Ages 7+
You’ll find out what reptiles and amphibians live on the Sun Foundation property. You will be able to see and touch many of the animals. You’ll find out what they eat and where you might find them. This is an introduction to herpetology. If weather permits, we’ll head to a pond to see some animals in their natural environment. Please wear appropriate clothes.
Read MoreAges 8+ (Will be assigned with kids of similar ages)
Mark DuBois and Na’im Salahuddin
Utilizing a discovery and inquiry-based approach to learning, this class reintroduces insects to students in a whole new light, inviting students to broaden and expand their perspective and understanding of these creatures, and build creative and critical thinking skills
Read MoreAges 7+ (Will be assigned with students of similar ages)
Dr. Katy Everett & Janie Backs
Students will move, breathe, connect and create together in the forest and prairie. We will mindfully move through postures, games and crafts with an awareness of our breath. Students will practice fun yoga shapes and stretches, name and feel emotions, connect with the forest around them, learn breathing techniques for focus and relaxation, create collages with forest items around them, and build body awareness. Through this course, kiddos of any age will gain a more profound sense of self-awareness, social awareness, decision making, relationship skill, and the ability to recognize and manage emotions.
Read MoreAges 7-11
You will learn how the monarch transforms through its various stages. Using photos and (hopefully) real live caterpillars, butterflies and everything in between – you will see examples of all evolutions as they grow from a tiny egg to a beautiful butterfly. You’ll learn so many things like: - how to Identify milkweed plants (the ONLY things monarchs eat as caterpillars) – how to find and identify the eggs and tiny caterpillars – how to tell male from female butterflies – and why their tongue is a long curly straw. You will also learn how to draw them, which will reinforce and help you remember everything you learn about these amazing creatures.
Read MoreAges 7+
A few hundred years ago, Illinois was covered mostly in expansive grassland habitats known as prairies. In this class, we’ll immerse ourselves in the Sun Foundation’s prairie and explore it’s science through hiking, activities and an animal encounter or two.
Read MoreAges 7+ (Will be assigned with kids of similar ages)
This class will be a shorter version of the Major class, we will work from both dry and wet natural history specimens preserved in jars, such as frogs, fish, turtles, mud puppies, as well as dry, specimens, such as bones, skulls, dried plants, seeds, and marine collections such as starfish, shells and seahorses. In each session, we will begin with drawing, add watercolors to our drawings and the last hour will be working with self -hardening clay, making small sculptural forms inspired by our natural history collections. Ages 7+
Read MoreAges 7+ (Will be assigned with students of similar ages)
Dr. Travis Wilcoxen
Many people are familiar with large fish that live in the Illinois River, but may not be as familiar with the many different kinds of small fish that make creeks and small streams their home. In this minor, we will use different types of nets and traps to survey sections of Crow Creek for small fish, such as shiners, darters and dace. Students will learn about the diet and behavior of each type of fish and how to identify them. Ages 7+
Read MorePee Wee • Ages 5-7
Amy Schroeder
In this class, students will create our very own masterpieces, trek though nature and explore science in the outdoors. We will use clay, paint, and other art materials to create art. Join us as we explore the marsh, forest, and trails on this exciting adventure. Gear up for a week of games, play-based learning, and fun while we capture the beauty around us!
Read MoreAll Day Major • Ages 13+
More than a game, Coyote Warriors builds upon a foundation of athletics to teach young people about teamwork, conflict, work ethic, awareness and maintaining a healthy mind and body. This course is about building confidence in teens. By facing hard work and struggle in a fun environment, we equip students with tools to better prepare for work and school beyond nature’s classroom. Coyote Warriors relies upon an ancestral understanding of team sports blended with modern science and a hint of the spiritual. It is a chance to escape the contemporary world, examine ourselves in nature, and return to the challenges of modern life with new training for adulthood. Ironically, these lofty ideals are achieved through not trying too hard, from the ground up . . . from a foundation that starts with lots of running and team rivalry. Please note, scholarships are not available for this class.
Read MoreAges 8 - 12
We will explore immediate diverse habitats, such as the woods, prairie, marsh and river. We’ll take our sketch books with us making nature notes and then return to our barn to explore the amazing forms and colors of nature. We will also work from a diverse set of scientific specimens including preserved turtles, frogs, fish, mud puppies, and crayfish We take them out of their jars and can get up close and personal using them as inspiration for both drawing, watercolors and sculptural work in self-hardening clay. We will also have other natural history specimens such as bones, skulls, dried plants, seeds and pods, and marine specimens to provide inspiration
Read MoreAges 8-12
Spend a week exploring the Sun Foundation’s natural spaces and the living things that build healthy ecosystems! In addition to plenty of hiking and science-based field activities, we’ll also build a mini museum collection of our favorite findings and research how they contribute to our environment.
Read MoreAges 11 +
Come explore some of the older ways of cooking, processing foods, foraging, processing wild game, using plant dyes, making lip balm, candles, homemade kites and fermentation.
Read MoreAges 8-12
We will explore the Sun Foundation property, looking for native reptiles and amphibians. We will show you how to find and identify animals. We will discuss what they eat and how to take care of them. You’ll get to catch, touch and hold them. Plan to get hot, wet and dirty! Please make sure to wear clothes that are appropriate. Class will be all day on Wednesday.
Read MorePee Wee • Ages 5-7
This class is an introduction to the Sun Foundation. Children will develop an appreciation for nature’s beauty and an understanding of their connection with the environment. Students will complete fun art projects, learn about nature, hike, play games, visit the marsh and look for fossils in the dry creek bed.
Read MoreAges 8-12
This class provides an introduction to a fascinating world that cannot be seen with the naked eye. Children will learn how to use several different types of microscopes. They will learn to sample, identify, and develop microscopy skills while studying the samples brought back from different sites.
Read MoreAges 10+
This class offers students the opportunity to collaborate on creating a large-scale mural. Participants will learn various mural-making techniques, including design planning, surface preparation and painting methods. The class emphasizes teamwork, creativity and the practical aspects of bringing a mural from concept to completion.
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