School & Scout Programs
Engage your curiosity. Explore our living classroom. Experience a connection with your environment.
The Wildlife Science Center is an independent nonprofit organization-home to gray wolves, red wolves, Mexican wolves, bears, raptors, mountain lions and other wild animals. WSC is an active science center, working to improve the survival of critically endangered wolves and to bridge the gap of misunderstanding between large predators and humans. Our education programs are science-based, encouraging the students to observe natural systems and to think critically.
Our wolves, bears and mountain lions are very comfortable in their homes, thereby facilitating class activities such as observation, comparisons between individuals, groups or species, adaptations to habitat, seasons and food acquisition and responses to the introduction of food, objects or other sources of stimulus. Our new indoor learning area is climate-controlled and spacious, facilitating year-round classes. WSC adheres closely to MN science standards for all K-12 classes and works with individual teachers to meet specific needs.
WSC has 210 acres of habitat to explore including rich fen and the shores of the Sunrise river, and boasts a rich flora and fauna of native plants, animals and invertebrates for learning.
In addition to on and off-site K-12 classes, WSC also offers pre-K programs on and off-site, badges and outdoor adventure programs for scouts, on-site community events, overnight programs, birthday parties and a variety of off-site and virtual programming with or without our animal ambassadors.
Teachers, sign up for our “Educator Email List” to stay up to date on new opportunities for your students.
Standard On-Site Program
Each visit exposes students to the resident animals, with information tailored to the age, needs and interests of the students. Classes observe the variety of species/subspecies of wolves in their family packs, displaying adaptive behavior and complex communication. The other wildlife diversify the experience, showing very different skills and adaptations to climate and methods of food acquisition. For example, we compare the black bear’s response to low food supplies during winter to that of the mountain lion.
WSC is also home to a collection of meso-predators such as raccoons, skunks, red and grey fox, and coyotes. Their existence alongside a top predator like the wolf demonstrates a series of adaptive strategies that involves both hunting and being hunted. Reptiles and amphibians decorate Minnesota’s landscape and are a part of WSC’s programming as well. In addition, WSC is home to birds of prey, which are interconnected to the complex predator system of the wild.
Preschool Programs
Join us for an activity-oriented learning experience for ages 3-5 about wildlife and their environment. Children will hear stories, take part in activities, and get to see our animals during this 1-1½ hour program. The goal of this program is for preschoolers to develop a positive relationship with wildlife and the environment.
Scout Programs
Treat your troop to a wildlife learning adventure as they explore various Minnesota wildlife species and their role in the ecosystem. We offer both on-site and at-your-site programs for Scouts of all ages. Our programs meet many of the requirements scouts need to earn badges. All are an exciting learning experience your scouts will never forget.
Pricing
By appointment only. Pricing is for groups of 10 or more, but smaller groups are welcome as long as payment is received for minimum of 10 visitors.
— $10 per a person ($100.00 minimum) for a 1 hour program
— $12.50 per a person ($125.00 minimum) for a 2 hour program
— $15 per a person ($150.00 minimum) for a 3 hour program
— $17 per a person ($170.00 minimum) for a 4+ hour program
To schedule your program, contact us via our web form, by email, or by phone.
À La Carte Options
The following options are available to enrich your educational experience, and serve as an add-on to the standard on-site program. There is no additional fee for selecting any of the below focus areas, though WSC staff may suggest a longer program to better accommodate your request.
Owls
When daylight ends, some of nature’s most fascinating predators become active. Often heard, seldom seen, owls rule the night sky. Meet some of Minnesota's most amazing raptors during a STEM based program at the Wildlife Science Center or at your location. Learn about the amazing adaptations these nocturnal birds of prey rely on to find prey, hide, defend territory, and take care of their young. Touch the collection of raptor and other wildlife artifacts to find out first hand why birds can fly and we cannot.
Minnesota Raptors
With hooked beaks, excellent eyesight, sharp talons, and strong legs and feet, raptors rule the sky. Meet some of Minnesota’s most amazing birds of prey during a Wildlife Science Center presentation including live hawks and owls. Learn about the amazing adaptations Minnesota’s raptors rely on to find prey, hide, defend territory, and take care of their young. Touch the collection of raptor and other wildlife artifacts to find out first hand why birds can fly and we cannot.
Wild about Wildlife
A trip to the Wildlife Science Center is memorable for many reasons, but none more so than the chance to get up close and personal with wildlife. All living things have amazing adaptations allowing them to survive in the habitats where they live. The Wildlife Science Center’s cougars, black bears, bobcats, lynx, raccoons, foxes, skunks, porcupines, reptiles and amphibians provide living examples of color variations, food and prey selection, carnivore vs. herbivore vs omnivore, predator vs prey, seasonal survival strategies, diurnal vs nocturnal vs crepuscular plus other wildlife topics.
Cold Blooded Creatures
Take an eye-opening look into the world of reptiles, amphibians, and spiders and the important role they play in our lives. Discover how these animals live, find food, avoid predators, and survive the four seasons in Minnesota. Reptiles, amphibians, and spiders inspire fascination and feelings in a way that no other type of animal can. The more you learn about snakes the more you learn they are incredible creatures worthy of our respect and protection - and animals that we can learn to live with.
Going Deeper
Looking to further enrich your experience? The following programs dive into anatomy, physiology, experimental design, and the scientific process. Each one is an addition to the standard on-site program.
Physiology
WSC offers a unique opportunity to science students by repurposing road-killed deer as learning tools. Observe a detailed dissection of a deer to explore anatomy and physiology, with ethically acquired animals. Inquire about the life the deer had by looking for evidence of hardships throughout the necropsy. Students can participate using gloves to more closely understand the many parts to the animal.
Student Research
STEM-based education teaches students more than science and mathematics concepts. Build science knowledge and skills using the Wildlife Science Center’s resident wildlife to conduct student designed inquiry projects. Do black bears have favorite foods? How do wolves respond to wildlife vocalizations and sounds? How do different wildlife react to novel objects? The students’ connection to the data has a different impact on them in context of their own study. Contact the Wildlife Science Center to discuss what is possible for your students and then conduct your own experiment.
Pricing
Contact the Wildlife Science Center for individual pricing information.
TELL EVERYONE: DRESS FOR WEATHER, WE ARE HERE RAIN OR SHINE.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled program or a cancellation fee of half the program cost will be charged.
Looking for information on virtual programs? Click here.