Eagle Bluff

Environmental Learning Center

Outdoor School

Classes and Curriculum

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.

Quick links:

Day Classes | Naturalist Programs | Evening Activities | Trip Journal

Day Classes

Each of our classes is hands-on and uses the outdoors as our classroom. Our instructors make each class unique and get to know each student by name!

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.
  • 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.

Trip Journal