Information for Teachers and Educators:
answers to your questions
and how to prepare...


About this program.....

The NATURE ADVENTURES team is sweeping the region, talking to students, groups, teachers and parents. The hosts of the series, Terri Lawrenz and Todd Magnuson, will bring nature to you in this fun and interactive presentation. Attendees will get a chance to get up-close and personal with various reptiles! You will laugh, you will cringe, you will learn, but most of all you will love it!

This program is suitable for all ages. Our visits range from 30 minutes to one hour in length, and can be scheduled 7 days a week, including evenings to accommodate your needs!  "Nature Adventures: LIVE!!!" has been presented at  State Fairs, Outdoor Expos, preschools, Educational and Environmental Centers, Relay For Life events, elementary through high schools, home school groups, colonies, Family Fun Nights, Science Nights, church groups, senior centers, and more! No group too big or small!

Did you know that Nature Adventures with Terri and Todd is not just a television series, but also an entire educational package? In addition to the weekly television series, we offer LIVE visits and online learning modules that can be used inside and outside of the classroom. We also provide other resources to accompany your learning experience! See http://sdpb.org/natureadventures/season4/ for more information on our online Education and Outreach program. Our materials are designed to reach the standards of the Department of Education Science Standards for grades 3-6. (but are beneficial to all!)

Most of our school visits take place in the gymnasium or cafeteria, and average group size is 200-300 students. We will adjust our content to suit the age levels we will be speaking to. We most commonly present to K-6th grade students, however, all ages enjoy and benefit from their learning experience. You are welcome to invite community day cares, head start groups, etc to join in the fun! All are welcome!

The main focus of our show is REPTILES! Yes, lizards, turtles, tortoises, and SNAKES! Many of our collection are creatures that are native to the upper Midwest. Reptiles are often misunderstood and are sure to catch the attention of all attendees...young and not-so-young! Most of our reptiles are 'rescue' animals and each has their own story to tell!

You can expect us to arrive 15-30 minutes prior to the event time to set up. All we need from the school is a large table, and when possible, a PA system with 2 microphones. We speak for 30-45 minutes, followed by a 10-15 minute Q & A session, and an approx. 15 minute hands-on session where students get their chance to touch some of the critters! Our typical show from start to finish is one hour long. Often times we invite local press to cover the event.

If Nature Adventures: LIVE has already been to your school and was enjoyed by all, that's  great! We would love to come back and do a 'follow up' show! In our follow-up show we share additional creatures, including amphibians, as well as more in-depth stories and inspiration.

The cost of bringing Nature Adventures to your school is $750. There is NO cost to the school directly. Our team will work to secure sponsorship funding to carry out the visit. We do all we can to secure funding and adjust rates to make this event happen, with no expense nor hassle for you. This is a standard rate and actual rates may be negotiated and can vary depending on various factors, such as multiple shows at one school or vicinity, or for locations that are near or far from our home base near Sioux Falls. Occasionally we do evening 'meet and greets' at local eateries and invite families to come out and share their stories with us in a casual and fun environment! It's fun for all!

If you have further questions, please call 605-941-3348 or email the hosts directly at info@natureadventuresonline.org

Nature Adventures may be seen on PBS affiliates in South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska and parts of Wisconsin and Iowa. You may also watch episodes online by clicking the 'Season 4 Episodes' link.

Thank you for your interest and support! We are looking forward to seeing you soon!

The "Nature Adventures: LIVE!!!" Team

Here are some additional tools you may find useful in preparing for our visit:

Downloads:


8.5"X11" PRINTABLE TRI-FOLD BROCHURE FOR TEACHERS
FULL COLOR


PRINTABLE POSTER FOR CLASSROOMS
8.5"X11" BLACK AND WHITE

PRINTABLE 8.5"X11" PROMOTIONAL 'COMING SOON" FLIERS FOR STUDENTS OR CLASSROOMS
FULL COLOR
BLACK AND WHITE


When Nature Adventures is in town, you never know where the party will break out! Reptiles in parking lots sure draw a crowd!

We at Nature Adventures believe that hands-on learning is the best kind of learning! And we sure love doing it!

Posing proudly with her free autographed photo!

Sometimes we are joined by our friend, Buddy, the SDPB Mascot! We can't seem to help him overcome his fear of snakes though!

Where you find reptiles, you find curious minds, ready to engage and learn!

At Nature Adventures, we believe in life-long learning. We enjoy teaching all ages!

Our friends joining us for dinner enhances the learning process through relationship building. Not only are we their educators, but their friends as well.



What others are saying...

Dear Terri and Todd,
Thank you for coming to Watertown, SD to share with us about your animals. It was a fun filled experience for all. I know you have to work at getting funding for shows such as this. We really appreciate this! Without your time and effort this would never have happened. Thank you for supporting Jefferson Elementary students.
Sincerely,
Laura Morrow
Jefferson Elementary Principal


John Gordon, Youth and Family Services, Rapid City, SD:
We were so thrilled with your performances at our Kids Fair this past year that we are hoping to budget for you once again.



Mandy Audiss PAWS Director Chamberlain SD:

"Thank you!  The kids really had fun.  I have been telling my friends/relatives you were here.  Everyone thought it was so cool you guys came here."

 

Ron Jacobson, Supt., Elem Prin Gettysburg SD:

"A special thanks for coming to Gettysburg.  The program was really enjoyed by everyone.  I think even the people that were afraid of snakes enjoyed the show.  Thanks again and good luck in your future shows."

 

Mark Sampson, Principal, Iroquois SD:

"Your presentation was greatly appreciated and if you need a recommendation of any type let me know.  I think that a lot of our students got over a few fears and gained a healthy respect for your animals."

 

Derek Klawitter, The Outdoor Campus Community and Group Program Coordinator:

"The Nature Adventures Live program was absolutely great.  Not only did It allow people to come face to face, and have a hands on experience with a wide variety of South Dakota Critters, they also shared everything you ever wanted to know about them as well.  We are already looking forward to the upcoming program this summer."

 

Dan Dalchow ~ Principal Groton Area Elementary:

"The Nature Adventures Live presentation had our student's attention for the entire 45 minutes they performed.  A sign of a good presentation is when you can have the attention of 325 students for that length of time and then have them talking about it aftwards.  Their show had lots of interesting information and it was very entertaining."

 

Heath Larson, Principal, Pierre School District:

"Nature Adventures was an excellent assembly for our students!  Informative presentation and captivating reptiles for the kids to enjoy!"

 

Dr. Chris Noid Howard SD School Principal  :                                                      "I would like to say the program was very good and keep the students attention the whole time and they learned things they didn’t know."


Dan Leikvold Lead-Deadwood Principal:                                                  “The presentation was educational, yet light, humorous, and exciting!  Todd and Teri present in such a way that although learning is taking place,  the kids probably forgot they were at school.   We’d have them back for sure!” 

Danny Janklow, Horace Mann Elementary Rapid City Principal:

  “I would like to share my thoughts to your program: After being contacted by Nature Adventures, learning about the program and the presentation opportunity, our students at Horace Mann Elementary took some time to watch episodes of your broadcast as well as learn more about your program and the South Dakota wildlife living alongside many of our students.

During the presentation, many students were so excited to have the opportunity to see various reptiles up close and personal. Through this interaction, many students were able to see the animals for the first time in their life. Several of our students, even though they have lived in SD all of their lives, have never traveled into the Black Hills or across the prairie (unless traveling between RC and the reservation). This opportunity provided our students the chance to learn about, see and actually touch large reptiles. Our students have been provided this incredible experience through the kindness of others. The opportunity shared with my students again reinforces to me the generosity and kindness so many South Dakota residents share as a part of their daily lives. Thank you very much for taking the time to share your knowledge, expertise and animals with our students.”


Brad Olinger-Principal Flandreau Public:

The students thoroughly enjoyed the Nature Adventure program. Many misconceptions about reptiles were corrected by Todd and Terri's presentation to the students.”

Tracey Olson Superintendent / Elementary Principal Parker School District:

“The kids absolutely loved it! Terri and Todd’s presentation was so entertaining and educational that the kids are still talking about how AWESOME it was!”


Wesley Grantham, Wesley’s Rangers Watertown SD:

thanks we had a great time with you guys”


Margaret King Armour Middle School 5-8 Science teacher:

"What fun to be up close and personal with critters we rarely get to see!"