School Programs
Dunes Learning Center is a regional resource dedicated to residential environmental education. With the 15,000 acres of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore as its backyard, learners of all ages can participate in programs that develop an appreciation and understanding of the relationship between people and the environment along the southern shores of Lake Michigan.
More than just a field trip, programs at Dunes Learning Center are developed and presented
as an integral part of the academic year for students.
The curriculum:
- meets state and federal education benchmarks in the areas of science, math and history.
- features outdoor hands-on experience and minds-on
discovery.
- is an interdisciplinary approach, incorporating
multiple learning styles, allows students to learn through integrating
language arts, creative arts, math, science, and history.
Preparation begins in the classroom with materials provided by Dunes Learning Center. The on-site experience places students in a classroom without walls. Follow-up activities allow students to transfer their experiences back into the classroom or community.
Dunes Learning Center can accommodate groups ranging in size from 15 to 70 students. All programs take place at the Learning Center. Residential programs require that the school provide one adult chaperon to every seven children. Only chaperons in excess of this are expected to pay the program cost.
FROG IN THE
BOG - $92/student
Age group: 4th-6th grade
Goal:To foster an increase awareness, understanding and appreciation for the unique environment of the dunes.
Program Description:
This three day/two night hands-on program combines discovery, adventure, and fun with math, science, and social studies. A variety of state and national curriculum requirements are met as students explore the natural history of the dunes, the interconnection of human and natural environments, and the rich biological diversity found in the southern Lake Michigan region.
Winter Survival in the Dunes-$55 per student
Program Availability: November – February
Age Group: 4th – 9th grade
Goal: Understanding the fascinating winter adaptations of plants and animals in the Indiana dunes.
Program Description:
Over two days/one night students explore how human, plant, and animal inhabitants adapt to winter changes. Weather permitting, students have the opportunity to snow shoe or cross-country ski.
Science Olympiad Team Training
Cost: $35 for one day/$55 for two days per student
Program Availability: November – March
Age Group: Middle/Senior High School
Goal: To help Science Olympiad teams excel in nature and environment related events.
Program Description:
With one- or two-day intensive training session, teachers and team coaches work with Learning Center staff to create a program that focuses on team needs. A variety of Science Olympiad events is available for team training, including an overall focus on team building.
DuneSCOPES - Cost variable
Age group: 9th-12th grade
Goal: Team building and student leadership are promoted during
this program that provides real world applications of science and
math skills. DuneSCOPES provides an opportunity for students to
practice scientific method, inquiry, observation, and analytical
skills.
Program Description: Teams of students with their teacher
select an environmental monitoring or stewardship project. Projects
may include water monitoring, species monitoring, wetland/prairie
restoration, or other topics. Students develop a hypothesis, conduct
an investigation and analyze data. Projects are designed to last
from several months to a full academic year and incorporate a residential
component during which a significant portion of the project can
be implemented. This program is also offered through day visits.
Dunes Learning Center
700 Howe Rd.Chesterton, IN 46304
phone: 219 395-9555
fax: 219 395-8160
Our Mission...
...is to provide an in-depth exploration of the dynamic
relationship between people and their environments using the natural
and cultural resources of the Indiana Dunes region where nature
and society coexist.