The Shawnee Mission Environmental Science

LaboratoryConnecting students with nature for over 40

years

SMESL

Approximately 1978

SMS

SMESL

Indian Creek

Nall

107th Street

LamarI-435

SMESL stands for the Shawnee Mission Environmental Science Laboratory which was established in 1969. 

The SMESL is a fenced in tract of land that includes a prairie, pond, woodland and small stream. 

The SMESL encompasses approximately 22 acres. One acre equals 43,560 square feet. In more graphic terms, one acre can just about fit in the space (with just a little room left over) that a football field covers.

What’s a SMESL?

Over 40 different species of tree have been identified

Over 80 different species of plants (non-woody) have been identified

SMESL is home to six different species of snake

Commonly see White Tail DeerSometimes see Bobcats, Coyotes, Turkey

SMESL Life -

Environmental Education class specifically created so high school students could act as teachers for grade school kids. We host over 3,000 grade school kids every school year for a two hour tour of the SMESL.

Biology, Environmental problems, French classes.

Summer Enrichment classes

How does SMS use the SMESL?

SMESL Present

Pond – approx. ¼ acre

Teachers sign up for tour times offered in October, April and May

Environmental Education students learn about plants and animals that are commonly found in the SMESL

Environmental Education students prepare a lesson plan about one of ten teaching stations: Tracks, Mammals, Microlife, Animal Homes, Fish, Reptiles, Insects and Spiders, Pet Care, Birds, Nature Scavenger Hunt

Grade School kids learn about two of the activities during their field trip

SMESL tours

We have hosted over 3,000 grade school children every year for the last 15 years

We host two groups a day (am and pm session)

Average group size is 45 kids (2 classes) – we are capable of hosting up to 60 at a time

The 10 activities average 4-5 kids per group (great teacher to student ratio)

About half of the kids are Shawnee Mission students

The other half come from throughout the greater Kansas City metro area

SMESL tours

Grade school students get exposure to the great outdoors

Grade school students get to interact with trained high school students

High School students get practice leading a small group

High School students get the benefit of in depth learning about the activity they teach

Benefits -