Education

Education

Environmental Education

The Elkhart Environmental Center offers environmental education opportunities all year round! EEC staff are available for in-school programs and the site is available for field trips. Teachers are welcome to utilize the site without EEC staff for self-guided field trips at no charge. Teachers can utilize the Center's trails, gardens, Visitor's Cabin, picnic tables, outdoor amphitheater, and more to lead their students on an educational exploration!

For details about in-school and onsite programs or to request a program, check out the info below or our Environmental Education Brochure.

We are excited to offer staff-led educational programs in the classroom for schools! These programs have been created to meet some of the Indiana State Science Standards. They run between 30-60 minutes. All of these programs can be shortened or lengthened, depending on your class schedule.

  • Creature Features (K - 4th)
    • How do animals survive all on their own? Learn about animal adaptations and how they help animals survive in this feathery and furry program?
    • (Standards: K-LS1-1, K-ESS3-1, K-ESS3-3, 1-LS3-1, 2-LS4-1, 3-LS1-1, 3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 4-LS1-1)
  • What's in a Wetland? (K - 8th)
    • Discover the mystique and importance of Indiana's wetlands. Students will learn more about wetlands, the services that they provide, and who calls them home.
    • (Standards: K-LS1-1, K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1, K-ESS3-3, 1-LS3-1, 2-LS4-1, 3-LS1-1, 4-LS1-1, 5-ESS2-2, MS-LS2-1 (6th grade), MS-LS2-2 (6th grade), MS-LS2-4 (6th grade), MS-LS2-5 (6th grade), MS-ESS2-2 (7th grade), MS-LS1-5 (8th grade), MS-ESS3-3 (8th grade), MS-ESS3-4 (8th grade))
  • The Seven R's (3rd - 5th)
    • Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle! Students will explore the 7 R's of sustainability and play a fun game to help remember what can and cannot be recycled.
    • (Standards: 3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-4, 3-5-ETS1-1, 5-ESS3-1)
  • Fishy, Fishy Invasives (4th - 6th)
    • Students will learn the differences between native, non-native, and invasive species and the reasons why invasive species are one of the biggest threats to our native species and habitats. Then, students will get to test their skills in a game of native fish versus invasive fish.
    • (Standards: 4-LS1-1, MS-LS2-1 (6th grade), MS-LS2-2 (6th grade), MS-LS2-4 (6th grade))
  • Fill the Bill! (5th - 12th)
    • Birds and their bills come in all different shapes and sizes! Having special bills means having special diets. Building off of Creature Features, this program takes a deep dive into how animals have developed their adaptations over time while playing a fun game that has students using bills of their own.
    • (Standards: 5-PS3-1, MS-LS2-1 (6th grade), MS-LS2-2 (6th grade), MS-LS2-4 (6th grade), MS-LS1-4 (8th grade), MS-LS1-5 (8th grade), MS-LS4-2 (8th grade), MS-LS4-4 (8th grade), MS-LS4-6 (8th grade), HS-LS3-3, HS-LS4-1, HS-LS4-2, HS-LS4-3, HS-LS4-4, HS-LS4-5)
  • The Incredible Journey (5th - 12th)
    • Water, water everywhere, but it's not all their to drink! Explore the water cycle and where water goes in this program. Students will play "The Incredible Journey" to see where water is when it's not in a river or raining from the sky. Older grades will also discuss how pollution can enter the water cycle and how it causes harm.
    • (Standards: 5-ESS2-1, 5-ESS2-2, MS-LS2-1 (6th grade), MS-ESS2-2 (7th grade), MS-ESS3-1 – ESS3.A: Natural Resources, (7th grade), MS-ESS2-4 (8th grade), MS-ESS3-3 (8th grade), HS-ENV4-2)

Looking for something else? We can create a custom program just for you! Reach out to EEC staff to see what we can do for you!

We love when schools can come visit the EEC! Typical field trips run about 90 minutes in length and give groups the opportunity to learn more about the EEC, do an educational activity, and go on an interpretive hike. Groups also have the option to bring their lunches and use the outdoor picnic tables before or after their field trip program.

Just like with in-school programs, we are more than happy to create a custom field trip for your class! Past field trips have covered the following topics:

  • Sustainability
  • Recycling
  • Water Quality
  • Wildlife
  • Trees and Plants
  • Native and Invasive Species
  • Pollinators
  • and more!

Program Costs

EEC Education Program Costs
School Cost per Student Fee Notes
Elkhart Community Schools $3 $50 minimum
All other schools $5 $50 minimum
More than 2 chaperones per 10 students $3 or $5 Cost per attendee

Scheduling Information

Available dates are limited and some time periods are in high demand. Please keep this in mind when scheduling your program. It is recommended that you contact us at least 3 weeks in advance of your desired date and have alternative dates in mind. 

If you have any questions, please contact us at 574-293-5070 or EECmail@coei.org

Contact Us

Elkhart Environmental Center

1717 E Lusher Ave, Elkhart, IN 46516
Phone: 574-293-5070
E-mail: EECmail@coei.org


Staff Hours: Monday - Friday 8 AM - 5 PM
Trail/Grounds Hours: Dawn - Dusk Every Day