All of our programs are designed to run between 45 and 90 minutes, with the exception of Ravine Education and Ecosystems which can be adaped for extended field trips lasting 2 to 4 hours
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Animal Classifications (H) (S) (R)
Explore animal classifications through hands-on props and engaging discussion. Optional onsite hike adds real-world observation to this interactive learning experience.
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Animal Tracks & Signs (H) (S) (R)
Become nature detectives as you learn to identify animal tracks and signs through hands-on props, engaging discussion, and onsite exploration. Perfect for building observation skills and wildlife awareness.
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Earth Magic (H)
Discover the magic of the season through fun, barrier-breaking activities. Use some very important tools…your senses…to explore the natural world. Activities focus on listening, smelling, looking, and touching.
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Ecosystems (H) (R) 2-4 hours
Choose one ecosystem to study: forest, prairie, or Lake Michigan. Core topics include defining ecosystems, interdependence, food chains/webs, and adaptations. Additional options may include dichotomous keys, soil or water testing, microscopes, decomposition, camouflage, migration, journaling, and more.
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Exploring Weather (H) (S) (R)
Conduct a hands-on, outdoor experiments to unravel a few of weather’s secrets. Using scientific instruments, students will observe, measure, and record weather data to determine the forecast.
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Growing Up Flowers (H) (S)
Investigate what plants need to grow. Beginning as a seed, students will take an active roll growing up flowers and develop an understanding of their basic needs and body structures. Students will also have the opportunity to plant individual seeds to grow at school or take home!
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Habitat (H) (R)
By using clues to solve riddles, participants discover the four basic components of all habitats and how they are important to the survival of living things. This activity identifies water, shelter, food, and space as the components of the habitat and illustrates how they work together as a system.
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Honey Bees (H) (S)
Visit Heller’s apiary to take a glimpse into the life of honey bees. Where does honey come from? What does it taste like? How do bees live? These questions and more are answered as they get an up close look inside Heller’s beehives.
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Illinois Geology (S) (R)
Travel through time to explore Illinois’ geological eras and uncover how rocks, minerals, and fossils tell the story. Students will observe, test, and identify sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks like true geologists.
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Insects (H) (S) (R)
Insects are an amazing class of animals, loaded with fascinating adaptations. What makes an insect an insect? What is metamorphosis? How do they protect themselves? Students will use nets to catch and release insects for a close-up view of the incredible diversity.
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Interactive Hike (H) (R)
An educational hike to explore nature through hands-on activities and observation, perfect for school groups to learn and have fun outdoors!
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Maple Syrup Harvest (H)
Visit a maple grove to tap trees, collect sap, and make syrup. Identify sugar maples, learn how trees create sap, and enjoy a sweet sample. This program may also be offered at Sunset Park in Highland Park.
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Plantastic (H) (S)
Discover internal and external functions of plant components, how plants work together as a system, and adaptations that help them survive. Participate in an interactive hike learning about plants’ need for survival, dissect flowers, and use microscopes to explore their findings.
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Pond Study (D)
Explore an underwater habitat teeming with life. Using nets, students will collect aquatic invertebrates, from dragonfly nymphs to bullfrog tadpoles, and then use microscopes to observe their fascinating diversity up close.
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Ravine Ed (R) 90-120 minutes
Explore one of our most important and unique ecosystem, the ravines. Each season brings a new learning experience. Learn about ravine geology, fish habitat, macro invertebrates, or water quality. Students will use scientific tools to collect and record data and their findings regarding the chosen topic.
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Rocks Rock (H) (S) (R)
Become a geologist and learn about rocks and minerals. Students have the chance to investigate rocks and minerals, record observations and formulate predications if rocks sink or float.
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Sun, Seeds and Salad (H) (S)
Search for roots, stems, leaves, flowers and seeds. Discover a plant’s four basic needs of life and stop at the garden to snack on roots, stems, and flowers. Then plant your very own seeds to take home.
Middle and High School
Rooted in the NGSS, our hands-on programs use real-world data and creative problem-solving to spark curiosity, build scientific skills, and inspire environmental stewardship.
Reach out to learn more about field trip topics including:
- Biodiversity and ecology dynamics
- Watershed study
- Seasonal changes in phenology and the effects of climate change
- Native vs. Invasive species management and/or adaptations
- BioBlitz and citizen science collection
prepare your class for their outdoor learning experience
- Dress appropriately. Long pants, sturdy shoes, and socks are necessities for students and adults. No sandals please. Boots, warm clothing and rain gear may be appropriate depending on the weather and/or program.
- Students are coming to Heller to learn. Applied outdoor learning is fun, but following directions and listening are essential. Teachers are responsible for discipline.
- All adults are expected to fully participate in the program!
Registration Information
Reservations are required for all group programs. We suggest that you book all of your programs for the entire school year as early as possible as the schedule fills quickly. To schedule your experience call Heller Nature Center at 847.433.6901.
Arrival
It is important to be prompt. Due to the abundance of programs at Heller Nature Center it is difficult to extend program times for late arrivals.
Payment
Upon arrival, all schools are asked to check in at the front desk with the total number of students in attendance. Payment is necessary at the time of the program or will be billed and given 30 days for payment. Please note that no refunds are available for programs paid or overpaid in advance. Teachers and adult chaperones will not be charged as long as an 8:1 ratio is maintained.
Group Sizes and Fees
Program fees vary depending on program length and materials (See chart). There is a minimum charge of 15 students. Listed at the end of each program description are two, per-participant, fees. The first applies to Highland Park Schools; the second is for Out-of-District schools. Teachers and adult chaperones will not be charged as long as an 8:1 ratio is maintained.
Program Pricing
In-District
Out of District
Custom Program
Are you learning about something unique that is not on our list? Our creative teachers can develop a curricula that mirrors what you have been learning in your classroom providing real world examples, hands on experimentation or natural discovery. Call us and discuss what you’d like to see at 847.433.6901.
