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Tallgrass Prairie Center

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Educator Resources

Irvine Prairie

The links below have been created by the staff of Tallgrass Prairie Center and Green Iowa AmeriCorps members over the years that provide a range of information, lessons, activities, and other resources for the formal and informal educator. The aim of this page is to assist teachers of all varieties with options and ideas to connect youth to the outdoors and our lost and limited landscape of Iowa tallgrass prairie.


 

 

Prairie Roots Lessons

10 lesson plans connecting youth to prairie using an active learning approach. Aligned to Iowa Core standards.

 

 

 

Keepers of the Earth Lessons

8 environmental-based lessons from the classic book Keepers of the Earth that teaches our youth Earth stewardship and promotes prairie biodiversity.

 

 

 

 

Nature Activities for Teachers

20 flexible outdoor activities that can connect a teacher and their students to learning outside. And spark ideas for future lessons!

 

 

 

Xerces Kids - Xerces Society

Resources for educators and parents who want to inspire the next generation to care for invertebrates.

 

 

Botany Beginners

A beginners course on plant ID with an emphasis on how to learn native Iowa plants. Great for high school teachers!

 

 

 

New to Nature Resources  

 

Several resources for the educator new to extending class beyond the 4 walls and taking their students outdoors.

 

 

 

 

Irvine Prairie Observation Guides

Bird, grasses, and wildflower observation guides for use in your visit to the prairie!

 

 

 

Prairie Coloring Book

A coloring book of prairie plants, animals and insects
designed by AmeriCorps service member Bri Hull 

 

 

Education at Irvine Prairie

Visitation info, field trip activities, observation guides, and more on Irvine Prairie located in Dysart, Iowa.

 

 

 

Community Science Resources

Helping connect to the range of possibilities for community science along with a resource for deciding which Monarch program is right for you!

 

 

 

 

Boy Scouts of America Connections

List of possible Boy Scouts of America merit badge requirements that can be completed through the Tallgrass Prairie Center or Irvine Prairie.