Schools and Youth Groups on OSMP

From buzzing springtime to quiet wintertime, students will explore how plants and animals in the Front Range change and adapt with the seasons. Depending on the time of year, we’ll investigate signs of spring like blooming flowers, singing birds, and busy insects or we’ll discover how living things prepare and survive winter through migration, hibernation, and adaptions. Through hands-on observations and exploration, students will learn how different species including humans meet their needs during different seasons.

Locations: Sawhill Ponds, Chautauqua, schoolyard, or open space trail near your school

Grades: PK-1st grade

Did you know that most animals on our planet are insects? Get small and take a journey into the micro world of these tiny yet powerful and fascinating creatures. Students will explore how insect help plants grow, provide food for other animals, and keep ecosystems healthy while discovering just how fascinating these little creatures really are.

Locations: Sawhill Ponds, Chautauqua, Bobolink, schoolyard, or open space trail near your school .

Grades: 2nd grade

Length of program: 2-3 hours

Let OSMP come to you! Our indoor classroom programs invite students to investigate the life cycle and adaptations of local wildlife and learn how to live safely alongside the animals they may see in their neighborhoods and schoolyards. Classes can focus on one featured animal or explore all four to deepen their understanding of the amazing species that share our community.

Grades: 3rd grade

Length of program: 45 minutes per class

Explore the natural ecosystem closet to your school whether it’s a wetland, forest, or prairie ecosystem. During this field trip, students become scientists as they make careful observations, participate in discussions, and discover what make their local ecosystem unique. Together, we’ll investigate the plants, animals, and environmental features that help this ecosystem thrive. Student will also learn simple, real-world ways we can all help protect and care for these special places.

Locations: Chautauqua, NCAR, Sawhill Ponds, Wonderland Lake, or walking location from school

Grades: 4th grade

Length of program: 3-4 hours

Fourth grade students learn how the People’s Crossing name change reflects a commitment to centering the many peoples connected to this land. Through storytelling and place-based exploration of the past, present, and future, students are introduced to the 16 Tribal Nations who call the Boulder Valley home, while learning about their cultures, and significant events that have shaped our community.

Location: The Peoples’ Crossing

Grades: 4th grade

Length of program: 3 hours

Get ready to explore how fire shapes the place we live and hike. In this program, students will learn why fires happen, how climate change affects fires, and how plants and animals bounce back afterwards. Moments of pause and reflection are woven throughout the experience to give students time to make connections, process, and think deeply about the changing landscape.

Location: NCAR or Chautauqua

Time: 3-4 hours

Grade: Middle and High School

Not finding what you are looking for? Let us know what you need. OSMP naturalists can work with you to create a program that is unique for your group. Geology, Leave No Trace, and Service-Learning programs are some examples of other program options. Please give us as many details as you can in the registration form.