Minor Courses Alphabetically
Monday through Thursday afternoon classes are called Minors; a chance to do something different each day with different students about topics that interest you.
When registering you will choose ten (10) Minors, ranked in order of preference. Consider your top choices before beginning the registration process.
Participants will be placed in classes with students of similar ages. Age limits may be adapted as enrollment progresses. Pee Wee students must have completed kindergarten by June, 2023. Class sizes are limited in space and fill quickly. We encourage early registration.
Ages 7-11 - CLASS CANCELLED
Every Bird needs to eat and each bird’s beak gives us a clue about what it eats. In this class, students will learn how different birds use their beaks to gather and eat their food. Students will have the opportunity to both learn about different types of birds and use hands-on experiments to find out just how difficult it is to get certain types of food.
Ages 10+ - CLASS FULL
Kids race through challenges in teams of two—challenges include the monkey bridge, zip line, alligator pit, jungle swing and mud mountain—and trying to beat their own best time. Students will get very dirty and must wear secure closed toed shoes.
Ages 7+ - CLASS FULL
Come and see why clay has been an honored art form for thousands of years! Students will have time for both group projects as well as free expression time. We will use special clay that will allow you to take your masterpieces home the same day you create them! Bring a box to transport your treasures!
Ages 8+
Check out what makes a creepy crawler. See, touch and learn about reptiles and amphibians.
Ages 8+
We will search out insects found at the Sun Foundation neighborhood and learn about their life stories. We will learn how to identify insects and will learn a bit how they experience the world. We will focus on specific group of insects (those of interest to the class - such as beetles or aquatic insects). The content of each class will differ each day because of this.
Ages 7+ (Will be assigned with kids of similar ages)
Rocketeers will assemble and launch rockets from ready-made kits. They will learn how careful assembly procedures and safety practices lead to successful rocket flights.
Ages 10+
Students will learn the basic stitches to begin a project (called casting on), knitting, purling, and the technique to end a project (called casting off). Students will be able to take their needles and yarn home with them and a quick project to keep. Students will also get instructions to make simple fingerless gloves, a simple hat, and a simple scarf.
We are offering adults the opportunity to join in with the kids on this afternoon class for $25.00. Adults can register here.
Ages 7+ (Will be assigned with students of similar ages)
Dr. Katy Everett & Janie Backs
Students will move, breathe, connect and create together in the forest and prairie. We will mindfully move through postures, games and crafts with an awareness of our breath. Students will practice fun yoga shapes and stretches, name and feel emotions, connect with the forest around them, learn breathing techniques for focus and relaxation, create collages with forest items around them, and build body awareness. Through this course, kiddos of any age will gain a more profound sense of self-awareness, social awareness, decision making, relationship skill, and the ability to recognize and manage emotions
Ages 7-11
You will learn how the monarch transforms through its various stages. Using photos and (hopefully) real live caterpillars, butterflies and everything in between – you will see examples of all evolutions as they grow from a tiny egg to a beautiful butterfly. You’ll learn so many things like: - how to Identify milkweed plants (the ONLY things monarchs eat as caterpillars) – how to find and identify the eggs and tiny caterpillars – how to tell male from female butterflies – and why their tongue is a long curly straw. You will also learn how to draw them, which will reinforce and help you remember everything you learn about these amazing creatures.
Ages 8+ - CLASS FULL
Native arts, stories and wisdom in the woods. Find your Warrior spirit while sharing arts, songs and stories of the first nations.
Ages 7-11 - CLASS FULL
Discover the wild with Nature Ninjas! Spend the afternoon in the woods learning camouflage hiding, nature observation and awareness activities. It’s an adventure that sparks a deeper connection to nature. Join us as we unveil the mysteries of the forest and ignite the spirit of Nature Ninjas within
Ages 7+
A few hundred years ago, Illinois was covered mostly in expansive grassland habitats known as prairies. In this class, we’ll immerse ourselves in the Sun Foundation’s prairie and explore it’s science through hiking, activities and an animal encounter or two.
Ages 8+ (Will be assigned with students of similar ages)
We will scour the creek beds of the Sun Foundation looking for rocks and fossils and learn what they tell us about Earth’s history
Ages 7+ - CLASS FULL
Observe and work from live fish, frogs, turtles, and snakes in aquariums. Also available to work from will be feathers, butterfly wings, bones, shells, rocks, interesting branches, leaves and flowers. We will explore these forms on paper using a variety of drawing materials and watercolor studying the beautiful colors, textures and details they contain. Students will also have a chance to create some of these forms in self-hardening clay.
Ages 10+
Students will spend the afternoon learning the basic skills of IMPROV1. From creating strong characters to telling short stories, we will have fun doing exercises and playing games to help become strong improvisational performers.