Our Curriculum

An individualized program and itinerary is developed in discussion with your school based on your class grade, size, goals, and the season. All of our programs align with your state SOLs and are led by highly educated staff who provide hands-on experiential learning that exponentially increases the absorption of the lessons. 

Zoology

  • Students will learn the basics of birding, avian specimen investigation, bird egg morphology, adaptations, bird plumage, nests, mnemonics and songs, migrations, life cycle, habitat, diet.

    Seasonal Day Programs

    • Year Round Birding (species specific)

    • February-March Woodcock Display

    • April-May Spring Migration

    • September Broad-Wing Hawk Migration

    • September-October Fall Migration

    Seasonal Night Programs

    • Year Round Owl Prowl

    SOLs
    K.1 (a,b,c,d,e,f), K.6 (a,b), K.7 (a,b,c), K.10 (a,b,c,d), 1.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 1.5(a,b,c), 1.8(a), 2.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 2.4(a), 2.5(a,b,c), 3.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 3.4(a,b,c), 3.5, 3.6(a,c), 3.8(b), 3.10(a,b), 4.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 4.2(a,b,c), 4.3(a,b,c,d), 4.5(a,d,e,f), 4.8(a,b), 5.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 6.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 6.7(a), LS.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), LS.3(c), LS.4(a,b), LS.5(a,b,c), LS.6(a,b,c,d), LS.7(a,b), LS.8(a,b,c), LS.9 (a,b,c), LS.11(a,b,c), BIO.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), BIO.4(d), BIO.6(a,b,c,d,e,f), BIO.7(a,b,c,d), BIO.8(a,b,c)

    NGSS
    K-LS1-1, K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1, 1-LS1-1, 1-LS1-2, 1-LS3-1, 2-LS2-2, 2-LS4-1, 3-LS1-1, 3-LS2-1, 3-LS3-1, 3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2, MS-LS2-1, MS-LS2-2, MS-LS2-3, MS-LS2-4, MS-LS2-5, MS-LS4-2, HS-LS2-6, HS-LS2-7, HS-LS2-8, HS-LS4-4,HS-LS4-5

  • Students will learn about frogs, toads, newts, and salamanders. Lifecycle basics, habitat ecology, species diversity and identification, calls and communication, and conservation status.

    Seasonal Day Programs

    • Year round Habitat Study

    • May-October Salamander Survey

    Seasonal Night Programs

    • Spring-Fall Salamander Meander

    • February-March Vernal pools

    • Spring/Fall Frog Call surveys

    SOLs
    K.1 (a,b,c,d,e,f), K.6 (a,b), K.7 (a,b,c), K.10 (a,b,c,d), 1.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 1.5(a,b,c), 1.7(b), 2.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 2.4(a), 2.5(a,b,c), 3.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 3.4(a,b,c), 3.5(b,c), 3.6, 3.8(b), 4.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 4.2(a,b,c), 4.3(a,b,c,d), 4.5, 4.8(b), 5.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 5.5(b,d), 6.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 6.1(a,b), LS.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), LS.3(c), LS.4(a,b), LS.5(a,b,c), LS.6(a,b,c,d), LS.7(a,b), LS.8(a,b,c), LS.9 (a,b,c), LS.11(a,b,c), BIO.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), BIO.4(d), BIO.6(a,b,c,d,e,f), BIO.7(a,b,c,d), BIO.8(a,b,c)

    NGSS
    K-LS1-1, K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1, 1-LS1-1, 1-LS1-2, 1-LS3-1, 2-LS4-1, 3-LS1-1, 3-LS2-1, 3-LS3-1, 3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2, MS-LS2-1, MS-LS2-2, MS-LS2-3, MS-LS2-4, MS-LS2-5, HS-LS2-6, HS-LS2-7, HS-LS2-8, HS-LS4-4,HS-LS4-5

  • Students will learn about butterflies, moths, dragonflies, bees and much more. Including lifecycles, anatomy, adaptations, pollinators, decomposers, insect habitat ecology, species diversity and identification.

    Seasonal Day Programs

    • April-October Butterfly Population Counts

    • August-October Monarch Migration

    • July-October Dragonflies Migration

    Seasonal Night Programs

    • Peak moth season is June-August

    • Peak firefly season May-July

    SOLs
    K.1 (a,b,c,d,e,f), K.6 (a,b), K.7 (a,b,c), K.10 (a,b,c,d), 1.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 1.5(a,b,c), 1.7(b), 2.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 2.4(a), 2.5(a,b,c), 3.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 3.4(a,b,c), 3.5(b,c), 3.6, 3.8, 3.10, 4.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 4.2(a,b,c), 4.3(a,b,c,d), 4.5, 4.8(b), 5.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 5.2(c), 5.5(b,d), 6.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), LS.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), LS.3(c), LS.4(a,b), LS.5(a,b,c), LS.6(a,b,c,d), LS.7(a,b), LS.8(a,b,c), LS.9 (a,b,c), LS.11(a,b,c), BIO.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), BIO.4(d), BIO.6(a,b,c,d,e,f), BIO.7(a,b,c,d), BIO.8(a,b,c)

    NGSS
    K-LS1-1, K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1, 1-LS1-1, 1-LS1-2, 1-LS3-1, 2-LS4-1, 3-LS1-1, 3-LS2-1, 3-LS3-1, 3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2, MS-LS2-1, MS-LS2-2, MS-LS2-3, MS-LS2-4, MS-LS2-5, HS-LS2-6, HS-LS2-7, HS-LS2-8, HS-LS4-4,HS-LS4-5

  • Students will learn about mammal taxonomy, habitat ecology, lifecycles, species diversity and identification, animal tracks and signs, and animal behavior.

    Seasonal Day Programs

    • Year Round Mammal Tracks and Scat

    SOLs
    K.1 (a,b,c,d,e,f), K.5 (a,b), K.6 (a,b), K.7 (a,b,c), K.10 (a,b,c,d), 1.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 1.5(a,b,c), 1.7(b), 2.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 2.4(a) , 2.5(a,b,c), 3.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 3.4(a,b,c), 3.5, 3.6, 3.8, 3.10, 4.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 4.2(a,b,c), 4.3(a,b,c,d), 4.5, 4.8(b), 5.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 5.5(b,d), 6.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), LS.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), LS.3(c), LS.4(a,b), LS.5(a,b,c), LS.6(a,b,c,d), LS.7(a,b), LS.8(a,b,c), LS.9 (a,b,c), LS.11(a,b,c), BIO.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), BIO.4(d), BIO.6(a,b,c,d,e,f), BIO.7(a,b,c,d), BIO.8(a,b,c)

    NGSS
    K-LS1-1, K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1, 1-LS1-1, 1-LS1-2, 1-LS3-1, 2-LS4-1, 3-LS1-1, 3-LS2-1, 3-LS3-1, 3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2, MS-LS2-1, MS-LS2-2, MS-LS2-3, MS-LS2-4, MS-LS2-5, HS-LS2-6, HS-LS2-7, HS-LS2-8, HS-LS4-4,HS-LS4-5

  • Students will learn about the life history and habitat of Virginia’s only native trout, the brook trout, along with other fish species including sculpin, darters, chubs, etc.

    Seasonal Day Programs

    • Spring-Fall Stream snorkeling

    • Spring redd studies

    SOLs
    K.1 (a,b,c,d,e,f), K.6 (a,b), K.7 (a,b,c), K.10 (a,b,c,d), 1.1 (a,b,c,d,e,f), 1.5(a,b,c), 2.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 2.4(a), 2.5(a,b,c), 3.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 3.4(a,b,c), 4.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 4.2(a,b,c), 4.3(a,b,c,d), 5.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 6.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), LS.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), LS.3(c), LS.4(a,b), LS.5(a,b,c), LS.6(a,b,c,d), LS.7(a,b), LS.8(a,b,c), LS.9 (a,b,c), LS.11(a,b,c), BIO.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), BIO.4(d), BIO.6(a,b,c,d,e,f), BIO.7(a,b,c,d), BIO.8(a,b,c)

    NGSS
    K-LS1-1, K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1, 1-LS1-1, 1-LS1-2, 1-LS3-1, 2-LS4-1, 3-LS1-1, 3-LS2-1, 3-LS3-1, 3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2, MS-LS2-1, MS-LS2-2, MS-LS2-3, MS-LS2-4, MS-LS2-5, HS-LS2-6, HS-LS2-7, HS-LS2-8, HS-LS4-4,HS-LS4-5

Ecology

  • Students will learn about the native flora and fauna of SWVA. Use a dichotomous key to ID plant species, learn about invasive species, forest succession, fungi, decomposition, lichen, food webs, habitats, and ecosystems.

    Seasonal Day Programs

    • March-April Morel Mushrooms

    • April-May Spring ephemeral Blooms

    • August-September Chanterelles

    • Mid-Late October Peak Fall Colors


    Seasonal Night Programs

    • Year Round Owl Prowl

    • Year Round Night Hike in the Woods

    SOLs
    K.1 (a,b,c,d,e,f), K.5 (a,b), K.6 (a,b), K.7 (a,b,c), K.10 (a,b,c,d), 1.4(a,b,c), 1.5(a,b,c), 1.8(a), 2.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 2.4(a,b), 2.5(a,b,c), 2.7(a,b,c), 2.8(a,b,c), 3.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 3.4(a,b,c), 3.5(a,b), 3.6(a,b), 3.8(a,b), 4.1(a,b,c,d,e,f),4.2(a,b,c), 4.3(a,b,c,d), 4.4(a,b,c), 4.8(a,b,d), 5.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 6.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 6.4(a,b), 6.9(a,b), LS.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), LS.3(c), LS.4(a,b), LS.5(a,b,c), LS.6(a,b,c,d), LS.7(a,b), LS.8(a,b,c), LS.9 (a,b,c), LS.11(a,b,c), BIO.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), BIO.4(d), BIO.6(a,b,c,d,e,f), BIO.7(a,b,c,d), BIO.8(a,b,c), ES.8(a,b,c,d)

    NGSS
    K-LS1-1, K-ESS2-1, K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1, K-ESS3-3, 1-LS1-1, 1-LS1-2, 1-LS3-1, 1-ESS1-1, 1-ESS1-2, 2-LS2-1, 2-LS2-2, 2-LS4-1, 2-ESS1-1, 3-LS1-1, 3-LS2-1, 3-LS3-1, 3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 4-LS1-1, 4-ESS2-1, 4-ESS2-1, 5-LS1-1, 5-LS2-1, MS-LS1-6, MS-LS2-1, MS-LS2-2, MS-LS2-3, MS-LS2-4, MS-LS2-5, HS-LS2-5, HS-LS2-6, HS-LS2-7, HS-LS2-8, HS-LS4-4,HS-LS4-5

  • Students will learn about aquatic macroinvertebrates, stream morphology and water quality monitoring.

    Seasonal Day Programs

    • June Aquatic Insects Peak

    SOLs
    K.1 (a,b,c,d,e,f), K.5 (a,b), K.6 (a,b), K.7 (a,b,c), K.10 (a,b,c,d), 1.5(a,b,c), 1.8(a), 2.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 2.4(a,b), 2.5(a,b,c), 2.7(a,b,c), 3.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 3.4(a,b,c), 3.5(a,b), 3.6(a), 3.8(a,b), 4.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 4.2(a,b,c), 4.3(a,b,c,d), 4.4(a,b,c), 4.5(a,d,e,f), 4.8(a,b,d), 5.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 5.3(b), 6.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 6.4(a,b), 6.9(a,b), LS.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), LS.3(c), LS.4(a,b), LS.5(a,b,c), LS.6(a,b,c,d), LS.7(a,b), LS.8(a,b,c), LS.9 (a,b,c), LS.11(a,b,c), BIO.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), BIO.2(a), BIO.4(d), BIO.6(a,b,c,d,e,f), BIO.7(a,b,c,d), BIO.8(a,b,c), ES.8(a,b,c,d)

    NGSS
    K-LS1-1, K-ESS2-1, K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1, K-ESS3-2, K-ESS3-3, 1-LS1-1, 1-LS1-2, 1-LS3-1, 1-ESS1-1, 1-ESS1-2, 2-LS2-1, 2-LS2-2, 2-LS4-1, 2-ESS1-1, 3-LS1-1, 3-LS2-1, 3-LS3-1, 3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 4-LS1-1, 4-ESS2-1, 5-LS1-1, 5-LS2-1, MS-LS2-1, MS-LS2-2, MS-LS2-3, MS-LS2-4, MS-LS2-5, HS-LS2-5, HS-LS2-6, HS-LS2-7, HS-LS2-8, HS-LS4-4,HS-LS4-5

  • Students will learn about mountain ecosystems, structures, functions, and processes, as well as the exploration, sustainable utilization, and conservation of mountain resources.

    Seasonal Day Programs

    • Year-round Whitetop Ecology

    SOLs
    K.1 (a,b,c,d,e,f), K.5 (a,b), K.6 (a,b), K.7 (a,b,c), K.10 (a,b,c,d), 1.4(a,b,c), 1.5(a,b,c), 1.8(a),2.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 2.4(a,b), 2.5(a,b,c), 2.7(a,b,c), 2.8(a,b,c), 3.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 3.4(a,b,c), 3.5(a,b), 3.6(a,b), 3.8(a,b), 4.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 4.2(a,b,c), 4.3(a,b,c,d), 4.4(a,b,c), 4.8(b,d), 5.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 6.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 6.4(a,b), 6.7(c,d,e), 6.9(a), LS.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), LS.3(c), LS.4(a,b), LS.5(a,b,c), LS.6(a,b,c,d), LS.7(a,b), LS.8(a,b,c), LS.9 (a,b,c), LS.11(a,b,c), BIO.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), BIO.4(d), BIO.6(a,b,c,d,e,f), BIO.7(a,b,c,d), BIO.8(a,b,c), ES.8(a,b,c,d), WG.3(b,c)

    NGSS
    K-LS1-1, K-ESS2-1, K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1, K-ESS3-2, K-ESS3-3, 1-LS1-1, 1-LS1-2, 1-LS3-1, 1-ESS1-1, 1-ESS1-2, 2-LS2-1, 2-LS2-2, 2-LS4-1, 2-ESS1-1, 3-LS1-1, 3-LS2-1, 3-LS3-1, 3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 4-LS1-1, 4-ESS2-1, 5-LS1-1, 5-LS2-1, MS-LS1-6, MS-LS2-1, MS-LS2-2, MS-LS2-3, MS-LS2-4, MS-LS2-5, HS-LS2-5, HS-LS2-6, HS-LS2-7, HS-LS2-8, HS-LS4-4,HS-LS4-5

  • Students will discuss and explore various types of wetland habitats while learning the important roles wetland plays for both humans and nature.

    Seasonal Day Programs

    • Year-round beaver activity

    • February-March vernal pools

    SOLs
    K.1 (a,b,c,d,e,f), K.5 (a,b), K.6 (a,b), K.7 (a,b,c), K.10 (a,b,c,d), 1.4 (a,b,c), 1.5(a,b,c), 2.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 2.4(a,b), 2.5(a,b,c), 2.7(a,b,c), 2.8(a,b,c), 3.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 3.4(a,b,c), 3.5(a,b), 3.6(a,b), 3.8(a), 4.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 4.2(a,b,c), 4.3(a,b,c,d), 4.4(a,b,c), 4.8(b,d), 5.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 6.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 6.4(a,b), 6.9(a,b), LS.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), LS.3(c), LS.4(a,b), LS.5(a,b,c), LS.6(a,b,c,d), LS.7(a,b), LS.8(a,b,c), LS.9 (a,b,c), LS.11(a,b,c), BIO.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), BIO.2(a), BIO.4(d), BIO.6(a,b,c,d,e,f), BIO.7(a,b,c,d), BIO.8(a,b,c), ES.8(a,b,c,d)

    NGSS
    K-LS1-1, K-ESS2-1, K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1, K-ESS3-3, 1-LS1-1, 1-LS1-2, 1-LS3-1, 1-ESS1-1, 1-ESS1-2, 2-LS2-1, 2-LS2-2, 2-LS4-1, 2-ESS1-1, 3-LS1-1, 3-LS2-1, 3-LS3-1, 3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 4-LS1-1, 4-ESS2-1, 4-ESS2-1, 5-LS1-1, 5-LS2-1, MS-LS1-6, MS-LS2-1, MS-LS2-2, MS-LS2-3, MS-LS2-4, MS-LS2-5, HS-LS2-5, HS-LS2-6, HS-LS2-7, HS-LS2-8, HS-LS4-4,HS-LS4-5

  • Students will hone their observation skills while learning about cycles and progressions in nature, seasons, natural phenomena, and how flora and fauna adapt to the changes.

    Seasonal Day Programs

    • Year-round phenology study hikes

    • April-May spring ephemerals blooming

    • Late June Summer Equinox >Mid-October peak leaf color change

    • Late December Winter Equinox

    SOLs
    K.1 (a,b,c,d,e,f), K.6 (a,b), K.7 (a,b,c), K.8 (a,b,c), K.9 (a,b,c), K.10 (a,b,c,d), 1.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 1.4 (a,b,c), 1.8(a), 2.4(a,b), 2.5(a,b,c), 2.7(a,b,c), 2.8(a,b,c), 3.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 3.4(a,b,c), 3.6(a,b), 3.8(b), 4.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 4.2(a,b,c), 4.4(a,b,c), 4.6(a,b,c), 4.8(b,d), 6.1(a), LS. 4(a), LS. 5(c), K.5 (a,b), 1.6(a,b), 1.7 (a,b,c), 2.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 4.3(a,b,c,d), 6.3(b,d), 6.4(a,b), LS.4(a,b), LS.5(a,b,c), LS.6(a,b,c,d), LS.8(a,b,c), BIO.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), BIO.8(a,b,c)

    NGSS
    K-ESS2-1, K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1, K-ESS3-3, 1-LS1-1, 1-LS1-2, 1-LS3-1, 1-ESS1-1, 1-ESS1-2, 2-LS2-1, 2-LS2-2, 2-LS4-1, 2-ESS1-1, 3-LS1-1, 3-LS2-1, 3-LS3-1, 3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 4-ESS2-1, 5-LS1-1, 5-ESS1-2, HS-LS2-5, HS-LS2-6, HS-LS2-7, HS-LS2-8

  • Students will learn to identify how adaptations have helped species change and survive over time, while introducing concepts such as natural selection and evolution.

    SOLs
    K.1 (a,b,c,d,e,f), K.7c, K.10 (a,b,c,d), 2.5(c), 3.4(a,b,c), 4.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 4.2(a,b,c), 4.3(a,b,c,d), LS.7(a,b), LS.8(a,b,c), LS.10(a), LS.11(a,b,c), BIO.4(d), BIO.7(a,b,c,d), ES.9(a,b,c,d)

    NGSS
    K-ESS2-1, K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1, 1-LS1-1, 1-LS1-2, 1-LS3-1, 2-LS4-1, 2-ESS1-1, 3-LS1-1, 3-LS2-1, 3-LS3-1, 3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-1, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2, 4-ESS1-1, 5-LS1-1, MS-LS1-3, MS-LS1-4, MS-LS1-5, MS-LS4-4, HS-LS4-1, HS-LS4-2, HS-LS4-3, HS-LS4-4, HS-LS4-5, HS-ESS2-7

botany

  • Students will learn about the relationships between native plants and animals, soil, pollinators, and the detrimental impact of invasive species. Including plant ID (dichotomous key), basic botany, conservation efforts and status, endemic species, plant pressing, and more.

    SOLs
    K.1 (a,b,c,d,e,f), K.5 (a,b), K.6 (a,b), K.7 (a,b,c), K.10 (a,b,c,d), 1.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 1.4 (a,b,c), 2.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 2.4(b), 2.5(a,b,c), 2.8(a,b,c), 3.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 3.4(a,b,c), 3.5(a,b), 3.6(a,b), 4.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 4.2(a,b,c), 4.3(a,b,c,d), 4.8(b,d), 5.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 6.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 6.4(a,b), 6.9(a,b), LS.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), LS.3(c), LS.4(a,b), LS.5(a,b,c), LS.6(a,b,c,d), LS.7(a,b), LS.8(a,b,c), LS.9 (a,b,c), LS.11(a,b,c), BIO.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), BIO.4(d), BIO.6(a,b,c,d,e,f), BIO.7(a,b,c,d), BIO.8(a,b,c)

    NGSS
    K-LS1-1, K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1, K-ESS3-3, 1-LS1-1, 1-LS1-2, 1-LS3-1, 1-ESS1-2, 2-LS2-1, 2-LS2-2, 2-LS4-1, 3-LS1-1, 3-LS3-1, 3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 4-LS1-1, 4-ESS2-1, 5-LS1-1, MS-LS1-6, MS-LS2-1, MS-LS2-2, MS-LS2-3, MS-LS2-4, MS-LS2-5, HS-LS2-5, HS-LS2-6, HS-LS2-7, HS-LS2-8, HS-LS4-4,HS-LS4-5

  • Students will explore the trees of the Blue Ridge by learning how to ID trees with a dichotomous key and use a field guide, while learning the different parts of a tree, their habitats, growth requirements, and conservation status.

    Seasonal Day Programs

    • Spring-Fall Tree ID with leaves

    • Winter Tree ID

    SOLs
    K.1 (a,b,c,d,e,f), K.6 (a,b), K.7 (a,b,c), K.10 (a,b,c,d), 1.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 1.4 (a,b,c), 2.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 2.4(b), 2.5(a,b,c), 2.8(a,b,c), 3.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 3.4(a,b,c), 3.6(a,b), 4.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 4.2(a,b,c), 4.3(a,b,c,d), 4.8(b,d), 5.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 6.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 6.4(a,b), LS.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), LS.3(c), LS.4(a,b), LS.5(a,b,c), LS.6(a,b,c,d), LS.7(a,b), LS.8(a,b,c), LS.9 (a,b,c), LS.11(a,b,c), BIO.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), BIO.4(d),BIO.6(a,b,c,d,e,f), BIO.7(a,b,c,d), BIO.8(a,b,c)

    NGSS
    K-LS1-1, K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1, K-ESS3-3, 1-LS1-1, 1-LS1-2, 1-LS3-1, 1-ESS1-2, 2-LS2-1, 2-LS2-2, 2-LS4-1, 3-LS1-1, 3-LS3-1, 3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 4-LS1-1, -ESS2-1, 5-LS1-1, MS-LS1-6, MS-LS2-1, MS-LS2-2, MS-LS2-3, MS-LS2-4, MS-LS2-5, HS-LS2-5, HS-LS2-6, HS-LS2-7, HS-LS2-8, HS-LS4-4,HS-LS4-5

Physical Science

  • Students will learn about the solar system, moon phases, planets, stars, and constellations.

    Seasonal Night Programs

    • Year-round night sky observation hikes

    SOLs
    K.1 (a,b,c,d,e,f), K.8 (a,b,c), 1.6 (a,b), 4.5(a,b,c), 4.6(a,b,c,d), 6.2(a,b,c,d), 6.3(a,b,c,d), ES.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), ES.2(a,b,c,d), ES.3(a,b)

    NGSS
    1-ESS1-1, 1-ESS1-2, 5-ESS1-1, 5-ESS1-2, MS-ESS1-1

  • Students will learn about the rock cycle, plate tectonics, Earth's layers, Geologic time, fossils, crystals, and minerals.

    SOLs
    K.1 (a,b,c,d,e,f), K.10 (a,b,c,d), 2.3(b,c), 2.7(b,c), 3.1(a,b,g,j,k), 3.3(a,b), 3,4(c), 3.6(a,b), 4.1(a,d), 4.8(c,d), 5.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 5.3(e), 5.8(a,b,c,d,e), 6.6(d), 6.9(b), LS.11(b), PS.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), PS.3(a,b), ES. 5, ES. 6, ES. 7(a), ES. 8, CH.6(a), ES.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), ES.4(a,b,c), ES.5(a,b,c,d), ES.7(a,b,c,d), ES.9(a, b,d)

    NGSS
    2-ESS1-1, 2-ESS2-3, 3-LS4-1, 4-ESS1-1, 4-ESS2-1, 4-ESS2-2, 5-ESS2-1, MS-LS4-1, MS-ESS1-4, MS-ESS2-1, MS-ESS2-2, MS-ESS2-3, MS-ESS3-1, HS-ESS1-5, HS-ESS1-6, HS-ESS2-1, HS-ESS2-2, HS-ESS2-7

  • Students will learn the basics of orienteering, including how to read a map and use a compass.

    SOLs
    Science- K.1 (a,b,c,d,e,f), ES.1, ES.3, K.4 (a,b,c,d), K.10 (a,b,c,d), 3.7(a), 3.8(a,b,c,d), 4.8(a,b,c,d), 6.6(e,f), PS.9(d,f), ES.1(a,b,c,d,e,f)

    Geography- K.6, K.7(a,b,c,d,e), 1.6(a,b,c,d), 1.7(a), 2.11(d), VS.1(a,b,c), USI.1(b), WG.1(b,c)

    NGSS
    2-ESS2-2, 2-ESS2-3, 4-ESS2-2

  • Students will learn about the characteristics of water (physical and chemical) and what watersheds are included in the Blue Ridge region. Students will have the opportunity to explore the impacts of pollution both locally, regionally, and nationally.

    SOLs
    Science- K.1 (a,b,c,d,e,f), K.4 (a,b,c,d), K.10 (a,b,c,d), 2.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 2.3(b,c), 2.7(b,c), 3.3(a), 3.7(a,b,c), 3.8(a,b,c,d), 4.6(c), 4.8(a), 6.6(a,b,c,d,e,f), 6.8(a,b,d), LS.8(a,b,c), PS.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), BIO.2(a), ES.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), ES.8(a,b,c,d)

    Geography- K.7(c,d), 1.7(a), 2.11(d), VS.1(c), USI.1(b)

    NGSS
    K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-2, K-ESS3-3, 2-ESS1-1, 2-ESS2-1, 2-ESS2-2, 2-ESS2-3, 3-ESS3-1, 4-ESS1-1, 4-ESS2-1, 4-ESS3-2, MS-ESS2-4, HS-ESS2-5

  • Students will discover the impact that weather and climate have on this region and the people, plants, and animals that live here.

    SOLs
    K.1 (a,b,c,d,e,f), K.9 (a,b,c), K.10 (a,b,c,d), 1.6 (a,b), 1.7 (a,b,c), 2.3(b,c), 2.6(a,b,c), 2.7(a,b,c), 3.7(a,b,c), 3.8(a,c), 4.4(a,b,c), 5.8(d), 6.6(b,c,d,e,f), 6.7(a,b,c,d,e,f), 6.8(a,b,d), LS.8(a,b,c), PS.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), ES.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), ES.8(c), ES.11(a,b,c,d), ES.12(a,b,c,d,e)

    NGSS
    K-ESS2-1, K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-2, K-ESS3-3, 1-ESS1-1, 1-ESS1-2, 2-ESS1-1, 2-ESS2-1, 2-ESS2-2, 2-ESS2-3, 3-ESS2-1, 3-ESS2-2, 3-ESS3-1, 4-ESS2-1, 4-ESS3-1, 4-ESS3-2, 5-ESS2-1, MS-ESS2-5, MS-ESS2-6, MS-ESS3-5, HS-ESS2-4, HS-ESS3-1

Cultural History

  • Students will discuss and explore indigenous skills and traditions, often used for survival. These skills could include fire building, shelter-making, pottery, toy-building, knot-tying, and more.

    SOLs
    K.4(a,b,c,d), K.5 (a,b,c), 1.6, 2.3, VUS.2(a), 2.2, VS. 2(d,e), WG.14(a,b), WHI.1(c),

    NGSS
    K-ESS2-2, 1-LS1-1, 1-LS1-2

  • Students will explore the traditions, history, and games brought to this region by settlers.

    SOLs
    K.4(a,b,c,d), K.5(a,b,c), 2.6, 1.6, 2.3, VUS. 1(g), 2.2, VS. 2(d,e), 1,4(a,c), WG.1(c), WG.5(c), WG.14(a,b)

  • Students will learn about the rich history of bluegrass and old timey music in this region and have the opportunity to tap their toes along with the beats. Flatfooting, square dancing, music study, and regional history are all important components to these programs.

    SOLs
    K.4(a,b,c,d), K.5(a,b,c), 1.4(a,c), WG.14(a,b)

Arts

  • Art is a valuable tool in nature study, and really any scientific field. Students will be taught and encouraged to use art as a means to further engage themselves with natural objects, habitats, ecosystems, and specimens. This program is often manifested in watercolor nature journaling and nature crafts.

    SOLs
    K.1 (a,b,c,d,e,f), K.3 (a,b,c,d), K.5 (a,b)

  • Students will learn the most basic scientific skill- the art of observation. Through the use of nature journaling, vocal observations, sensory exploration, scavenger hunts, and encouragement to follow their own interests, students become more attentive and engaged with their surroundings.

    SOLs
    K.1 (a,b,c,d,e,f), K.3 (a,b,c,d), K.4 (a,b,c,d), K.5 (a,b), K.6 (a,b), K.7 (a,b,c), K.9 (a,b,c), K.10 (a,b,c,d), 1.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 1.4(a,b,c), 2.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 2.4(a,b), 2.5(a,b,c), 2.8(a,b,c), 3.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 3.4(a,b,c), 3.5(a,b), 3.6(a,b), 4.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 4.2(a,b,c), 4.3(a,b,c,d), 4.4(a,b,c), 4.8(a,b,c,d), LS.4(a,b), LS.5(a,b,c), LS.6(a,b,c,d), BIO.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), BIO.8(a,b,c)

    NGSS
    K-ESS2-1, K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1, K-ESS3-2, K-ESS3-3, 1-LS1-1, 1-LS1-2, 1-LS3-1, 1-ESS1-1, 1-ESS1-2, 2-LS2-1, 2-LS2-2, 2-LS4-1, 2-ESS1-1, 2-ESS2-1, 2-ESS2-2, 2-ESS2-3, 3-LS1-1, 3-LS2-1, 3-LS3-1, 3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-1, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4, 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2, 4-ESS1-1, 4-ESS2-1, 4-ESS2-2, 4-ESS2-1, 5-LS1-1, 5-LS2-1, 5-ESS1-1, 5-ESS1-2, MS-LS2-1, MS-LS2-2, MS-LS2-3, MS-LS2-4, MS-LS2-5, HS-LS2-5, HS-LS2-6, HS-LS2-7, HS-LS2-8

REcreation

  • Students will learn about the importance of protecting the natural world through lessons on Leave-No-Trace, invasive species, citizen science, and more.

    SOLs
    Science- K.1 (a,b,c,d,e,f), K.11 (a,b,c), 2.8(a,b,c), 3.8(a,b,c,d), 4.1(a,b,c,d,e,f), 6.9(a,b,c,d,e,f), LS.8(a,b,c), LS.9 (a,b,c), ES.6(a,b,c,d), ES.11(a,b,c,d)

    Geography- WG.2(a,b,c)

  • BRDC believes that some of the best ways to engage with the various natural assets in the Blue Ridge is through outdoor recreation. Fun activities including hiking, camping, kayaking, snorkeling, fly fishing, tenkara fishing, and backpacking, are all ways to form closer bonds to the region and the flora and fauna that live here.

    Seasonal Day Programs

    • Spring-Fall Kayaking

    • Spring-Fall Snorkeling

    • Spring-Fall Camping/Backpacking

    • Year-round Fly fishing/tenkara fishing

    • Year-round Hiking