Program comments:
Sensory Safari
"By the time we got done with the program, the children knew not to touch things and leave them for others to find in nature." - Vanessa Lawrence, Children's World Learning Center.
Habitat Seasons
"The students said it was 'the best field trip we've ever been on!' Each of the habitat areas was a perfect example for students to see the 'real thing'." - Beckie Reddock, 3rd grade teacher, Nashua Elementary.
Ecosystem Investigations
"The students enjoyed the pond the best, they could see activity and the importance of this ecosystem up close and personal." - Shirley Smith, 4th grade teacher, Elm Grove Community School.
Nature's Harvest
"The kids were always involved, reading the information as each plant was identified and keeping track of the items on the check off sheet. Being out in the wild while learning really helped the kids relate to the pioneers." - Sharon Jackson, 4th grade teacher, Chapel Hill Elementary.
Creek Neighbors
"The hands on creek experience was worthwhile. It gave the kids a positive opportunity to experience nature." - Martha Smith, 1st grade teacher, Gashland Elementary.
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Introduce your class to the wonders
of the natural world around them in
Martha's own back yard!!!
Martha's Dream
For over 25 years, the Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary has been a valuable part of the Kansas City area. It is the result of one woman's dream to provide safe habitat for wildlife in a growing community and quality environmental education for all ages. This dream has become the mission of staff and volunteers who contribute their time and talents.
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18,000 visitors attend scheduled programs and 17,000 people came to explore on their own in 2001. Our goal is to help each visitor learn about the environment, as well as experience the peace, solace, and beauty of nature. |
Painting of Martha by local artist and naturalist Cathy Johnson.
Program Fees and Length
Program fees are as follows:
60 minutes: $4 per child
90 minutes: $5 per child
120 minutes: $6 per child
Teachers are free. We require enough adult chaperones to maintain a 1:15 adult:child ratio while on the trail, excluding the Naturalist. Those adults will be free, as well. Additional adults will be charged a fee of $3 each.
Preschool and Kindergarten programs are 60 minutes in length.
Grade school programs are 90 minutes to two hours in length, depending upon the program (see descriptions for individual program length).
Two program: have an additional materials fee.
Program Extras
Pre-visit activities will be included in a confirmation packet sent 6-8 weeks prior tto your program; please share with all teachers attending the field trip.
MAP requirements are included in each program and requirements met will be sent with pre-visit activities.
Name tags that an be easily read by the naturalists are strongly encouraged for students and teachers.
The picnic area can be reserved for groups at no extra cost. Picnic tables seat approximately 20 people, and there are about 30 more bench seats around the sides of the shelter. We also require that you pack out what you bring in terms of garbage.
An exhibit area is included within the nature center that is available either prior to or following your program.
The gift shop features educational and nature items starting at $0.50. You may want to plan additional time for shopping. Please note: If you do not plan to have your children purchase items from the gift shop, we ask that they not linger in that area.
Program evaluation forms are provided to each teacher. These allow us to continually review our program quality. Please be sure to complete the form and return it. It has been designed as a self-mailer and will have a stamp attached. |
Sensory Safari
Preschool
Fee: $4 per child
Offered year-round.
This hands-on program has been a favorite of little ones for years. Children use their senses to discover wonders on the natural world on a walk guided by a naturalist. They also meet a live animal and learn how it uses its senses to live.
Coldblooded Critters
Preschool
Fee: $4 per child
Offered year-round.
Meet live reptiles and amphibians. Through hands-on interaction, children will learn what these two groups of animals have in common and how they differ. Discover the fun of the outdoors by visiting different habitats where these animals live.
Habitat Seasons
2nd-3rd Grades
Fee: $5 per child for 90 min. program
Time of Year: Year-round
Everyone needs someplace to live and during this program, students will be introduced to the importance of habitats, and what each habitat must include. |
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In addition, they will learn about various adaptations of plants and animals and how these help them to survive, regardless of the season. We'll head outside to look at prairie, forest and wetland habitats, and for their inhabitants. A live animal will also be introduced.
Ecosystem Investigations
4th-6th Grades
Fee: $5 per child for 90 min. program.
Time of Year: Fall and Spring
Here is an opportunity for students to take an in-depth look at samples of different ecosystems found in Missouri. Students will explore and study forest, grassland and wetland habitats found at the Sanctuary. They will record plants and animals found in each ecosystem. This will culminate with an understanding of the components of each ecosystem and their functions within, whether a specialist or a generalist.
Insect Intrigue
Preschool
Fee: $4 per child
Offered April 15 - October 15.
Bugs, Beetles, and Creepy Crawlers. Exploring the amazing variety of insect life through hands-on learning will open up your students eyes to another world. Basic insect parts are taught through an action song and students will go into the field. There they use nets and collecting jars to collect, classify and release insects.
Feathered Friends
1st - 3rd Grades
Fees: $6 per child for 90 min. program.
Time of Year: Year-round
Children will soar to new heights as they learn about the world of birds. We'll start with an indoor introduction to birds where children will learn what makes a bird a bird. We'll then head outdoors in search of robins, cardinals, hawks and more. This program will conclude with the children making their very own bird feeder to take home.
Wild About Wetlands
4th-6th Grades
Fees: $5 per child for 90 min. program.
Time of Year: April 15 - September 30
This program will literally immerse your students into the world of wetlands. They will learn through firsthand observation and investigation what organisms are found in our creek and pond environments. From water beetles and dragonfly larvae to tadpoles and fish, students will begin to understand both the importance of healthly wetlands and the organisms found in each system. Please note that we will be in the creek and in mud along the pond, so students should wear close-toed shoes (no sandals) that can get wet and/or muddy.
Birds of a Feather
4th-6th Grades
Fee: $6 per child for 2 hour program
Time of Year: Year-round
Birds have long-facinated us, from their flight capabilities to their beauty and lyrical songs. |
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During this program your students will come to know the characteristics and adaptations of birds, as well as learn how to identify common birds of this area through artifacts, mounts and a slide program. We'll then head outdoors for a walk with binoculars in hand in search of our featured friends.
Colossal Fossil
2nd-6th Grades
Fee: $5 per child for 90 min. program.
Fee: $7 per child for 2 hour program*
Time of Year: April 15 - Sept. 30
Dig this! Here's an opportunity for your students to learn about fossils, from identification to how they were made. Then, we'll head out to Rush Creek in search of the real thing among the shale and limestone deposits there. Your students will get a glimpse into a long ago world when ancient shallow seas covered this part of Missouri. And the best part ... students will be able to take home those fossils they find to a limited number of fossils! Please note that this program involves getting in the water thus we require that students wear a pair of close-toed shoes and bring an extra pair to change into at the conclusion of the program. *Optional Addition: If you would like, we can extend the program by 30 minutes so that your students can make a "fossil" using plaster and seashells. This requires two hours and a total fee of $7.
Pond Neighbors
Creek Neighbors
Preschool
Fee: $4 per child
Offered April 15 - September 30.
To protect our creek habitat, program availability is limited. |
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Children are introduced to the pond OR creek neighborhood during this wet and wild program. Activities include brief aquatic introduction, catch and release of water critters or meeting some of our indoor aquatic animals. Children wade IN the water and will get wet during these programs. Proper close toed shoes are required. No aqua shoes.
Off site programs are offered year round based on availability (excluding April and May). Off-site program fee: $165 per hour, $90 each additional hour. Class sizes are limited to the following:
Wild Missouri
What animals live in Missouri? Where do they live? How do they find food? Find out the answers to these questions and others, as this program explores animal adaptations, and habitat needs. Using a variety of natural artifacts and live animals, this program becomes an experience that everyone will remember.
Students will rotate through 2-4 themed stations depending upon group size. Themes to choose from include: mammals, birds, reptiles/amphibians, and insects. Animal artifacts may include: muskrat, beaver, raccoon, mink, otter, opossum, deer, squirrel, shunk, bobcat, gray fox, reptiles, and amphibians.
Critters in the Classroom
What exactly is a pollywog? How does a snake swallow food larger than its head? Discover differences and similarities between amphibians and reptiles through hands-on interaction and by comparing and contrasting the physical characteristics of each. Students will also explore reptile and amphibian movement.
Teachers can choose any combination of five of our animals: gray treefrog, tiger salamander, western painted turtle, smooth softshell turtle, snapping turtle, ornate box turtle, prairie kingsnake, and bullsnake.
Feathered Frenzy
Choose three of the options below to create a program that fits your curriculum/ teaching schedule:
Option 1: Students explore the diversity and adaptations of the avian world by hands-on examinations of different types of feathers, bones, and feet.
Option 2: Enjoy a slide show for visual reinforcement of birds discussed while learning bird calls and songs with the help of our Birdsong Identiflyer.
Option 3: As time and the surrounding area of the school allow, our naturalist will go outdoors with students to search for evidence of birds while learning bird calls and songs with the help of a Birdsong Identiflyer.
Option 4: Each student makes their own tennis-ball container bird feeder filled with bird seed to take home. *Note: This option requires a $3 additional materials fee per student.
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OTHER PROGRAM POSSIBILTIES
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Home Schools
In addition to the programs, home school public programs are offered once a month at the Sanctuary.
Middle Schools and High Schools
Field trips for middle schools and high schools are tailored to the needs of the specific class. Modifications of the programs in this guide can be arranged for older ages, and we welcome requests for other topics. Teachers should call the Nature Center and speak to a naturalist to discuss their options.
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OPPORTUNITIES FOR OLDER STUDENT GROUPS
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7th-12th and Adults
Fee: $6 per student for 90 min. program. Call for details on these program options:
• Colossal Fossil
• Nature's Harvest
• Outdoor Lab: Ornithology
Tips for scheduling an outstanding Outdoor Education Program |
Call 816-781-8598 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and ask for a Naturalist. Please have the following information ready when you call:
• Program choice
• School name, address and phone number
• Grade level and number of children
• Preferred date and time with alternate (in case your first choice is not available)
• Any children with special needs
Note: It is recommended that you call well in advance of your program date to insure a place on the schedule, particularly for fall and spring programs.
Prior to your visit, you will receive a confirmation letter, your billing, a medical release and pre-visit activities.
Payment of your fee must be received no later than three weeks prior to your visit. If this is a problem due to school policies or procedures, please notify us immediately.
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Rescheduling of programs can be done pending availability. No fee will be charged in the case of a school emergency or dangerous weather. If you must reschedule for any other reason, there will be a $25 administrative fee applied to your bill. As a general rule, we do not issue refunds.
Come visit before your program. Explore the Nature Center, hike the trails and get ready for your fantastic field trip. Let us know ahead of time, and a naturalist may be available to answer questions.
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DO AT MLTNS
