Mini Topics

The Foley Environmental Education Center is a space of constant learning, using all of the teachable moments of nature to educate participants, however we also have several Mini Topics that we teach on a weekly basis.

Every year our program varies due to the interest of our groups, the expertise of our staff and the "hot" topics in the news!

Weather

On arrival day at the center, students learn the basics of reading both digital and analog weather equipment (thermometers, barometers, wind indicators, etc) and the basics of cloud identification.  Every morning before breakfast and every evening before dinner, students take readings and using a scientific formula, predict the weather for the upcoming day.

Dr. Earth

A famous figure at Foley!  Dr. Earth is our watcher of the Environment, making sure we eat all of our food, turn off lights and stay on the paths.  Contests and games included.

Bats

Using skeletons, drawings, games and models, we will discuss the two types of Minnesota bats (the Big Brown Bat and the Little Brown Bat) as well as the benefits that we have from having them around!

Ticks

are a part of our wilderness in Northern, Minnesota, so we take time to discuss prevention (students will learn what it means to "tick up") and identification of the different species of ticks.

Character Traits

Although not strictly an environmental focus, Foley also spends time discussing the 6 pillars of character (Respect, Responsibility, Trustworthiness, Citizenship, Caring and Fairness).  Evening "Chapel Talks" (for the Christian schools) or character discussions (for schools non-religious schools) are done to reflect on the new things students have learned/tried as well as the specific trait that we focused on for that day.  Each trait has a color assigned that the staff and students wear as a reminder to practice that trait throughout the day.