Discover Prairies with Nature Unleashed

Explore Missouri’s prairies with MDC’s Discover Nature Schools: Nature Unleashed curriculum.

This on-site, immersive workshop is being held at Dunn Ranch Prairie Conservation Area, an MDC priority geography. MDC works with private landowners and other conservation entities in those geographies to protect and restore functioning native grasslands and stream watersheds.

Nature Unleashed emphasizes hands-on learning, teaches problem-solving, and provides authentic and local contexts for learning. It is designed to allow elementary students hands-on interactions and understanding of Missouri habitats, food webs, predator/prey relationships, and adaptations.

This workshop will focus on exploration of prairie habitats. Topics will include the importance and history of Missouri prairies, and plants and animals unique to prairies. Participants will explore the specialized adaptations of prairie life, learn to identify several common prairie wildflowers and grasses, and learn about prairies streams and watersheds.

Teachers will also build and take home a plant press. They will receive a guide to Missouri wildflowers and other materials. A free lunch will be provided by The Nature Conservancy. Teachers who attend the full day and meet grant requirements will be eligible for MDC Discover Nature Schools funding.

The Discover Nature School curriculum includes the follow items:

• full-color, illustrated student book
• student science notebook
• teacher guides with outdoor activities and lesson plans
• grants for field trips and exploration equipment

COVID-19 safety precautions will be followed.