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 Kirstie Bickford. To become a Willow Bend School, contact Sapna Sopori.

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. Supported by the Ecological Restoration Institute.
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. Supported by the Flagstaff Area Monuments National Park Service.
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! Supported by the Rocky Mountatin Research Station. 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 Rs: Students learn how to reduce waste, reuse materials, and recycle in Flagstaff. Suggested follow-up field trip: “Recycling Tour” through Willow Bend