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Student Outdoor Lab Activities

Disposal Cell Walking Trip (grades K–12)
Students hike to the viewing platform at the top of our 75-foot disposal cell to enjoy the 360 degree view of the metropolitan skyline and maybe even spot the St. Louis Arch! This activity provides a good opportunity for discussion about human impact on the environment. The round trip distance of the walk is approximately one-half mile.  

Native Plant Walk and Talk (grades 2–12)
Students stroll through our 8-acre garden of native Missouri plants and the 150-acre Howell Prairie and learn about prairie ecosystems and become proficient in native plant identification techniques. More that 200 species of native plants are represented at the Weldon Spring Site. NOTE: This activity is only available during the fall season. 

Toxic Waste (grades 3–12)
This activity involves students working as a group while devising a plan to move the contents of simulated containerized waste to a safe location. The group must use minimal equipment, maintain a required distance, and perform the activity within a certain time limit! Groups will be divided into teams with a race to see who can finish first.

Orienteering Challenge (grades 5–12)
Individuals learn cross-country navigation skills using a map and a clue sheet. Small groups use detailed maps of the Weldon Spring Site to find 18 checkpoints placed at various locations. At each checkpoint students must record a letter or a number which will lead them to a final secret location. This is a great activity to enhance group dynamics and group problem solving.