Forest in the Classroom

Tree-Mendous Trees
Nature detectives hit the trail to uncover the life cycle of trees through games, role play, and guided observation. Our discovery includes investigations into seeds, saplings, adult trees, and fallen logs. Connections are made between fallen logs and soil production to bring the amazing cycle full circle.

Sensing Nature
Animals, including humans, use more than their eyes to learn and survive in nature. In this hands-on, noses-on, eyes-on, and ears-on program, students discover how all five senses can be used to explore nature. Discover shapes and textures in nature and the various ways color and scent are used by trees.

Bugs Abound
Get up close and personal with insects and other invertebrates. Students use active inquiry to explore the component parts and life cycles of bugs and butterflies. Sweep the fields and forest to discover the diversity of bugs in our region, find out how bugs move, locate and compare habitats and diets, and observe interesting characteristics.

Animal Homes
Trees provide shelter as well as food for animals (even humans!). In return, animals are vital to the life cycle of trees by dispersing seeds, contributing to soil production, and aiding pollination. Through engaging activities, students explore what animals need to survive in their habitat and the interdependence between plants and animals.

Bee SMART – Plants and Pollinators
Bees and other pollinators supply us with nearly 1 out of every 3 bites of food we eat. Students will explore the importance of pollinators and how they are connected to our food and environment. Using the Deschutes National Forest as our classroom we will head out into the field and observe two distinct habits for pollinators. Topics covered will include, Meet the Pollinators, What is Pollination?, Pollinators and Food and Insect Anatomy.

Volcano in the Classroom
The Cascade volcanoes extend from southern British Columbia, Canada, to northern California.Volcanic eruptions, collapsing calderas, tectonic plates shifting and igneous rocks forming, Volcano in the Classroom is a one hour classroom presentation focusing on the geology and volcanic history of the Cascades and Newberry Volcano. Students will gain an understanding of volcanic processes through demonstrations and exciting hands on experiments.

Energized Ecosystems
Trace the flow of matter and energy through our High Desert ecosystems. Explore the processes that allow nature to recycle and renew itself. Uncover the connections that lie between organisms and the energy in their environment. Students will examine the structures and processes that plants and animals use to make or obtain energy.

Pre and Post Visits
In-classroom pre and post visits to help students prepare for Project SNOW** and a wrap up session after their snowshoe tour. To schedule a Pre and Post visit, please email dyf.scheduling@discovernw.org

*To schedule a Project SNOW snowshoe tour, please refer to the “Schedule a Tour” tab under “I Want To…”

Discover Your Forest- Citizen Science Academy
Project Budburst
Bat Acoustic & Roost Monitoring
Project Pika
Project Bluebird

Volcano in the Classroom
The Cascade volcanoes extend from southern British Columbia, Canada, to northern California. Volcanic eruptions, collapsing calderas, tectonic plates shifting and igneous rocks forming, Volcano in the Classroom is a one hour classroom presentation focusing on the geology and volcanic history of the Cascades and Newberry Volcano. Students will gain an understanding of volcanic processes through demonstrations and exciting hands on experiments.

Lava Lands Discovery Program
Spring and Fall field trips to Newberry National Volcanic Monument/Lava Lands Visitor Center focused on hands-on exploration of unique local geological features.

Lava River Cave Conservation Program
Spring and Fall field trips to local Lava River Cave lava tube focused on this unique habitat and its use by native wildlife especially bats and the threats to these populations, i.e. White-Nose Syndrome.

Snow School
Traveling by snowshoe, students use field based and experiential approach in science inquiry to assess nivean environments; using snow tools, animal tracking and seasonal adaptation studies. Students address physical, life and earth science standards.

Greenhouse to Greenscapes

Snow School
Traveling by snowshoe, students use field based and experiential approach in science inquiry to assess nivean environments; using snow tools, animal tracking and seasonal adaptation studies. Students address physical, life and earth science standards.