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We offer classroom presentations, conservation education kits, and workshops in the community.
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Get supplies chosen by neighbors tested in Missaukee County. From native plants and trees to garden supplies and educational materials.
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what we do

Education Kit Rentals

Bring hands-on conservation learning to your classroom or group without the hassle of purchasing and storing materials. Our education kits make environmental education engaging and accessible for all ages.

How it works

1

Select Your Kit

Browse our kits and fill out our request form with your preferred dates.

2

Teach & Learn

Have your engaging lesson with complete materials and adaptive lesson plans.

3

Return Clean

Return kit in clean condition, noting any items that need replenishing.

Available Kits

Everything you need for engaging conservation education is included. Our kits are organized by age groups to help you find the perfect fit for your students. Each kit includes adaptive lesson plans that support Michigan and Next Generation Science Standards.

PRE-K TO GRADE 4

Lower Elementary

Looking at Leaves

Pre-K-2 | Art & Science

Explore leaf shapes, evergreen vs. deciduous trees, and seasonal changes with leaf crafts. This activity can be messy.

Birds & Rubbing Plates

Pre-K-2 | Art, History & Geography

Plastic bird outlines for discussing adaptations, shapes, and sizes.

Tree Detectives

Pre-K-6 | History

Examine tree "cookies" to learn about tree structure and environmental history.

Garden in a Glove

K-2 | Science

Learn seed anatomy, germination basics, and Michigan crops. This activity can be messy.

Bird Food Sources and Migration Poem

K-2 | Language Arts & Science

Discover what birds eat and why some migrate.

The Mitten

K-2 | Language Arts & Social Studies

Interactive read-along activity with laminated mittens and animal pieces.

Water Bracelet

K-3 | Art & Civics

Water conservation history and practices with bracelet-making and steward pledge.

A Water's Journey

K-3 | Art & Science

Station-based water cycle activity with pipe-cleaner bracelet journaling.

Owl Pellets

K-4 | Science

Dissect real owl pellets to discover what owls eat and learn about their unique digestive process. This activity can be messy.

Nature Discovery Box (Backyard Safari)

K-5 | Language Arts

Have a discussion about what is found in nature, what animals leave behind or uses for natural items. This requires a large space.

Fish Prints

K-5 | Art & Science

Learn about Michigan fish types and anatomy, plus dichotomous key identification. This activity can be messy.

Every Tree for Itself

K-8 | Science

Interactive game about tree needs (nutrients, space, water) and trunk structure.

Egg Anatomy

2-4 | Language Arts

Create egg dioramas connecting food sources to bird reproduction.

Freddie the Fish

2-5 | Language Arts & Civics

Follow a story about negative human impacts on aquatic life with hands-on activities. This activity can be messy.

Grade 3 TO GRADE 8

Upper Elementary to Middle School

Eat or Be Eaten

K-5 | Science

Food web basics with 12 game sets for whole-class participation.

The Shore Tour

K-8 | Civics & History

Comprehensive kit with lessons, labs, and board game about shoreline habitat protection. Includes a Field Trip to Lake Missaukee, Clam River Dam, State Forest Campgrounds on a Lake, etc.

On the Farm

2-5 | History, Geography & Economics

Explore food and clothing sources with real materials: wool, corn, soybeans, twine. Includes a Field Trip to a Dairy Farm.

Stormwater Game

2-6 | Art & Science

Station-based activity about water travel and freshwater protection. Includes Field Trip to Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Soybeans go to School

3-5 | History & Economics

Michigan soybean crop study: growing conditions and daily life uses.

Busy Bees

3-5 | Science

Pollination and flower parts with extensions on pesticide impacts.

Right Plant, Right Place

3-5 | Language Arts & Social Studies

Native vs. invasive plants, competition, and adaptations with three activities.

Ecosystems

3-6 | Language Arts & History

Learn ecosystem levels and connections with adaptable lesson depth.

The Great Swim

3-12 | Science

Station-based salmon journey game with human impact scenarios.

Food Chain and Energy

4-6 | Science

Energy transfer simulation showing survival vs. consumption in food chains.

It's All Connected

4-6 | Science & Economics

Producer, consumer, decomposer relationships using Michigan habitat posters.

Dodge the Invader

4-7 | Science

Active game demonstrating invasive species effects on communities.

Monarch Migration

4-8 | Science

Station-based butterfly journey activity, pairs with live caterpillars.

Great Migration - Birds

4-8 | Science

Station-based bird migration challenges including invasive species impacts.

Mini Groundwater

4-8 | Science

Build groundwater systems in cups to learn about pollution and water wells. This activity can be messy.

Invasive Fish Game

4-10 | Science

Group game teaching about round goby and ecosystem disruption. Includes Field trip to a Fish Hatchery or Carl T. Johnson Center.

Bird Detectives

6-8 | Science

6-lesson Cornell Lab program covering bird identification, diversity, and citizen science.

Invasive Species Outdoor Lab

6-9 | Science

Field study using quadrants to evaluate invasive species impacts.

Grade 9 TO GRADE 12

High School

Chemistry of Plastics

10-12 | Chemistry & Civics

Lab-based plastic chemistry analysis requiring Bunsen burners, includes recycling lessons. Includes Field Trip to Recycling Center.

Water Quality Lab

9-12 | Science

Field investigation of abiotic and biotic water quality factors, includes waders and nets. Includes Field Trip to Lake Missaukee or Muskegon River etc.

Pond Study

9-12 | Art & Science

Microscopic water organism examination with specimens and sample tubes. Includes Field Trip to Lake Missaukee or Muskegon River etc.

Michigan Geology

8-12 | History & Geology

Hands-on study of Michigan's glacial geology with rock specimens and Earth history timeline. Field Trip to a Quarry or Main St. Rocks.

Name that Tree

8-12 | Art & Science

Botany lesson with dichotomous keys and Michigan tree specimens. Includes Field Trip to Missaukee Mountain, School Forest, State Forest Land.

Generate!

8-12 | Math, Civics and Language Arts

Energy resource evaluation game considering environmental, cost, and efficiency factors. Includes Field Trip to Wolverine, Consumer, Viking Energy, etc. to see how they work in person

Great Lakes Most Wanted

7-12 | Art & Science

Study of eight Michigan invasive species with group activities and presentations

Zoonotic Diseases

10-12 | Art, History & Geography

Pathogen types and disease prevention practices in lab and farm settings. Includes Field Trip to a Large Animal Vet.

Break the Barrier

7-10 | Art & Science

Sea Lamprey invasion study with population control methods, 6 game sets available. Connect with DNR to get Lamprey in the Classroom!

General public education kits

All-ages and grade levels

Bat Education Ki

Science

Complete "EDUBat" lesson plans with story books, puppets, identification tools, and ecosystem games

Animal Tracks

Art & Science

Michigan wildlife identification through footprints, with ink stamps and plaster casting

Hands-on Wildlife

History & Science

Touch pelts and examine skulls to learn about animal adaptations and survival.

Intro to Fishing

Art & Science

Safe casting practice with "Backyard Bass" and large-scale knot tying with hangers and rope.

Native Garden and Stormwater Information

Art, History & Science

Complete handouts and educational materials including Stormwater Game.

Candle Making

Crafting

Repurpose glass jars and old crayons while learning candle history and science.

Papermaking

Crafting

Learn paper production and repurposing with optional native seed additions

Bee Hotel

Crafting

Create native solitary bee habitat while learning about bee lifecycles.

Bird Feeder/Suet

Crafting

Repurpose recyclables into feeders and make winter suet with lard or peanut butter

submit your request

Request an Education Kit

Fill out this form and we'll contact you to confirm availability and arrange pickup. A deposit (check) may be required at pickup. The check will not be cashed unless kit is not returned, or is returned damaged. Payment may be necessary for any damage to equipment or supplies. Kit rentals are free for Missaukee County educators and community groups. We'll contact you within 2-3 business days to confirm availability.

First Name *

Last Name *

Phone *

Email *

Organization *

School or Organization Name

Address

Street Address

City

State

Country

Postal Code

Approximate Group Size *

Group Grade(s)/Subjects *

e.g. Grade 8 Science

Preferred Kit(s) *

Preferred Pickup Date *

Expected Return Date *

Special Requests or Questions

By checking this box, I consent to receive messages related to my account, orders, or services I have requested. These messages may include appointment reminders, order confirmations, and account notifications among others. Message frequency may vary. Message & Data rates may apply.Reply HELP for help or STOP to opt-out.