Our programs can also come to you!  These programs are hands-on, interactive, and innovative.  And, as with all of our programs, they are also designed to meet the GLECS.

***New 2010 Program***
SCHOOLYARD DISCOVERY
Need help exploring your schoolyard while still connecting to your curriculum? The schoolyard discovery program is an outreach program that enables and inspires teachers to take their own students outside into their schoolyard to learn their science standards. For much more information visit www.lesliesnc.org/schoolyarddiscovery

Winter Wonders
Even though we may find it to be cold outside, animals have found ingenious ways to survive the winter. We’ll create a costumed animal demonstrating adaptations suited for winter warmth and survival. Active discussions, guided imagery, and an examination of live animals will help students learn more about the wonders of winter.  Appropriate for grades K-1.

Tree key
Hands-on activities and direct observations are just a few of the tools students will employ when discovering how to use a scientific key to identify trees.  In your classroom, activities will help students delve into the woody life of trees.  We'll plan to use the schoolyard if weather and space permit.  Appropriate for grades 1-3.

Investigating Insects
Students will discover how to classify insects according to their structure through the use of lively activities. Then we’ll delve into insect life cycles and life styles! Students will have the incredible opportunity to see, hear and touch our live hissing cockroaches and mealworms. Appropriate for grades 1-5.

Furs, Feathers, and Scales
Classification is the name of the game!  We'll discover what's special about each kind of animal as the children play interactive games and observe some of our live animals (a mammal, reptile, and amphibian).  Appropriate for grades 1-5.

In Cold Blood: Slimy? Scaly? Slithery?
Live snakes, toads, salamanders and turtles will join your class for an hour. Students can touch these animals, and will be amazed by their adaptations, behavior, and physical structure. Appropriate for grades 1-5.

Metamorphosis mayhem
From metamorphosis to adaptations, students will investigate the life cycles of different animals. Using games and activities, we’ll compare and contrast different organisms, take an up close look at metamorphosis and learn how adaptations help animals to survive. Appropriate for grades 1-5.

rocks rock!
Through hands-on activities, rock identification strategies and critical thinking skills, students will gather clues in order to identify the members of a clandestine rock-and-roll band.  Investigate hardness, conduct a streak test, and examine fossils to find the hardest rock, the heaviest metal, and the oldies.  Appropriate grades 2-4.

Endangered species
Endangered species are found throughout the world -- even in Michigan. This program explores what it means to be “endangered” and what can be done to help endangered plants and animals. Interactive games and activities will explore the forces leading these plants and animals to the brink of extinction and help students appreciate and understand the plight of endangered species in Michigan and around the world. Appropriate for grades 3-5.

Classroom Challenge
Putting your class to the challenge, two trained Leslie Science and Nature Center facilitators will help your students to function as a team and develop positive life skills. We’ll practice cooperation, communication, problem solving skills, and teamwork as we embark on our group initiatives
and challenges. Call for program fee. Appropriate for grades 4-8.  

nature's recyclers: vultures, rats, and roaches
The unpleasant but useful side of nature will visit your classroom and example how nature reuses and recycles. Appropriate for grades 4-8.