Day-Use Programs

Each class is 45-50 minutes in length and taught by qualified staff experienced in outdoor education. All classes have been approved by the Arizona Department of Education and specific curriculum standards for each class are available. General curriculum standards are noted below each class title.

Click here for Evening Programs and Overnight-Stay Information

S.S.  Social Studies

W.P.S.D  Work Place Skills Development

P.E.  Physical Education

ANCIENT ONES
Art, Science, S.S./ Grades K-6
Students will be provided a historical and hands-on look at Native American rock art. This class will emphasize the protection, preservation and history of artifacts. In addition, students will be given the opportunity to create their own petroglyphs.

AQUATIC LIFE
Science/Grades 2-12
In this course students will play the role of microbiologists. Students will discover aquatic communities and animals, and learn the difference between lakes and ponds as they examine living specimens under a microscope.

ARCHAEOLOGY I & II
Science, S.S./Grades 2-12
In Archaeology I students will be introduced to important archaeological concepts and terms such as chronology, context, inference, artifacts, and observation through participation in games of ancient times, and hands-on activities. Archaeology II is a sequel to Archaeology I and provides a hands-on excavation experience in a simulated Hohokam house site.

ARIZONA ROCKS!
History, Science/Grades 6-12
This geology course familiarizes students with rocks and minerals. Students will be exposed to crystals, gems, aggregates, and fossils indigenous to the area. This class introduces the rock cycle, mineral formation, methods of identification, and how these materials are used for industrial purposes.

BAT ATTITUDES
Science/Grades K-12
This creative class will invite students into the dark realm of bats. Students will examine the uniqueness, physiology, and adaptations of bats through presentation and simulated activities. This class is designed to dispel any misconceptions about these often misunderstood creatures.

BUGS
Science/Grades K-12
Come explore the most astonishing animals on earth, insects! Students will see how insects differ from other animals. Students will learn terminology such as endoskeleton and exoskeleton. After a classroom presentation, students will explore natural areas to locate and identify these creatures.

CACTIMENDOUS
Science/Grades 3-12
Students will study various species of cactus, examine them closely, and learn how to use a taxonomic key. Students will use the process of gathering information, interpreting data and thinking deductively.

CAST-AWAY KIDS
Science/Grades K-12
This informative class will instruct children on basic fishing knowledge and skills, and will promote awareness, appreciation and support for Arizona's recreational fishing opportunities. Participants get a look at Arizona's native and non-native fish species. Students will learn hands-on casting and rod handling skills.

DAY OF THE DINOSAUR

Science/Grades 2-6
Travel back in time to explore our ancient world.  Meet our state dinosaurs along the journey and learn what a paleontologist is.  Work together while building a prehistoric carnivore, and learn how paleontologists make mammoth discoveries.

DESERT SURVIVAL I & II
Science, S.S., W.P.S.D./ Grades K-12
In Desert Survival I (DS I), students will learn the basic skills of constructing a fire, building a shelter, and signaling for help. Desert Survival II (DS II) consists of group participation in a simulated exercise to apply skills learned in DS I. DS I and DS II are two separate classes.

EARTH ENERGY
Science/Grades 3-12
Discover what electricity is, and the many ways it is produced in this comprehensive class. Students will explore different types of renewable energy including solar, wind, and hydro through demonstrations and hands-on experiments

ECO-SYSTEMS
Science/Grades 2-6
Students will learn what is meant by the term ecosystem. This class will introduce the concepts of food chain, food pyramid, and the interdependence of all organisms and their environment. Activities in this class will teach students predator-prey relationships, balance of nature, and extinction.

EDIBLES
Science, S.S./Grades 4-12
While on a hike, students will be introduced to edible plants of the area. They will learn which plants should not be touched, how edible plants can be cooked, and how native people used these desert plants for medicinal purposes. This class is offered in early spring or fall.

HIKE
Science, S.S./Grades K-12
This class is designed as an interpretive and recreational hike. Students will learn geology, animal signs, plant names, history, and ecology along a designated trail. For grades K-2 this class will consist of a shorter hike that emphasizes the shapes, sounds, and colors of the desert.

IMPACT MONSTER
Science, S.S., W.P.S.D./ Grades 2-6
As an introduction to the principles of minimum impact and leave no trace, students will interact in a fun, role-playing skit known as Impact Monster. This exercise will allow students to discuss the positive and negative effects they have on their environment.

IN COLD BLOOD
Science/Grades K-12
This class offers a look into the world of reptiles and amphibians. After discussion on cold blooded animal adaptations and common desert species, students get to view creatures in a live reptile exhibit. Animal Curatorship presentations (in lieu of discussion) are available on MWF upon request.

IT'S A BIRD! IT'S A PLANE!
Science/Grades K-12
In grades 4-12, students explore the science of flight and the adaptations unique to birds that enable them to fly. Through comparative anatomy activities, students learn flight dynamics, wing and feather structure, and air foil design. Grades K-3 examine the many facets of birds: beak applications, body structure, and bird homes.

MAD MAP RELAY
S.S./Grades 5-12
In this class students will learn how to use a map and compass. Designed around a fun outdoor relay race, this hands-on exercise will help students communicate and work together. In addition, participants will use a map distance ledger, and apply basic orienteering skills.

MAMMALS
Science/Grades K-12
Students will learn how mammals use their physical characteristics for survival, and how they differ from other creatures. Students will examine mammal pelts, skulls, and tracks. Activities will be incorporated to assist students in remembering Arizona mammals.

MIND BOGGLE
P.E., W.P.S.D./Grades 3-12
In this class students will experience group dynamics and develop team-building skills such as communication, leadership, cooperation, and trust. Students will work together in fun, group activities to overcome challenging obstacles.

NATURE NOTES
Art/Grades 2-6
Throughout the ages right into todays creative endeavors, journals have been the working place of the worlds greatest thinkers, inventors, and artists. Students will create their own journals, and will be given the opportunity to write while observing nature.

PARK RANGER
W.P.S.D./Grades K-5
Students will learn the basic principles of park management. Course activities encourage students to think about this career field. They will learn techniques that solve problems in a parks environment. At the end of this course students become "Jr. Park Rangers," and receive an honorary badge.

STONES, HOOPS, AND STICKS
P.E., Science, S.S./ Grades 3-12
In this class students will actively participate in games developed by Native Americans. Students will learn how modern team sports such as basketball, soccer and baseball evolved from games of early America.

TRACKING
Science/Grades K-12
Students will use their senses to learn the science of animal tracking. The first part of this class will be an indoor discussion of animal signs and track identification. The second part will be held in the natural setting, and involve a simulated tracking hunt that will allow students to practice their newly learned tracking skills.

VENOMOUS CREATURES
Science/Grades 3-12
Scorpions, centipedes, gila monsters, and more. Learn about these mysterious sometimes frightening but beautiful desert friends, and what to do when encountered. Students explore how and when these creatures use their venom and differences between poison, venom, bite, and sting.

WEATHER OR NOT
Science/Grades 5-12
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the basics of weather and climate. Students will learn about the aspects of weather, including temperature, air pressure, winds and humidity, and the basic concepts of meteorology so they can understand how scientists predict weather.
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TESTIMONIALS
"Thank you so much for organizing a great field trip for us. The students loved the classes and claimed it the best field trip ever. The Earth energy class was especially good since it went right along with 6th grade science standards. Once again, thank you, and I look forward to next year."

Dana
6th grade science teacher