Educators
What better place to teach a child than the outdoors! Hiawatha National Forest offers numerous activities and learning opportunities that help parents and teachers immerse children in nature. We hope that the resources on this page will help you get your kids or students outside and learning.
Online Resources with Lesson Plans and Curricula
- The Forest Service Educator Toolbox is a useful collection of resources and materials organized by topic and grade level.
- The Smokey Bear website has lesson plans and activities for K-8 about wildfire prevention and safety.
- Use the following stories for young children: Smokey Bear’s Story and craft activity, Why Would Anyone Cut Down a Tree?, and Woodsy’s ABCs.
- Visit Celebrating Wildflowers for native wildflower and pollinator resources.
- Download three curriculum guides on Non-Native Invasive Species for grades pre-K through high school.
- FSNatureLive brings nature learning through a series of webcasts, webinars, and education webinars on subjects such as climate change, pollinators, wetlands, and more.
- Learn about cool places to watch nature, access teacher materials, and find apps to enhance your outdoor experience at the Forest Service’s NatureWatch.
- Check out free science education journals and activities for students from pre-K through high school at Natural Inquirer.
- Project Learning Tree (PLT) provides educators with the tools, training, and resources they need to bring nature into their classrooms. You’ll also find activities to do at home for families. Be sure to check out the Michigan PLT website for lesson plans adapted for natural resources found in Michigan.
- Project EduBat is an interdisciplinary curriculum for K-12 where bats become the focus for making science come alive in the classroom.
- Access the Hands on the Land network for a diverse array of hands-on learning opportunities for teachers and student.
Getting Children Outdoors on the Hiawatha
The fact that you are visiting this page suggests that you understand the importance of introducing kids to nature and nature concepts -- not to mention the value of simply being active outdoors. We hope you'll take advantage of the many kid-friendly opportunities to explore the Hiawatha National Forest. Here are some suggestions to help you design outings that suit your circumstances.
Explore History: The Forest has a rich history, evidence of which is visible in many locations. For instance, there are six historic lighthouses on the Forest, several historic Civilian Conservation Corp camp locations, and many historic sites with interpretive signing.
Summer archaeology programs allow visitors to learn about early people who lived here, and a variety of geological formations are visible around the Forest.
Consider taking a field trip to one or more of our sites!
Get Outdoors: Research shows that kids (and adults!) benefit in numerous ways from spending time outdoors.
On the Hiawatha, kids will enjoy rockhounding along our Great Lakes beaches, hiking and biking our trails, or taking in one of the many interpretive programs sponsored throughout the year. Also, consider enrolling your youngster in the Kids in the Woods summer day camp, specifically designed to get kids outdoors!
Or, immerse your child in biodiversity: Plan a visit to watch wildlife at the AuTrain Songbird Trail. Ask our visitor center personnel for other recommendations!
Attend Special Programs: Check our News & Events page for events such as:
- Kids in the Woods Summer Day Camp (in conjunction with Delta YMCA)
- Summer Youth Archaeology Workshops
- Summer Interpretive Programs
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Art Workshops with our Artist in Residence
- Clear Lake Education Center
It is important to get our kids involved with nature, both to keep kids active and learning about the world around them and to foster an appreciation in them that will continue throughout their lives. Contact the one of the Ranger District Offices for further information on great places to take the kids for fun and learning