About Our School Programs...

Willow Bend offers 45 in-class programs designed to supplement teachers’ science curricula. Our programs are locally focused, standards-aligned, and activity-based. They are available to teachers at schools where we are currently contracted: Flagstaff Unified School District, Williams Elementary, Maine Consolidated, and Fredonia Moccasin Unified School District. To schedule a program at one of these schools, contact Sapna Sopori. To become a Willow Bend School, contact Christine Newell.

Classroom Programs
- Kindergarten
- First Grade
- Second Grade
- Third Grade
- Fourth Grade
- Fifth Grade
- Sixth Grade
- Middle School & High School
Field Trips
- Overview & Logistics
- Recycling Tour
Educational Resources
- Willow Bend Kits
- Other Resources
Teacher Trainings
- Program Description

Classroom Programs: Third Grade

To ensure a high-quality educational experience, we work with only one class at a time. Programs run 50 minutes unless otherwise noted.

Alien Plant Invaders: Alien plants are invading Coconino County! Learn what they look like and why land managers are concerned about this "growing" problem.
Downtown Flagstaff Geology (1 hour): Discover the history and geology of downtown Flagstaff with a focus on historic buildings made of local stone. (This class compliments a Flagstaff Geology teacher’s kit available for checkout at Willow Bend.)
Erupting Earth: Take a look at different types of volcanoes, with an emphasis on northern Arizona.A hands-on activity helps students explore how the viscosity of magma relates to volcano types.
For the Birds: Students are introduced to bird watching and sharpen their listening skills by identifying local bird calls!
Plant Power!: Students will cultivate basic plant identification skills to understand the power of local plants! *Suggested follow-up field trip: “Navajo Uses of Native Plants” at the Arboretum*
Rock Talk (1 hour): An introduction to igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, including examples from northern Arizona.This program includes a hands-on collection of rocks and a very interactive game!
Trash and the Three R's: Students learn how to reduce waste, reuse materials, and recycle in Flagstaff. *Suggested follow-up field trip: “Recycling Tour” through Willow Bend*