Let us help you cover your science standards with an engaging, interactive program built to meet Virginia's Standards of Learning. See our program offerings with the recommended grade levels listed below:

• Environmental Education Program Request Form
• School Program Request Form

Environmental Education programs are designed to support Virginia's Standards of Learning (SOL). We cover the following nature-based SOLs for Pre-K to the 5th grade.

Adaptations

3rd and 4th grade
Program Length: 30 or 45 minutes

Students will learn about the physical and behavioral adaptations of various animals - including some from the Nature Center! We will explore how adaptations help animals survive in their habitats. This program features live animals.

Senses

Kindergarten
Program Length: 30 or 45 minutes

Students will learn about the 5 senses and the ways in which they help us experience the world around us. We will explore how animals use their senses to survive. This program features live animals.

Habitats/Ecosystems

Kindergarten - 4th grade
Program Length: 30 or 45 minutes

Students will examine the mechanisms and relationships within an ecosystem. We will discuss habitats, food chains, energy flow, needs for survival, and interactions between living and non-living components. This program features live animals.

Life Cycles

2nd grade
Program Length: 30 or 45 minutes

Students will learn about how organisms grow, develop, and change. We will identify life processes and sequences in both plants and animals. This program features live animals.

Oceans

5th grade
Program Length: 30 or 45 minutes

Students will investigate the characteristics of the ocean environment including zones, aquatic life and food chains, and the history of oceanic exploration. This program does not feature live animals.

Weather

1st and 2nd grade
Program Length: 30 or 45 minutes

Students will investigate basic types, changes, and patterns of weather. We will learn how to define and measure different kinds of weather, and develop an understanding of extreme weather. 

Nature Friends Show & Tell

All grades
Program Length: 30 or 45 minutes

Students will learn about the habitats, needs, and fun facts about our reptiles, invertebrates, and amphibians while meeting live animals. *Animal selection is not guaranteed.
 

Nature Walk (at the Nature Center/field trips only)

All grades
Program Length: 30 or 45 minutes

Take a walk with us! Enjoy a hike on our trails to experience nature closely. Naturalist-led activities along the trail can make any season full of exploration and wonder. This is a great program to pair with other programs to make your day at the nature center complete! 

• In-person programs are designed to accommodate one class at a time. Presentations for larger groups may be arranged. Please contact us for more information at 703.746.5559 or coline.hay@alexandriava.gov.
• Programs can be either 30 or 45 minutes long. Please indicate your preference on your registration form.
• The majority of our programs involve a visit from at least one live animal. Please be aware that we cannot accommodate requests for specific individuals or species as a part of the program.
• We can only conduct off-site programs within the City of Alexandria.
• Program Fees:
  • $5 per student for a standard program
  • $7 per student for a program with a hike
  • Program fees are waived for Alexandria City Public Schools

For more information or questions, please contact us at 703.746.5559