Big Freeze: While we are snug in our heated homes, plants and animals are surviving outside in the cold and snow. Search for signs of life to discover the interesting (and sometimes seemingly strange) ways that plants and animals have adapted to endure the harsh conditions of a Minnesota winter. Conduct a winter weather experiment to determine which insulators and conditions are best effective for local animals surviving cold temperature. Offered December through February.


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Forest Ecology: Forests are constantly changing. Succession is defined as a pattern of change over time. In this class, students will investigate the successional changes in three forest types through forestry surveying techniques. Students will learn stages of succession, mechanisms which drive succession, and the impact of succession on the populations that utilize forests now and into the future. Offered March through November.


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Wildlife Ecology: Students will investigate the dynamic interrelationships of wildlife populations and their habitats. Through interactive demonstrations and explorations, students will learn about components of habitat, carrying capacity, limiting factors, and biodiversity, and then see examples of these concepts at work in surrounding natural areas. Offered all year.


Class Outline	Pre-Activity	Post-Activity	Journal Page