Classroom Programs
If you can't make it out to Starr's Cave for a field trip, don't worry, we can always come to you! We have many programs written and ready for the classroom. We are also more than happy to create new ones upon request to compliment what science topics your classroom is currently learning about. We have furs, skulls, tracks, fake scat (animal droppings), fossils, birds, and an insect collection (just to name a few items) that we would love to share with your students. Most programs are a half an hour to an hour in length.
Listed below are some of the programs ready for the classroom. View our program guide.
Preschool/Kindergarten
Sense-Sational
Learn how animals use their senses to survive and communicate.
Puppet Plays
- "Bear's Big Sleep" is an intro on how animals survive winter (great fall and winter play).
- "New Hog on the Block" is an intro on how animals share habitats (perfect for springtime).
- "Who's Your Mama?" is an intro to animals that live in a forest habitat.
- "Don't Trash My Home" is perfect for teaching preschoolers why littering is bad (great for Earth Day).
- "Under the Sea" is great for learning about animals living in the ocean.
1st Grade
Mammals
Learn what makes a mammal a mammal.
Trees Are Terrific!
An intro to plants; specifically trees and their parts and functions.
Seed Program
Learn all about seeds and work on a classroom project.
Camouflage
Learn why animals are certain colors.
2nd Grade
Five Classes of Animals
Dress students in costumes as they learn the differences between groups of animals.
Winter Adaptations
Find out who migrates and who hibernates. Includes an outdoor activity that further explores hibernation and winter shelters.
Animal Signs
Wildlife can be secretive and difficult to see when you are out in the woods. Learn how to read the signs so you can tell the stories of Iowa's wildlife.
Dinosaurs
Compare your feet to the size of a dinosaur's footprint and learn about what it is like to be a paleontologist!
3rd Grade Bird Beaks
Bird's beaks are adapted to the food they eat and the habitat they live in.
Batty Basics
Learn about bats and compare yourself to a little brown bat.
Food Chains
Everyone is someone's lunch!
Owl Program
Learn about the common owls in Iowa and dissect an owl pellet ($1.75 per student).
Tracking
Learn to identify common Iowa wildlife tracks.
Water Cycle
Become a water molecule and flow through the water cycle and see where you go.
4th Grade
Battle of the Bats
Play a game to learn more about bats.
Fly, Fly, Away
We discuss what makes a bird a bird, and learn about some of their adaptations.
Endangered
Discover what animals are endangered and why. Students will play a game while learning about endangered species.
Mystery Minerals
Discover how to identify minerals hands-on with streak and hardness tests.
Fossils
This fossil dig program teaches kids how fossils are formed and what we can learn from them.
5th Grade
Compasses
Learn how to use a compass and practice outside.
Human Survival Program
Learn about what a survival situation is and how to pack a survival kit.
Archaeology 101
Become an archaeologist by exploring culture, artifacts, and doing your own dig!
6th-8th Grades
Teambuilding
A five week program incorporating the six pillars of character with hands-on activities.
Enviroscape
Learn how to keep our waterways clean
High School
We can help build on topics you are already discussing in your classroom. Programs such as natural resources, water safety/fishing casting, dissecting owl pellets, conservationist Aldo Leopold, predator-prey relationships, and water quality are just a few examples. We can develop environmental education programming that will work in non-science classes as well.
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Starr's Cave Nature Center
Physical Address
11627 Starr's Cave Rd.
Burlington, IA 52601
Phone: (319) 753-5808
Summer Hours*
April 1 – September 30
Weekdays: By appointment
Saturday: 9 am - 4 pm
Sunday Noon - 4 pm
Winter Hours*
October 1 – March 31
Weekdays: 7:00 am - 2:00 pm*
*Hours have been adjusted due to the pandemic. The nature center may not always be open during these hours as staff is regularly out teaching environmental education programs or assisting with field work. We always suggest calling before your visit to make sure the nature center will be open.