School-Based Programs
ELK offers a selection of science and natural resource programs to grades K-12. All programs are correlated to CO Academic Standards and Next Generation Science Standards and model effective teaching practices.
Location: ELK will come to your school or site!
Program Length: All programs are 45-60 minutes.
Colorado Wildlife – Skins and Skulls
Students learn about animal adaptations, habitats and other ecologically important animal characteristics through exploration of Colorado wildlife (primarily mammals). Students have the unique opportunity to touch and handle various animal skins and skulls. Students also are introduced to different academic and career paths related to wildlife biology and management. **This program can also be taught as an interactive booth for events
Recommended for K-12th Grade
Inside an Owl Pellet
Students learn all about the owl’s adaptations and food webs. Students participate in an interactive discussion to explore different adaptations that help the owl be an excellent nocturnal predator. Students will dissect real barn owl pellets and use tools to remove, sort, and identify the bones inside of the pellet to learn what their owl ate for dinner.
Recommended for K-8th Grade
The Water Cycle
Students will move through the water cycle, recording their journey as water molecules. Through the hands-on dice rolling activity, students will learn about the many parts of the water cycle, where most of earths water is stored, and how much water is available for human usages (less than 1%).
Recommended for K-8th Grade
Discovering Macro Invertebrates
If you look closely at the water of a lake or river you may find it teaming with small creatures- macro invertebrates! These “bugs” are an essential part of the aquatic ecosystem and tell us a great deal about water quality. Through hands-on experience with a local sample of lake water, students will learn about aquatic bug adaptations, how to identify them and determine the water quality with the macro’s they find (bioassessment). ** Water samples can be brought into the classroom for this program or can be done at a pond/lake/river if your school is located nearby.
Recommended for 3th-12th Grade
Just Keep Swimming
Meet a few of Colorado’s Game Fish as we explore their habitats and biology. Students learn about fish species, aquatic ecology, fish anatomy and adaptations. Next we’ll hit the field or gym for casting games with real fishing rods. **This program can also be taught at a lake and students can experience real fishing. Please contact ELK to select the most convenient location for you.
Recommended for 4th-8th Grade
Who Polluted The South Platte River?
This interactive program takes students on a journey down the South Platte River where students become water-users, learning about how Colorado’s most precious natural resource is used, polluted, and conserved as a finite resource. Topics covered include: pollution, conservation, aquatic ecology, finite/infinite natural resources, watersheds and how we get our water in Colorado.
Recommended for 4th-8th Grade
Schoolyard Habitat
Do any animals live around your school or site? Students discover that wildlife is everywhere and that we share a habitat with many wild animals. Students explore the outdoor habitat, implement important observation skills and use scientific instructions. Through this field-based program, students will gain an appreciation and awareness of their schoolyard habitat.
Recommended for K-6th Grade
Ready, Aim, Archery!
ELK brings our portable archery range and equipment to your school so your students can experience the thrill of safely shooting a bow and arrow. This program can be held indoors or outdoors. Basic physics concepts and sportsmanship can be incorporated into this archery program.
Recommended for 5th-12th Grade
Compass Navigation
North, East, South and West… Students use compasses to learn cardinal directions, orienteering skills, and how to navigate to different locations through a course set up at the school. Students participate in a treasure hunt and learn the importance of navigation technologies and techniques.
Recommended for 6th-12th Grade
All about Rocks and Minerals
Rocks, gems and minerals, oh my! Students discover the world of rocks as they examine, identify and classify a collection of different types of rocks and minerals. This program can be customized to fit the needs of your class – focusing on topics such as the rock cycle, the difference between rocks and minerals, classification, and geo-related careers. For an additional cost*, students can work to excavate their own sedimentary “rock” to find real fossilized shark teeth and various gems and minerals.
* additional material fee may apply
Recommended for K-6th Grade
We are able to tailor and customize our programs to meet your school/organization’s programming needs! Please contact us for more information on Standards alignment and pricing.
For more information, contact Jake Preston
Phone: 513-600-1149 | Email: Jpreston@elkkids.org
