1. What is a Field FLIP?

A Field FLIP (Field Learning & Immersive Play) is Mudpuppy Palace’s mobile learning experience that brings nature-based, hands-on STEAM exploration directly to schools and community spaces. Each FLIP transforms an ordinary day into an unforgettable field trip — without ever leaving campus!

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2. What does a Field FLIP include?

Each session features a rotating selection of interactive, age-appropriate stations blending science, technology, engineering, art, and math with nature and play. Participants might build insect habitats, explore simple machines, examine natural specimens under magnifiers, or create nature art using real materials from the environment.

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3. How long does each session last?

Each group receives 30–40 minutes of guided, exploratory playtime. Sessions are flexible and can be adjusted to fit your schedule or rotation needs.

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4. Who can participate?

We provide programming for all ages — from preschoolers to teenagers and adults. Each Field FLIP is customized to match the age, interests, and cognitive level of participants. Whether it’s a kindergarten class discovering bugs or a high school group exploring engineering concepts, there’s something engaging for everyone.

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5. What does it cost?

Transportation fee + Participant fee​

 

Transportation Fee (per county): $50 - Posey; $75 - Vanderburgh, Warrick, Gibson, Carmi-White, IL Henderson, KY; contact us for counties not listed

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Participant Fee: $5 for 1-10 participants, $4 for 11-25, $3 for 26-50, $2 for 50+

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6. What setup or space is required?

We bring everything needed! While we prefer to meet in our mobile mudroom outdoors (blacktop, grassy area, or pavilion), sessions can be held indoors (gym, multipurpose room, or cafeteria). We only ask for access to a standard electrical outlet, if available. If not, no worries! We can use our generator.​

 

 

7. Who leads the sessions?

Field FLIPs are led by Mudpuppy Palace’s trained educational team. We hold certifications in elementary education, STEAM education, animal science and agriculture, and are both Advanced Indiana Master Naturalists. Teachers, youth leaders, and adult participants are welcome to join in the fun — but we handle all setup, instruction, and cleanup!

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8. What is the goal of a Field FLIP?

Our goal is to spark curiosity, creativity, and environmental awareness through joyful learning. Field FLIPs help learners of all ages make real-world connections between science, creativity, and the natural world.​

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9. Are Field FLIPs available outside Posey County?

Yes! Mudpuppy Palace travels throughout southern Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky. We’re happy to bring our immersive, hands-on experiences to your school, organization, or event.

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10. What about the weather?

At Mudpuppy Palace, we believe there’s no such thing as bad weather — only bad clothing! We encourage students to play, explore, and learn outdoors in all kinds of weather, as long as it’s safe (we pause only for lightning or severe conditions). Experiencing nature through every season helps children build resilience, curiosity, and appreciation for the world around them.

And since we know students love any excuse to get out of the classroom — what better way to cut the cost of a traditional field trip than to let us bring the field trip to you? Field FLIPs can be scheduled any time of year, providing the excitement of exploration without the travel costs or logistics.

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11. How do we schedule a Field FLIP?

1. Initiate contact — email us at support@mudpuppypalace.org

2. Information collection — we’ll gather a few details about your group and goals to tailor the experience.

3. Proposal drafted — a short proposal (for our records) will confirm experience details, participant numbers, and schedule.

4. Dates secured — once approved, your Field FLIP is officially added to our calendar.

5. Promotion package — you’ll receive graphics and a digital handout to send home with participants or share on social media.

 

 

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Available Manipulatives & Learning Tools

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Every Mudpuppy Palace visit is filled with hands-on materials that encourage curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. Activities and materials vary by age, theme, season, and program, ensuring every learner enjoys a unique, engaging experience.

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Building, Design & Engineering

LEGO® bricks, K'NEX, OffBits, Gecko Run, Lucent Blocks, Magna-Tiles®, Brain Flakes, Garden Builders, Makedo construction tools, ChompSaw cardboard cutter, Building challenges and engineering prompts

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Sensory Exploration & Messy Play

Sensory bins, Water tables and water exploration, Playdough, Sensory doughs and loose parts, Sand and natural materials, Slime, bubbles, and other sensory experiences, Process art invitations

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Nature Exploration & Discovery

Nature journals, Field guides and identification manuals, Bug blocks, Nature Kaleidoscopes, Optic Wonders, Magnifiers and observation tools, Folkmanis puppets, Nature specimens and collections, seasonal nature investigations

 

STEAM, Science & Innovation

Toybox 3D printers, Nex Playground System, LED drawing tablets, Button makers, Simple machines and engineering challenges, Science experiments, Coding and technology activities

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Creative Arts & Imaginative Play

Paints, markers, clay, drawing supplies, scissors, glue, yarn, fabric, recyclables, loose creative materials, collage, mixed-media supplies, tent and campfire imaginative play, dramatic play props and puppets

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Literacy & Learning Connections

 Curated STEAM and nature-themed books, Fiction  and nonfiction for all ages, Storytelling prompts, Nature journaling, Activity guides and educational resources​