Nature
Discovering Dinosaurs
Children are fascinated by dinosaurs. Children will examine replicas of a dinosaur track, skull, egg, tooth and more. Learn the “dinosaur chant.” Story time is also available for younger children.
Who: P through 2nd grade. Can be adapted for older groups.
Time: 30 min. – 1 hour
SLS: 1BECb, 1CECb, 4AEC, 12AECa & b, 12BEC, 4AKa & b, 12AKa & b, 12CK, 16AKb, 2A, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 12B 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 16A, 1a.
Frog Music
Children will meet live amphibians, make a puppet and enjoy an interactive story while learning about frogs and toads.
Who: P through 3rd grade
Time: 1 hour
SLS: 4AEC, 9AEC, 11AECa, 12AECa, 12BEC, 19AECb, 11AKa, 12AKa, 12BK, 12CK, 12A, 1a, 1b, 2a, 12B, 1a 1b, 2a, 2b, 13B, 2e, 2f
The Un-loveables
This presentation focuses on animals that are not “cute” or “cuddly”. In fact, some of us might even say “YUK!”. Students will learn the truth about these misunderstood members of the animal world and the important role they play.
Who: P through 8th grade
Time: 30 min. – 1 hour
SLS: 4AEC, 9AEC, 11AECa, 12AECa, 12BEC, 11AKa, 12AKa, 12BK, 12CK, 12A, 1a,1b, 2a, 12B, 1a,1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4c, 5a, 16E, 1(w)
Whoo Goes There? Owls
Children will learn about the habits and habitats of native owls. A craft is available for younger students. For the older students, dissection of owl pellets is offered for an extra fee of $2.00/student. Note—no live owls.
Who: P through 12th grade
Time: 45 min. – 1 1/2 hours
SLS: 4AEC, 9AEC, 11AECa, 12AECa, 12BEC, 19AECb, 11AKa, 12AKa, 12BK, 12CK, 12A, 1a, 1b, 2a,
12B, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4c, 5a
The Buzz About Bees
Students will learn the important role bees play in our life - from making honey to pollinating food crops. The difference between bees and wasps will also be highlighted. Content adapted to the age group. For older groups, information on native bees and honey bee diseases will be included.
Who: P through college
Time: 30 min. – 1 hour
SLS: 1BECb, 1CECb, 4ACE, 5BEC, 5CEC, 6AECb, 11AECa, 12AECa, 12BEC, 12FEC, 13BECa, 31AECb, 5DK, 11AKa, 12BK, 12DKa, 12FK, 12A, 1b, 1a, 12B, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 5a, 5b, 15B, 2a, 2b, 15B, 4b, 16E, 3c(US), 4a(w), 16F, 5b(w)
Reptilian Roundup
Meet a real snake to find out what they are really like. Live turtles and snakes help students learn the true nature and value of these creatures.
May be adapted for various age groups.
Who: P through college
Time: 30 min. – 1 hour
SLS: 4AEC, 9AEC, 11AECa, 12AECa, 12BEC, 11AKa, 12AKa, 12BK, 12CK, 12A, 1a, 1b, 2a, 12B, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4c, 5a 16E, 1(w)
Forest, Forest, Where is the Forest?
Students participate in a skit to “build” a forest and then observe the effects as pioneers move in and cut the trees to build their community.
Who: K through 6th grade
Time: 30 – 45 min.
SLS: 12AKa & b, 12BK, 14AKb, 16AKb, 17CK, 17DK, 12EKb, 12B, 1a, 1b, 2a, 13B, 1d, 1e, 2d, 2e, 2f, 16E, 1(us), 2a(us), 2c(us), 3c(us), 3b(us)
Going Batty
Focusing on Illinois bats, children learn truth from myth about these fascinating mammals. A variety of activities will entertain and educate the students.
Note—no live bats.
Who: K through 12th grade
Time: 30 min. – 1 hour
SLS: 11AKa, 12AKa, 12BK, 12CK, 12A, 1a, 1b, 2a, 12B, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 13B, 2e, 2f
Illinois Mammals
Learn facts about the life histories of common and not so common Illinois mammals through examination of pelts, skulls, tracks and scat. Can be tied to Illinois history during the French fur trading era.
Who: K through 12th grade
Time: 45 min. – 1 hour
SLS: 11AKa, 12AKa, 12BK, 12CK, 12A, 2a, 2b, 3c, 12b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 13B, 2e, 2f, 3d, 3e, 16C, 3a, 4a, 16D, 2a, 3a, 3b, 16E, 2a(us), 2c(us), 3a(us), 2a(w), 4b(w), 17C, 2c, 5b
Symbols of Our State
A quick look at Illinois’ natural history through symbols which were chosen by school children to represent our state. Includes the state tree, bird, wildflower,mammal, insect, prairie grass, fish, amphibian, reptile, fossil and mineral.
Who: 1st through 6th grade
Time: 45 min. – 1 hour
SLS: 12A, 1a, 1b, 2a, 12B, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 16E, 1(us), 2a(us), 3b, 3c
Let's Rock
Learn the basics of rocks and minerals and their uses in our everyday life. Program also includes a look at fossils.
Who: 2nd through 12th grade
Time: 1 hour
SLS: 12E, 1a, 2a, 2b
A Trip Through Time - Geology of Illinois
Students will take an imaginary trip through time to explore the geologic history of Illinois. We will discover warm tropical seas, dark muddy swamps with giant insects and the ice age.
Who: 3rd through 12th grade
Time: 45 min. – 1 hour
SLS: 12E, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5
Wild and Wonderful Wolves
Are Little Red Riding Hood and The Three Little Pigs really presenting an accurate story? Learn about the history of wolves and how people view these animals today.
Who: 3rd through 12th grade
Time: 45 min. – 1 hour
SLS: 12A, 2a, 2b, 12B, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 5a, 5b, 13B, 2e, 2f, 3d, 3e, 17C, 2a, 5a, 5b, 18A, 2, 3, 4
Exploring the Universe
A slide presentation takes participants on a tour of the universe. Greek and Native American legends add to the program. Can be combined with stargazing to provide a highlight to this program. Projects or crafts are available.
Who: 3rd through college
Time: 1 – 1.5 hours
SLS: 12F, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 2c, 3b, 3c, 4a, 4b, 5a, 13A, 4c, 13B, 2b, 3b, 3c
History
Native American Sky Legends
The first people in North America had many legends about the beginning of their world. Students will enjoy this interactive storytelling session as they learn about American Indian traditions and the night sky.
Who: P through 5th grade
Time: 30 min. – 45 min.
SLS: 4AEC, 12AECb, 12FEC, 18AEC, 2EKa, 4AKa & b, 12FK, 16AKb, 17CK, 12F, 1b, 2c, 16A, 1a, 1c, 16E, 1(W), 2a(W), 4a(W), 18A, 2.
One Room School
What was school like in the 19th century? Learn about one-room schools, teachers’ duties, lessons, and student life with this interactive presentation.
Who: K through 5th grade
Time: 45 min. – 1 hour
SLS: 6AKa & b, 14AKb, 16AKb, 17DK, 16A, 1a, 1b, 1c, 16B, 1a(us), 1b(us), 16C, 1a(w), 4b(us), 16D, 2b(us), 2(w), 3a(us), 3b(us) 16E, 2b(us), 3b(us)
Playtimes Past
What kinds of toys did children have in the 1800s and what games did they play? Children will discover the fun of old fashioned pastimes during this interactive presentation.
Who: K through 5th grade
Time: 45 min. – 1 hour
SLS: 14Kb, 16AKb, 9AKa & d, 16A, 1a, 1b, 1c, 16D, 2(w), 3b(us), 18A, 1, 2, 3, 19A, 1, 2, 3, 19 B1, 2, 3, 19C, 1, 2, 3
Native American Life Ways
What was life like for the Native Americans who inhabited Illinois? What natural resources were available and how did they use them? Take a trip back to a different time and culture.
Who: K through 12th grade
Time: 45 min. – 1 hour
SLS: 15BK, 16AKb, 17CK, 17DK, 12B, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 15D, 1b, 2a, 15E, 4b, 16A, 1a, 1b, 1c, 16C, 1a(US), 1a(W), 1b(W), 3a(US), 3b(W), 3c(W), 4a(US), 4b(US), 16D, 2a(US), 2(W), 3(W), 4(W), 16E, 1(US)
Colonial Life - Miss Mary Mattie's "Pocket"
During the Colonial Period women wore “pockets” under their dresses. Enjoy this living history portrayal of “Miss Mary Mattie” and find out what is in her “pocket”. Everyone will enjoy this glimpse back to the time of the birth of our nation. Can be tied to a study of George Washington.
Who: Second through 12th grade
SLS: 16AKb, 16A, 1a,1c, 3c, 16B, 2a(us), 2b (us), 3a(us), 16C, 3a(us), 16D, 2b(us), 3a(us), 3b(us)
The French Connection - The French in Early Illinois
Students will learn about this often overlooked, but very interesting period of Illinois Colonial history. Clothing, artifacts and demonstrations will make history come alive as we explore the French relationship with Native Americans, French Colonial customs, occupations and life styles.
Who: 2nd through 12th grade
SLS: 16A, 1a, 1c, 3c, 4b, 5b, 16B, 1a(us), 3d(w), 16C, 1a(us), 1a(w), 1b(w), 1a(us), 3a(us) 4a(us), 16D, 2a(us), 2(w), 16E, 2c(us) 3a(us), 17A, 1b, 2b
Quilts Through The Years
Children learn the history of quilts and their importance in daily life through sample quilts and the stories they tell. Hands-on materials available for small groups. Can be adapted to other grade levels.
Who: 3rd through 6th grade
Time: 45 in. – 1 hour
SLS: 16D, 2b, 16D, 2(w), 18A, 2, 3
The Traveler's Trunk
What was it like to be a traveler in the old days of stage coaches and steam trains? Learn how to pack light and make do.
Who: 3rd through 12th grade
Time: 45 min. – 1 hour
SLS: 16A, 1a, 1b, 1c, 16B, 1a(us), 1b(us), 16C, 1a(w), 4b(us), 16D, 2b(us), 2(w), 3a(us), 3b(us), 16E, 2b(us), 3b(us)
Trappers and Traders
Who were the first Europeans to explore and exploit Central Illinois? What were they looking for and how did they interact with the people already living here?
Who: 3rd through 12th grade
Time: 1 hour
SLS: 12A, 2a, 3c, 12B, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 16B, 2d(us), 2a(w), 16C, 3a(us), 3b(w), 4a(us), 4b(us) 16D, 2a(us), 3a(us), 4(w), 16E, 2a(w), 4a(w)
Governor Oglesby Mansion
The Governor Oglesby Mansion offers special presentations for fifth grade classes in early May. This program includes information about the life of Governor Oglesby, his relationship with Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant, and historic Decatur, as well as a tour of the mansion. Special group tours can be arranged. The Mansion is open for public tours the last Sunday afternoon of each month from March through November. To make arrangements for a tour or special presentation call 217-429-9422. The Governor Oglesby Mansion, located at 421 W. William St. in Decatur, is owned by the Macon County Conservation District and operated by Governor Oglesby Mansion, Inc.
Macon County Conservation District
Your Place or Ours 
