The Pre-Columbian prairie was a major ecosystem of hundreds of square miles reaching westward to the Rocky Mountains from deciduous forests of the eastern middle-west. Agriculture, urbanization, industry, railroads, and roads decimated the original prairies. School-yard prairies are currently being restored in the greater Madison, Wisconsin area including the school system, not-for-profit foundations, and other environmental groups. The acreage used is planted by various grade levels of students. The progression of regrowth and recolonization by animals is monitored by students who learned about prairie botany and ecology as well as conduct experiments with plants. Details of teaching methods and accomplishments will be discussed.

Key words: prairie restoration, prairie school yards, prairie, teaching restoration