Heartland Outdoor School offers 24 classes in a variety of subjects for grades four and up. Click on a subject below or scroll through the classes to view the class opportunities and more information.
Arthropods
In this Life Sciences class, students will discover and observe the natural habitats of terrestrial arthropods, and learn why arthropods are important to our (human) survival as well as the survival of the planet.
Backyard Buffet
Discover unusual and unexpected edible plants as we embark on a guided nature hike for this Life Sciences class. Nature is our “grocery store” as students learn to identify and safely sample native wild edible plants growing in and around our woods and fields.
Critter Scene Investigation
We need your help! We have stumbled across several crime scenes and we need YOU to aid us in our investigation! Predators run rampant all over Heartland property. For this Life Sciences class, put on your investigator caps, brush up on Sherlock Holmes and exercise your critical thinking to help us solve our wildlife mysteries!
Eco-Explorers
This Life Sciences class gives students a better understanding of the various relationships in the different ecosystems of Ohio. Hands-on exploration of forest, grassland, and wetland ecosystems will further knowledge and understanding of the intricate balance between living organisms and their habitat.
Eco-X-Stream
Hop on our wagons and hitch a ride down to the headwaters of Alum Creek for an exciting hour of creek-filled fun! We’ll discover the creatures that lie beneath the surface of the water, how they relate to one another in the food chain and how they contribute to understanding the health of a stream.
Mad About Mammals
Close your eyes and think of an animal. What animal comes to mind? Does it have fur? If it does, you thought of a mammal! Did you know mammals are found in every continent of the world? They have different characteristics to help them live within their habitats. In this Life Sciences class, students will get to meet a few of our amazing animal ambassadors. As students handle the animals, they will make observations and try to guess each animal’s habitat based on their characteristics.
Ornithology
Ornithology is a Life Sciences class designed to introduce students to the importance of native Ohio bird species and their specific adatations. Students will obserce and record the characteristics and diversity of birds on a guided nature hike leading to observation time at out Heartland bird blind.
Reptiles and Amphibians
What’s the difference between reptiles and amphibians? Find out in this Life Sciences class as we discuss the characteristics of these animals using a Venn diagram. Students will then have the unique opportunity to hold both native and exotic reptiles and amphibians.
Poet-Tree
In this Language Arts class, students will learn about four different poetry styles that are used when writing about nature: Diamante, Cinquain, Haiku and Impressionistic. As a class, students will work together to create an example of each of the four different kinds of poems. Lastly, students will have an opportunity to write their own poetry.
Pathfinders
Pathfinders introduces students to the purpose, parts and proper use of a compass. This Geography class also provides practical experience on how to navigate with or without maps and charts. Students will have the opportunity to use a compass on a course to further their understanding of orienteering.
Archery
The archery class gives students a good introduction to the sport of archery. Students will learn basic form and shooting techniques. This Physical Science class also helps develop student’s motor skills and safety awareness.
Team Challenge
This Team Skills class involves a physical set of obstacles or problems within a sequence of activities that will physically and mentally challenge participants. This allows students to move out of their comfort zone into a place where they can experience new ways to look at themselves and others.
Construction Zone
The Construction Zone class develops teamwork and cooperation skills by having teams of students build structures through friendly competition. This Team Skills class emphasizes positive communication as teams overcome physical and psychological obstacles. Facilitators personalize challenges to enhance the experience of each student and the group.
Group Problem Solving
Group Problem Solving (or GPS, for short) uses cooperative games and activities to help develop Team Skills, communication, cooperation, and motor work. Students will be given a variety of mental and physical obstacles that they must work together on to successfully complete.
Earth ROCKS 101
This indoor geology class teaches students how to identify rocks using the three geological classification found in the Tock Cycle. Students are also introduced to mineral testing and discovering the characteristics of minerals through hands-on activities
Wilderness Survival
This Team Skills class will give students hands-on experience in dealing with survival situations. Students will practice building and igniting a fire, making a shelter, finding suitable drinking water, and signaling.
Ohio Living History
Step back in time to the Alum Creek Settlement. Follow 1798 settlers through a forest notorious for attacks. Once safely in the village, interact with historic characters and take part in period activities such as candle making, crafts, games, blacksmithing, carpentry, militia and outdoor cooking. This can be done as a daytime Social Studies class or as an evening activity.
Contact us for group minimum/additional cost.
High Ropes
Students will be challenged in the area of personal growth, team support and encouragement while on our dual level high adventure course. Contact us for school pricing, age and wight minimums, and group size compatibility.
Earth ROCKS 102
Building on prior geology knowledge, this interactive outdoor Geology class will give students the opportunity to explore the banks of Alum Creek’s tributaries and observe rocks amid Ohio’s terrain.
Zip Line
Hand on tight as you rush down our 400 ft. zip line. Minimum height/weight of 42″ and 45 lbs. and maximum height/weight of 75″ and 275 lbs. Contact us for school pricing and group size compatibility.
High Quality H2O
The stream study class gives students a better understanding of how to conduct an investigation within a stream ecosystem. Through the use of the proper tools and hands-on exploration, High School students will discover the importance of water quality and the water quality status of Alum Creek along with the many organisms living within it.
Fantastic Fish
In this indoor class students will learn the basic characteristics of a fish and then dissect a fish to further understand their anatomy.
Climbing Wall
Watch students “climb to new heights” as they challenge themselves on our multi-pitch climbing wall. Located indoors, this Elective class is offered year-round with one-on-one instruction from our trained and experienced staff members. Climbers of all levels, from beginner to advanced, will enjoy the thrill of the climb.
Tie-Dye
Join in the fun and use bright, vivid colors to create your own masterpiece t-shirt! Our experienced staff will guide this Elective class through a series of twists and turns that, in the end, will produce uniquely tie-dyed t-shirts. Complete with our Heartland Outdoor School Logo, the shirts come preshrunk and are available in adult sizes S-XXL. Additional charge of $6.50 per student.
Amazing Machines
Have you ever wanted to be an inventor? In this day of renewable energy and brilliant research, what does it take to create a useable machine harnessing the energy around us? This class will give your students the opportunity to see renewable energy principles in action and create their own machine using the principles of STEM.