*NPS Photo by Ivie Metzen Citizen science projects combine useful observation or data collection with an opportunity for students to learn more about scientific principles, problems, and processes as well as helping them better understand our environment and how to protect it. Citizen science projects involve students in data collection, presentation, and involvement on a … Read moreCitizen Science
There are many issues involved when we are deciding how to utilize the land and our natural resources. How do we decide where to build new housing developments? How do we decide where to set aside land for wildlife and recreation? Figuring out how best to use the resources that we have for the greatest … Read moreTo Zone or Not to Zone
Thundersnow in December? Snow in May? Do strange weather phenomena ever leave you wondering about the weather? We do too! Let’s explore weather this week! Start by having students share what they know about weather. Make a list or chart to track what students already know. Lead into a discussion about what students want to … Read moreWild Weather
A human community is a group of people who live and interact with one another in a specific region under relatively similar environmental, social, and political conditions. A natural community is a group of plants and animals that live and interact with one another in a specific region under similar environmental conditions. Our human communities … Read moreUsing Local History in Your Classroom
Bat week is an annual international celebration of the role of bats in nature. This year’s bat week is October 24-31. Step outside around dusk and take a few moments to look for bats in your neighborhood. Iowa is home to nine bat species: little brown bat, big brown bat, red bat, hoary bat, silver-haired … Read moreHappy Bat Week!
Take a peek into Iowa’s prehistoric past with these “living fossils” that still exist in Iowa today. Paddlefish This fish is older than the dinosaurs – for real. Fossil records show paddlefish have been around for more than 300 million years – that’s about 50 million years before the first dinosaurs appeared. Not only has … Read moreIowa’s Land Before Time: Prehistoric Species Live On
What is a “flood”? A flood is an overflow of water that submerges land which is normally dry. Floods occur when there is more water in a river, lake, or stream than the body of water can hold. The excess water then floods onto the land. Floods occur frequently when there is excess rain and … Read moreFlooding
What is Pollination? Pollination is the process where plants receive pollen from other plants of the same species so they can reproduce and form seeds. Many plants are pollinated by animals, and most of the animal pollinators are insects. The relationship between plants and their insect pollinators is beneficial to both the plant and the … Read moreHelping our Native Pollinators
All the wet weather this May is making conditions perfect for fungus! These pictures feature Xylaria polymorpha which is commonly known as Dead Man’s Fingers. What a fun name and perfect if anyone is starting to get into the Halloween spirit a little bit early! The scientific name helps us understand a little more about … Read moreFungus Among Us
It is that magical time of year again when baby wildlife are born and hatched. We often stumble upon these cute critters when we are outside enjoying nature. If you find baby wildlife, they should be observed only and not handled or “rescued.” They may appear to be alone, but you can rest assured that … Read moreKeep Wildlife Wild
Keep your students active this spring with these fun spring themed games. Robin’s Egg Select one student to be the robin. Have the robin sit with his/her back to the other students, at least ten feet away. Place a plastic egg behind the robin. The robin needs to protect the egg. The remaining students take … Read moreSpring Themed Nature Games
Learn more about Iowa invasive species as we celebrate National Invasive Species Awareness Week, February 26 – March 2, 2018. What are invasive species? Invasive species are species of organism that are not native to an ecosystem and which cause harm. Invasive species generally grow and reproduce quickly, and spread aggressively with the potential to … Read moreNational Invasive Species Awareness Week