Classroom Programs

The Ecology Center’s classroom programs are exciting, hands-on, and informational. Not only are they fun for students, but they are also aligned with the Michigan Grade Level Content Expectations (GLCEs) to ensure that they will fit in with teachers’ curriculum needs. No matter which program you choose, students will get the message of what they can do to protect our environment!

For Elementary School Students

  • Wee Recycle: Stories, songs, and experimentation with playdough emphasize what recycling is, why it is important, and how to participate in the recycling process. For preschool and kindergarten students.

  • PaperCapers: This program introduces the process of recycling paper. Students get to take home their own hand-recycled paper, too! For elementary students.
  • Compostability: Learn more about nature’s recycling — through story, song, and hands-on exploration. Recommended for 1st grade.

  • Storm Water: The Mystery of the Trashy Goo!: Students help Detective Frog solve a mystery as they learn about storm water, storm water drains, and how to protect our waters. Recommended for 2nd grade.

  • Project Recycle! Through a series of engaging activities, students learn what happens to the trash and recyclables that we dispose of every day, and they become experts on how to recycle in their own schools and homes. Recommended for 3rd grade.
  • Re3+C: This program focuses on how to reduce, reuse, recycle, and compost. Students play imaginative games and become “garbologists” as they discover what an average American family may be throwing away. For elementary students.

  • Nature Recycles: Recycling is an important way to deal with waste, and nature has been doing it all along! Students will examine recycling, composting, and natural decomposition. We'll even give you a great compost "recipe!" Recommended for 4th grade.
  • Pollution Prevention and You: In this exciting simulation, students act as “planners,” design an area, and then observe what happens when a pollution risk comes into their area. Recommended for 5th grade.

For Middle School and High School Students

  • Our Material World: Hands-on activities and discussion facilitate an examination of resource consumption and standard of living in various countries around the world. For 6th-8th grades.
  • Living Lightly on the Earth: This program examines how we can treat our earth with respect! Students explore the consumer choices that we make every day, and the thought processes behind our decisions. For high school students.


For more information about bringing these workshops to your school, please contact our Environmental Educator, Lauren LaRocca, by calling (734) 761-3186, extension 111.