Programs - Outreach
Upham Woods is now bringing its interactive environmental education
programs into classrooms, meeting rooms, and other public venues
throughout southern Wisconsin! Many of our programs transfer excellently
to off site locations.
How do I schedule a program at my school?
To schedule an outreach program for your class or for more information
contact Chuck Cropp, Upham Woods Outreach Educator, via email or telephone at (608) 254-6461, ext. 209.
About Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center
Upham Woods is located on the scenic waterway of the Wisconsin River
in Wisconsin Dells. It is operated through the University of Wisconsin-Extension
Service and the Department of Youth Development. Throughout the fall,
winter, and spring months, many schools, scouting groups, and youth
groups attend Upham Woods to participate in residential environmental
education programs. During the summer months, Upham Woods is home
to county-based 4-H camp programs. Public programs and open houses
are also held year round at Upham Woods.
Upham Woods 4-H Environmental Education Center also offers
its interactive environmental educational programming in local schools, community centers or anywhere youth meet. This
option allows school groups, scouts, 4-H or church groups who may not have the means to attend a full day
or overnight program at Upham Woods, access to the center's exceptional curriculum
and teaching staff.
How much does the outreach program cost?
Upham Woods 4-H Environmental Education Center staff will travel to your classroom
and teach any of the following programs. All programs are one hour in length and geared for 10-30 students, with the exception of Radical Raptors, which can be presented to any size audience. The cost is $3/student plus mileage ($0.50/mile).
There is a $50 minimum for each visit..
The following outreach programs are available:
Animal Signs
Students will learn about seven categories of animal signs, what can be interpreted
by each sign, and how sign interpretation can help solve the mystery of what
animal left the signs behind. Upham Woods staff will bring a variety of animal
pelts, tracks, homes, and other animal signs to your classroom. A portion
of the class can be spent outside looking for animal signs. Grades: 1st -
6th
Bats!
Through exploration of cultural myths surrounding bats, interactive games,
and a slide show, students will be introduced to the fascinating world of
bats. Emphasis will be placed on bat adaptations and bat-human interactions.
Grades 3rd -7th
Beaver Ecology
With the help of "Alvin" our stuffed beaver, students will learn
about the physical and behavior adaptations of beavers during a dress-up activity.
Students will learn about the beaver life cycle through a beaver family role
play, and explore how beaver behavior affects the lives of other plants and
animals in the ecosystem through a "Beaver On Trial" simulation.
Grades 2nd -7th
Discovering Owls
Through the use of a slide show, audio aids, and hands-on examples, students
will discover the unique adaptations of owls, learn about Wisconsin's native
owls, and explore the composition of owl pellets. Students will also dissect
and keep an owl pellet. *Because of the additional cost of owl pellets. Grades: 2nd -7th
Radical Raptors
Students will learn about types of raptors, raptor adaptations, and human-raptor
interactions through a presentation including two live raptors. "Beauty," our
red-tail hawk and "Stella," our barred owl will be introduced during
the program. Both raptors are housed at Upham Woods and have injuries that
prevent them from reentering the wild. Grades: 1st - 7th
Scales, Scutes, & Skins
This program will help students learn general adaptations of reptiles and amphibians
through comparison activities. Upham Woods staff will bring a variety or
reptiles and amphibians to your classroom. Students will have the opportunity
to have hands-on contact with live specimens, which may include a corn snake,
garter snake, eastern tiger salamander, painted turtle, and american toad.
Grades: K-7th
Garbology
This program provides students with an opportunity to learn about recycling,
reducing, and reusing by participating in hands on activities. Students will
compete in a recycling relay as well as construct a compost bin. Recycled
papermaking is an optional activity of this program. Grades: 4th - 7th
French Voyageur Program
Meet Jacque the French voyageur (in full voyageur dress) as he makes an unexpected
visit to your classroom. Students will learn about the web of cultures that
made the fur trade possible and the role that each culture played as trappers,
traders, and travelers. Voyageur era games will be played at the end of the
program. Grades: 2nd - 6th
Tree Detectives
Students will become "tree detectives" to solve the mystery of a
tree. Students will learn about how tree parts function together to make a
tree grow and live. Corresponding craft activities are made by the students
to complete their tree detective vests. Students will be able to take their
tree detective vests home with them. Grades: K-3rd
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