The aquatic ecosystems class gives students a better understanding of the various relationships within an aquatic stream ecosystem. Hands-on exploration and study of Alum Creek will further knowledge and understanding of the intricate balance between living organisms and their habitat.

Back to Top

The Birds class is designed to introduce students to the many species of birds in the area and how to identify them both visually and audibly. After discovering bird body design and purpose in nature, students will venture out to the wooded bird blind to observe native species first hand.

An interactive hike through the forest will make the subject of ecosystems come to life as the students gain a better understanding of the definition of an ecosystem and the important relationships within. Our primary focus will be the forest ecosystem, as students discover the vital interdependence in nature right before their own eyes.

The Reptiles and Amphibians class is designed to increase the student’s knowledge and appreciation for both native and exotic reptiles and amphibians. Students will have the opportunity to participate in a discussion about the characteristics of reptiles and amphibians and then have a chance to hold many of the animals.

Students will become acquainted with several indigenous mammal species through hands-on discovery. We will primarily use mammal skins, skulls, teeth and bones to teach about specific characteristics. New vocabulary words will be introduced to describe specific behavior and habitat. Students will also have the chance to hold a few examples of live, tame mammals from our Nature Center.

Many students observe animal tracks in the mud and snow but may not truly understand what these tracks can tell us and the wealth of information they hold. We will take a hike through the forest to discover just what it takes to be an excellent tracker. Students will learn the process for tracking an animal as well as identify tracks of indigenous animals in the area.

Most students can visually identify a fish, but many do not know the basic characteristics of these unique animals. This class is designed to help students learn more about fish through discussion and hands on experience.

Discover unusual and unexpected edible plants as we hike through the woods for this class. Nature is our “grocery store” as students learn to identify and safely sample native wild edible plants growing in and around our woods and fields.

Trees are one of our greatest resources and come in an endless variety of shapes and sizes. Students often overlook the many different kinds of trees that grow in their area. On our interactive hike through the woods, students will begin to discover the structure of trees, the important resources they provide, and the necessary respect and conservation of our leafy friends. We will also use specific tools to take core samples and determine diameter and wood volume. Some of the main topics discussed are: importance, uses, tree parts and function, transpiration, identification and ecological succession.

The Geology class will teach the students how to identify rocks in three geological classifications through a visual and hands-on Rock Cycle explanation. Students will also experience an introduction to mineral testing and discover characteristics of minerals through hands-on activities. A specimen table will provide actual examples of rocks and minerals the students might find not only here in Ohio but throughout the world.

To give the students a general understanding of the people and cultures native to the Ohio region. The students will learn about the tribes and how they interacted with one another as well as their interaction with the Europeans. They will also learn and experience elements of the day to day lives of Native Americans, such as native dress, native tools, and native games.

Students will gain a better understanding of historical life in Ohio by participating in a late 1700s reenactment. Time period clothing and a log cabin village set the stage as our staff reenacts specific events in character roles. Students will interact and participate in history through everyday events and occurrences such as building log cabins and other structures, make and use wooden tools, mine ore & forge metal with a blacksmith, tan mammal pelts, smoke-preserve meats, prepare and preserve fruits and vegetables, mill grains, cook and sample food prepared over open fires, make crafts such as candles and rope belts, make and sample butter, enjoy and experience games of the colonies and native Americans, watch black powder demonstrations, and throw tomahawks. This participatory exercise will impress the historic perspective of life lived by real people in early Ohio.

The Construction Zone class helps students develop teamwork and cooperation skills while building a giant “Tinker toy” like structure. In this exercise many students will be assigned various physical handicaps that they must learn to overcome. We emphasize positive communication with one another as the cooperative group overcomes many physical and psychological obstacles. Our facilitators vary in the use of these obstacles in order to enhance the personal experience for each student and the group as a whole.

This energetic class was designed to use cooperative games and activities to help students develop teamwork, communication, cooperation, and problem solving skills. Creative thinking and teamwork go hand in hand as students complete the fun, energizing challenges. It is our hope that this class will encourage students to begin building a basis of trust and unity between one another.

Located at our outdoor Team Challenge Course, these fun and interactive low rope initiatives continue to promote an unforgettable experience that develops teamwork, cooperation, coordination, and motor skills. Students will travel through the wooded course with a Heartland instructor in groups of approximately seven to thirteen students while working together to complete the given tasks.

The Wilderness Survival class will give students hands-on experience in dealing with survival situations. Students will practice building and igniting a fire, making a shelter, finding suitable drinking water and food, and signaling.

Step into our wooded target range where students will receive a basic introduction to the sport of archery. Under careful supervision, students will learn form and shooting techniques while trying their hand at target practice.

The Orienteering Class introduces students to the purpose, parts, and proper use of a compass. The class also provides practical experience on how to navigate with or without maps and charts. Students will have the opportunity to use a compass on a course to further their understanding of orienteering.

As a class, students will learn of four different poetry styles used when writing about nature which include: Diamonte, Cinquain, Haiku, and Impressionistic. We will cover the structure of these poems, write an example together, and then venture outside to have the students create their very own poems while immersed in and inspired by the nature around them.

Can you smell better with your eyes closed? Or is your sense of tasted affected if you cannot see or feel? Sensational Forest involves a variety of discovery activities that use the body’s five senses to answer some of these questions. In every activity, at least one sense is eliminated, encouraging the students to rely on the remaining senses.

This class is recommended for schools that have chosen Skit Night as an evening activity. Cabin groups will be given guidelines for the skits they plan to present that night. They will have time to practice and have their skit reviewed by a staff member during the class.

Watch your students “climb to new heights” as they challenge themselves on our multi-level climbing wall. Located indoor, this class is offered all year round with one-on-one instruction from our trained and experienced staff members. Climbers of all levels, from beginners to the more advanced will enjoy the thrill of the climb!

Join in the fun as your students use bright, vivid colors to create their own masterpiece t-shirts! Our experienced staff will guide the students through a series of twists and turns that, in the end, will produce uniquely tie-dyed t-shirts. Complete with our Heartland Outdoor Environmental School Logo, the shirts come preshrunk and are available in adult sizes S-XXL.

*Additional charge of $5.00 per student.