K-12 Science Enrichment
For more than 40 years, Quarry Hill has been a leader in natural science and environmental education offering interactive hands-on experiences for students that compliment curriculum concepts and facilitate informal and exploratory learning that reinforces science skills. We believe that hands-on inquiry based activities develop critical thinking, exploration and investigative skills as well as respect for the natural world. Our experienced staff includes naturalists and licensed K-8 science teachers to guide students through a memorable experience at the nature center and our 329 acre outdoor classroom.
The extensive resources both in the park and the center provide an experience not easily duplicated in the classroom.
Science Class
Quarry Hill's environmental education classes are specifically designed for individual grade levels. Classes focus on interactive hands on learning, compliment classroom curriculum and correlate to MN Science Standards.
Class Length:
- Grades K-1: 1 hour, 30 minutes
- Grades 2-5: 1 hour, 50 minutes
Cost:
- $5.00 per student with a minimum fee of $125.
- Additional activities can be added to your visit for an additional fee. Options include rock climbing, cave tour, canoeing and more!
To schedule your students for a Quarry Hill science class, contact the office at 507-328-3950 or inquire here:
Field Trips
Plan a day at the Nature Center with your students. We offer a variety of activities that allow you to customize your experience. Activities are tailored to the age of the students and the time of year in which the visit is scheduled. Some options include:
- Canoeing
- Cave Tour
- Fossil Hunting
- Geo-caching
- Pond Explorations
- Insecting
- Snowshoeing
- Live Animal Programs
- Cross Country Skiing
- Rock Climbing
- Bird Banding
- Olmsted Country Waste to Energy Facility Tours
- Animal Survival Game
To schedule your students for a Quarry Hill Field Trip, contact the office at 507-328-3950 or inquire here.
At Your School
Outreach
These programs are typically one hour in length and include the following topics. Fees are based on the program, number of students and staff required. Call the nature center or inquire below.
Snakes of Minnesota – Features the unique adaptations of snakes and the chance to meet live
snakes which might include a milk snake, fox snake, bull snake and others.
Birds of Prey – Features a live American Kestrel or Eastern Screech Owl, mounted local raptors, and a look at these birds’ incredible abilities.
Crawly Critters – Features the world of invertebrates – with an up close look at a live tarantula, giant millipede, & other crawly critters.
Rocks & Fossils – Which minerals fizzle and which ones glow? This class explores geology basics such as mineral ID, major rock types and fossil ID.
Mammal Mania – Features a look at local mammals through mounts, skulls, fur, and don’t forget the scat!
Frogs & Toads – Look at live amphibians and the features that make their lives so unique.
