkpoints as quickly as possible.
Summary
Pre-Visit Activity
Post-Visit Activity
Animal Signs
Using all their senses, students will try to unravel the mysterious lives of Eagle Bluff’s resident wildlife and discover how animals interact with one another and their environment. Time will be spent exploring and interpreting animal signs and acting out animal interactions.
Archery
Though they might not turn into Robin Hood, participants will discover the joy behind this long established sport. Understanding the history, following safety rules, and learning the process of shooting is just the beginning. Through hands-on target practice and friendly competitions, participants will learn about self-discipline and develop sound decision making skills. Eagle Bluff has both indoor and outdoor ranges available as well as different styles of bows for participants to try.
Archery Engineers
Humans like fast things—high-speed internet, fast cars and quick-drying paint; It’s no different when it comes to archery equipment. Class will begin with an introduction to archery equipment, range protocols, and safety rules. After hands-on target practice, participants will identify factors on both the bow and the arrow that affect an arrow’s speed then break into groups to generate a hypothesis, carry out an experiment, and draw conclusions based on their results. Finally, the class will discuss their findings, reflecting on their methods, to gain deeper insight into the design of archery equipment and how it applies to sport shooting and hunting.
Summary
Pre-Visit Activity
Post-Visit Activity
Beginning Orienteering
Feeling lost? Once you’ve had this class you’ll never have to worry about that happening again. By combining earth science with practical outdoor skills, participants will navigate Eagle Bluff’s orienteering course. Emphasis will be placed on learning how compasses have impacted human history, understanding the earth’s magnetic field, and learning the parts and proper use of a compass. The culminating activity will be working cooperatively to navigate around an orienteering course in the woods.
Big Freeze (Winter Ecology)
While we are snug in our heated homes, plants and animals are surviving outside in the cold and snow. Search for signs of life to discover the interesting (and sometimes seemingly strange) ways plants and animals have adapted to endure the harsh conditions of a Minnesota winter. Conduct winter experiments to determine the conditions necessary for local animals to survive cold temperatures in a variety of habitats.
Birds
This class visits feeders for a close-up view of songbird species explores the woods for a glimpse of canopy dwellers, sits quietly as wild chickadees approach, and enjoys a view of soaring eagles, hawks, or vultures high. Students will observe first-hand what makes birds so diverse, and why diversity matters!
Cross-Country Skiing
Cross-country skiing has been around for thousands of years and historically was an important means of winter transportation. Now, it is not only great exercise but also an excellent way to observe the beauty of the winter landscape. Participants will learn the history of the sport, the correct fitting and usage of the equipment, and the etiquette of skiing before gliding across the glistening snow on trails around a prairie. Skis, poles, and boots are provided.
Earth Exploration
Get ready to explore our earth! Journey to the center of the earth through its layers, transform into a rock for 10 million years, learn about geologic time through major events in the earth’s history, and become a fossil hunter searching for ancient life along the rocky banks of the Root River. Get to know the Earth in this introduction to geologic concepts.
Fungus Among Us
The wild world of fungus will be revealed in this exploratory based class. Students will search for mushrooms, molds, crusts, and slimes around Eagle Bluff’s campus as students strive to identify why fungus is categorized in its own kingdom. Along the way, we’ll visit the “Chamber of Disgust” to see (and smell) fungus decomposing. Finally, we’ll visit the composting station and make a tribute to fungus to understand how essential fungus is in food production.
GPS Pathfinders
Students will get a glimpse of just how advanced navigational technology has become over time! The class will begin by learning about the design of GPS technology. Then, using a Garmin GPS unit, participants will learn the basics of how to use the receiver. Their skills will be put to the test on a small, outdoor practice course before tackling Eagle Bluff’s “Murder Mystery Course.” In this activity, students will navigate through the woods in search of hidden caches to solve the mystery of who killed Marvin the Mouse.
Group Challenges
Challenges come in an infinite number of shapes and forms. Participants will utilize the skills of communication, cooperation, trust, and problem-solving while facing a variety of team-building challenges. The skills practiced during this class are building blocks for success. Working on group dynamics provides benefits and advantages in school, work, and relationships with others.
Ice Age
Travel back 12,000 years to a time when the Earth was cooler. Glaciers covered the land, mammoths walked amongst saber-toothed cats and nomadic humans used their resourceful minds for survival. Students will utilize simple machines and use teamwork to survive in a Pleistocene environment.
Karst Geology
Using chemical and physical tests students will gain an understanding of the geologic makeup of a karst landscape while visiting the karst features of Eagle Bluff. Students will use this understanding to evaluate local, real life environmental issues and how human activities impact our karst landscape.
Oneota
Travel back in time hundreds of years to discover what life may have been like for the Oneota, a pre-contact culture who once inhabited the upper Midwest. Participants will visit a replicated dwelling site where they will grind corn for bread, make fire by friction, play games and other activities.
Settler Life
Minnesota’s rich cultural history comes to life as students learn about the settler colonists’ lives in Minnesota in the 1850s. Sawing logs, starting a fire with flint and steel, wheat threshing, and making soda bread are just some of the activities participants will sample at a recreated pioneer homestead.
Pond Study
To the pond! In this hands-on, boots-in class participants will spend time catching and observing a variety of aquatic organisms. We’ll head back to the classroom to observe our catch up close to learn how their anatomy allows for survival in an aquatic habitat. Finally, we’ll discuss how changes to their environment could impact their ability to survive.
River Canoeing
Paddle the Root River! Trained instructors will prepare novice paddlers for this adventure as they navigate 3.5 miles of the scenic waters of the Root River. Understanding the equipment, reading the river and its hazards, executing basic river paddling strokes, and following safety precautions will be essential as participants paddle through both slow and fast-moving water.
Rock Climbing
The climbing wall is a venue that promotes personal growth, pride, and self-confidence. Participants will learn the fundamentals of rock climbing while they attempt to meet a climbing goal, challenge themselves, and face individual fears in a safe and controlled indoor environment.
Root River Hike
Looking for a class that gets your group comfortable and engaged with nature? Root River Hike is a great choice for groups of all ages and experience levels. Participants craft their group’s experience in the classroom before heading out by choosing: the length of the hike, scenic locations, and activities (artistic, active, explorative, reflective, etc.). Participants will explore and hike in Southeastern MN’s unique driftless landscape surrounded by majestic limestone bluffs, and the meandering Root River. By the end of class, participants will have made memorable connections with the natural world and their classmates.
Snowshoeing
Step into the shoes of one of humankind’s oldest inventions. Participants will understand the important role snowshoes have played throughout history, from 3800 B.C.E. to today. Understanding how to fit snowshoes correctly, dressing properly, and learning a few basic skills is just the beginning as students enjoy a frosty hike around Eagle Bluff’s campus. Each hike includes a Naturalist’s Choice element (determined by weather conditions, grade level, and previous experience).
Stream Lab
Participants will journey to the banks of the spring-fed Root River. Time is spent at the river taking physical measurements and performing chemical tests to help determine the river’s water quality.
Trees and (Dichotomous) Keys
There are 1,800 plant species in Minnesota and approximately 40 native tree species, which can seem overwhelming to learn at first. By working with a team, participants will learn to use a dichotomous key to identify distinguishing characteristics of some of Eagle Bluff’s trees and discover the many uses people have for trees.
Tree Tops High Ropes Course
This confidence building experience promotes personal growth and strengthens group bonds as participants maneuver 30 feet in the air through a series of towers connected by various cables, ropes, and log events. The course itself presents a safe atmosphere that encourages participants to recognize and confront their fears. Experiencing success on the course is a powerful experience with a lasting effect.
Wildlife Ecology
Students will investigate the dynamics of wildlife populations and their habitats. Through interactive demonstrations and explorations, students will learn about components of habitat, limiting factors, and biodiversity and see examples of these concepts at work in surrounding natural areas.
Winter Survival
Participants are placed in an imaginary survival situation to develop wilderness skills and understand the need for teamwork and a positive mental attitude for survival. Students will test their survival competence by prioritizing a list of supplies, constructing a shelter, building a fire, conserving limited resources, and guarding against the elements. Are you a survivor?
Naturalist Programs
From 6:30-7:30 p.m. each evening, students can delve deeper into nature topics or history through stories, slide shows, or character presentations presented by the Eagle Bluff staff. Naturalist programs are unlike day-classes; they are designed to help students wind-down after an exciting day, they may include other schools, and are presented to groups of up to 250 people. Due to staff availability, we will choose programs for your group based on your students’ ages. You may rank your naturalist program preferences on your scheduling form, but our ability to accommodate requests may be limited.
- Backwoods Buttercup
- A humorous local character visits and shares knowledge of local natural history and animal adaptations. This program is designed to highlight general environmental concepts.
- Invasive Species
- Exotic plants and animals are taking over where they don’t belong. Learn about the harm they cause and if anything can be done to stop them! Live animal program.
- Legends in the Sky
- The constellations we see in the night sky have fascinated people for thousands of years. Connections to Greek and Roman mythology as well as Native American stories and beliefs are presented through storytelling.
- RaptorCARE
- Our staff is responsible for the care and training of four raptors, and it takes a team of people and hours of practice to do so effectively. Learn the techniques used to train birds while observing them in action with one of our live birds of prey. Live animal program.
- RaptorFORCE
- Humans and raptors have long history of working together. Falconry, cultural relationships, superstitions, and human disturbances are topics which will be explore during this program which will feature one of our raptors. Live animal program.
- RaptorPHYSICS
- How does flight actually happen? We will explore the physics behind flight through by using science demonstrations. The culminating experience will be viewing one of our birds of prey to discuss flight adaptations specific to that species. Live animal program.
- Reptiles
- Often misunderstood, reptiles can evoke strong emotions. With the help of a live reptile, students will learn about Minnesota reptiles, conservation efforts, intriguing facts, and reptile’s amazing adaptations. Live animal program.
- Spiders, Ticks, & Mosquitos
- We love the outdoors but hate these critters. What good are they anyway? Learn about their role in nature and the best ways to avoid bug bites, diseases, and more. Live animal program.
- STARLAB
- Eagle Bluff has our very own planetarium! Students will learn how our view of the constellations change with the seasons and some of the stories associated with constellations. Due to space limitations within the STARLAB, this program is only available to 60 students each night.
- Timber Rattler
- Bluff rattler, Ol’ Velvet Tail, or timber rattlesnake; no matter what you call it, the timber rattler is one of the most unique and specialized animals in southeastern Minnesota. Students will learn about timber rattlesnake adaptations, yearly cycle, behavior, and conservation management. Live animal program.
- Unhuggables
- Some native Minnesota critters such as skunks, opossums, snakes, and raccoons are considered by many to be ugly, dangerous, or a nuisance. This program reveals the important role played by these “unhuggables” in our natural world. Live animal program.
Evening Activities
Evening Activities are led by your school staff or chaperones from 7:30-9:00 p.m. Please download your activity’s lesson plan from below and ensure that the adults leading the activities have a copy of the lesson plans in advance. Your Eagle Bluff liaison will have your supplies available, set-up the classroom, and assist with directions and answer questions prior to the start of the evening activity. They are designed to be flexible and meet a variety of your needs.
- Campfire
- Eagle Bluff Olympics
- Movie
- Finish the day by winding down with a movie. You can choose to bring your own or pick from our selection of nature-related movies such as Planet Earth, Blue Planet, Mysteries of the Driftless, Wall-E, etc.
- Night Hike
- Owl Pellets
- Project Teamwork
- S.T.E.A.M. Challenges
- This activity features Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math activities which will have students working together in groups to accomplish fun challenges.
- Full Lesson Plan
- Yard Games
- Your Choice
- Many schools create and present their own programs. Fill your evening time in any way you feel is appropriate. Square dancing, journaling, and knot tying are some examples.
- Teacher Manual
- The teacher manual include tips for helping with journals, as well as keys for crossword puzzles and word finds.
- Teacher’s Manual
- General Student Pages
- Class-Specific Pages
- Evening Activity Pages
- Naturalist Program Page
- A journal page designed for use with any Naturalist Program (there are no program-specific pages.) You will need one page per night you are at Eagle Bluff.
- Naturalist Program