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.
Read MoreAges 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.
Read MoreAges 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.
Read MoreAges 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.
Read MoreAges 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
Read MorePee Wee • Ages 5-7
daVinci students will explore a range of interconnections among science and the arts. Kids will observe, sketch, design, build and express themselves using a range of tools, materials, media and song. With a focus on nature, topics are straight forward and students learn primarily through play.
Read MoreAges 8-12 - CLASS FULL
Spend a week exploring the Sun Foundation’s natural spaces and the living things that build healthy ecosystems! In addition to plenty of hiking and science-based field activities, we’ll also build a mini museum collection of our favorite findings and research how they contribute to our environment.
Read MoreAges 10+ - CLASS FULL
We will explore the Sun Foundation property, looking for native reptiles and amphibians. We will show you how to find and identify animals. We will discuss what they eat and how to take care of them. You’ll get to catch, touch and hold them. Plan to get hot, wet and dirty! Please make sure to wear clothes that are appropriate.
Class will be an all day major on Wednesday.
Read MoreAges 8+
Uncover clues to Earth’s history. Check out how water has formed our Earth and has changed the landscape. We will explore the creek beds along the property to check out what glaciers have done to our home long before we were alive. When we aren’t working up a sweat looking for fossils and rocks; we will be talking about a much cooler subject, the Ice-Age.
Read MorePee Wee • Ages 5-7 - CLASS FULL
This class is an introduction to the Sun Foundation. Children will develop an appreciation for nature’s beauty and an understanding of their connection with the environment. Students will complete many fun art projects learn about nature, hike play games, visit the marsh and look for fossils in the dry creek bed.
Read MoreAges 8-12
This class provides an introduction to a fascinating world that cannot be seen with the naked eye. Children will learn how to use several different types of microscopes. They will learn to sample, identify, and develop microscopy skills while studying the samples brought back from different sites.
Read MorePee Wee • Ages 5-7 - CLASS FULL
Children will spend their week finding and making rhythms as we explore the Sun Foundation. We will learn about the forest, marsh and creek environments and practice science skills like observing, classifying and communicating. We might even get wet and messy as we create art based on the discoveries we make! Stories, music, rhythm and DRUMS will all play an important part in our week.
Read MoreAges 10+ - CLASS FULL
Rocketeers will build rockets made of common household materials. They will learn basic equations of rocket thrust, stability and trajectory. Then they will launch their rockets and evaluate the performance.
Read MorePee Wee • Ages 5–7
The youngest among us often notice the WONDER-full details of the natural world. This major is for those who love to make amazing discoveries right before their eyes! Join us as we explore the forest, marsh, grassland and creek. We’ll draw big inspiration from small wonders, like a caterpillar’s stripes or water flowing over pebbles – to sketch, paint and sculpt artistic treasures. There’ll be lots of games too. Come play and create with us!
Read MoreAges 8-14 - CLASS FULL
Fish, Birds, Bugs Bones & Boulders! Every day is an adventure! Spend Monday with John James Audubon catching, drawing and banding migrating birds. Tuesday we will meet Charles Darwin and catch bugs, explore geology and evolution. Wednesday is a day of fishing with Louis Agassiz. Thursday we will track animals, learn medicinal herbs, play Native Games and eat wild plants with Meriwether Lewis. Friday we will put it all together publishing our findings in an instant book that celebrates the wild life of the Sun Foundation!
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