The Prairie Ecology Bus Center offers a wide variety of classes for ages Pre-K, K-2, and 3-6 in SW Minnesota. The programs listed are options available for CE organizations wishing to bring in additional programs. Programs are available where PEBC staff will come to you to present classes in your communities. Community Education Programs vary by season and are available primarily in summer and winter months and change each season. Programs listed are also available to youth groups and organizations.

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Mmm, trees are delicious! Beavers may love to chew on trees, but what else do you know about this really cool animal? In this fun-filled program you can dress like a beaver and learn all about this fascinating rodent, one of the few wild animals able to change the environment to suit them.

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Animals and people hide things for various reasons. Animals in nature hide their young to protect them from predators. Pirates hide stolen treasure to protect it from being stolen yet again. One of the most effective ways to hide something is by "camouflaging" it. Mother Nature is full of creatures that are experts when it comes to hiding! Join this fun class to explore the amazing ways animals use camouflage to survive!

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If you take all rocks for granite, this program is for you! You will learn how rocks are formed and how to identify various rock types. Everyone will have opportunities for close-up observation and testing of various rock specimens. We'll become geologists for the day as we test specimens for hardness and and other characteristics to discover their secret identities!

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Native Americans used many different tools to help them with day-to-day activities. Some of the tools are similar to what we use today. The greatest difference is today we go to the store to buy our tools and supplies. Native American tools were made from things found out in Nature. Learn what some of those inventive tools were and try making one of your own to take home!

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Owls can be very mysterious animals! You would have a hard time seeing one if you walked in the woods during the day or night! They can see things we can't. They can hear things we can't. And they move so quietly, we may not know they are there even if they are close by! Owls are uniquely adapted to their role of nighttime hunters. Learn more about these secretive birds through activities, owl artifacts and sounds! Don't miss this class - it will be a "HOOT!"

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Owls can be very mysterious animals! You would have a hard time seeing one if you walked in the woods during the day or night! They can see things we can't. They can hear things we can't. And they move so quietly, we may not know they are there even if they are close by! Owls are uniquely adapted to their role of nighttime hunters. Learn more about these secretive birds through activities, owl artifacts, and dissecting owl "puke!" Actually, owls cough up pellets - not puke - and they're filled with all sorts of cool bones, fur and feathers from the animals they have for lunch! Don't miss this class - it will be a "HOOT!" ("Note: there is a $3/student extra fee for this class to cover the cost of the owl pellets)

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Join us and discover the wonderful world of penguins! Experience first-hand how their feathers and blubber keeps them warm in their frosty world. We will have fun with activities like the Penguin Waddle Race, the Penguin Slide and more! Even better, you get to make your very own penguin to take home!

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Imagine  an ocean of waving flowers and grass; thousands of bison and birds, wolves and elk roaming the vast prairie; a lone tree in the distance. This is an image few will ever see again, but through fun activities and animal artifacts you can rediscover the history of the land that surrounds them!

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Herpetology is the study of reptiles and amphibians. Come meet some of Minnesota's own "herps" and find out what they do over the long winter! Kids will become fast friends with a live turtle, snake and frogs as they learn about their lives through activities, games and a craft.

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Would you like to try your hand at making a zoo full of Minnesota's wildest creatures to bring home? In this nature and art program, we will learn about and create native animals using the ancient art of paper folding known as Origami. Learn to make a creeping critter, a beaked buddy, a pond pouncer and others!

The lower elementary programs are designed for children having completed grades K-2.
The upper elementary programs are designed for children having completed grades 3-6.
Please do not register students outside the
recommended age/grade ranges for the programs!
K - 2 & 3 - 6 programs are 2-2.5 hours in length.
Pre-K programs are 1.5-2 hours in length.
It is recommended that a parent/caregiver accompany
each pre-school child during the programs.