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TextOutreach Programs for Schools
Let Hidden Oaks Naturalist bring nature to you with Outreach programs!
Naturalist-led outdoor exploration
Program Fee
In-County:
$150.00 per class of 25 students
$6.00 per student over 25 students
$275.00 for two programs scheduled back-to-back in one location for both
sessions.
Out-of-County:
200.00 per class of 25 students
$6.00 per student over 25 students
$375.00 for two programs scheduled back-to-back in one location for both
sessions.
1. Reptiles and Amphibians
Live indigenous snakes, turtles and a toad are brought into the
classroom to help separate fact from fiction. Compare similarities
and contrast differences to mammals and how to stay safe around these
often misunderstood creatures.
2. Owls
Flying tigers of the night, owls still surprise us with their silent
flight and keen senses. See owl specimens, owl pellets whole and
dissected and enjoy demonstrations of the secret of virtually silent
flight. Using skulls, bones and feathers, we explore the amazing
adaptations of owls.
3. Eastern Woodland Indians of the
1500's
Similar to our on-site program, children will compare their role, and
those of their family members, in their community then and now. Students
view artifacts of tools and replicas of clothing, jewelry, foodstuffs and
more. The program includes traditional American Indian games and oral
storytelling.
4. Senses
Through interactive games, we'll explore our senses and compare them to
those of wildlife. Prepare to be surprised at how your nose stacks
up compared to that of a fox and an owl's keen eyesight comes with some
trade-offs! We'll explore our senses with popping corn and animal sound
bingo. Meet live animals and learn about the senses they rely on to get a
meal, or to keep from being another animal's meal!
5. Squirrels
Squirrels are adept in their use of every level of the forest.
Focusing on the squirrels' adaptations, children learn how such a small
creature can crack through nuts, communicate with their tail and are the
natural foresters of the woodland. Naturalists will lead discovery
through presenting a puppet show, with a free standing puppet stage,
demonstrations and song.
6. Insects
Focusing on the insects of the area, children explore live and preserved
insects, and other invertebrates. Discover what makes an insect an
insect through song, story and activity. Depending on the season
and the teacher's request, the focus can be on ants, butterflies or a
comparison between earthworms and insects. During the winter, only insect
specimens will be featured.
7. Getting Ready for Winter: Plants and
Animals
Coping with the challenge of seasonal changes is handled in varying ways
by different plant and animal species. Discover why leaves change color
and why some animals are busy while others migrate, hibernate or go into
torpor. Learn the effects of the changing seasons through live animal
presentations, a puppet show and discussions. Naturalists stress safety
when encountering animals and plants in the woods as well as in students'
own backyards SOLs addressed for K-3: K.1, K.6, K.8, K.9, 1.4, 1.5, 1.7,
1.8, 2.5, 2.7, 2.8, 3.1, 3.4, 3.5, 3.8, and 3.10.
8. Spring Changes: Plants and Animals
Spring is a season for growing. Learn about nature's changes as plants
and animals emerge from winter's slumber. Many birds are migrating back
to our woods to start families. Spring babies abound. Learn the effects
of the changing seasons through live animal presentations, a puppet show
and discussions. Naturalists stress safety when encountering animals and
plants in the woods as well as in students' own backyards. SOLs addressed
for K-3: K.1, K.6, K.8, K.9, 1.4, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 2.5, 2.7, 2.8, 3.1, 3.4,
3.5, 3.8, and 3.10.
9. Adaptations
Animals compete for food, shelter, territory, mates and more with
members of their own and other species. Hands-on activities will help
children explore different animal adaptations and discover some of their
own. We'll experiment to see which work best! Learn whether the featured
animal is a carnivore, herbivore or omnivore. The SOLs addressed include
Science. K.1, K.2, K.4, K.6, K.8, K.9, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 2.4, 2.5, 2.7, 3.4,
3.5, 3.8, 3.10, 4.5, 4.8.
10. Monarch Butterflies
Monarch butterflies are ambassadors for the insect world for both
natural and cultural history lessons. Depending on the season, your
students will view live or specimen monarchs in the stages of their
metamorphosis. All students will be intrigued by the fascinating monarch
emigration to Mexico and the biological changes of this final annual
generation which allows for this unusual survival adaptation. Program may
include a video or slides of one of the overwintering areas in
Mexico. In September, a monarch tagging demonstration
(Monarch Watch) will be a program highlight. The SOLs addressed include
Science. K.1, K.2, K.4, K.6, K.8, K.9, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 2.4, 2.5, 2.7, 3.4,
3.5, 3.8, 3.10, 4.5, 4.8.
4th Grade Ecosystems Outreach
Schoolyard Ecosystem Exploration:.(Lesson 8 plus) After consulting with site's program coordinator, a teacher selects components of other ecosystem lessons to add to Investigating Human Impact /Stewardship activities and discussion on how students can make a difference on Virginia's ecosystems. Naturalist may bring live reptiles, amphibians and/or insects to support the habitat (Lesson 4) or food web energy flow and niches discussion (Lesson 7). Activities supporting Lesson 1 can be adapted for outdoor discovery. Science SOL/Program varies with activities selected.
Animal and Plant Adaptations: We've Got What It Takes! During this largely outdoor program, naturalist-led student groups visit trailside stations highlighting squirrel, bird, insect, amphibian and plants. Students compare and contrast behavioral and structural adaptations and their role in the organism's survival. Naturalists review life cycle niches, plant dormancy and animal defense strategies using live animals and specimens. Science SOL/Program: 4.4 (d), 4.5 (a, d, e), 4.8(d)
We All Live Downstream: (Lesson 3) Through activities and trail walks, unfold the mysteries of what is a watershed, how the way we live in Virginia affects the Chesapeake Bay and beyond and why students and their families should care. Activities include hands-on demonstrations with a watershed model, €œWho Polluted the Potomac?€?student activity and a groundwater experiment. Students learn to determine their watershed address and meet live native reptiles and amphibians which depend upon a healthy watershed to survive. Science SOL/Program: 4.1 (a), 4.8 (a)
Animal and Plant Adaptations: We've Got What It
Takes! During this largely outdoor program, naturalist-led
student groups visit trailside stations highlighting squirrel, bird,
insect, amphibian and plants. Students compare and contrast behavioral
and structural adaptations and their role in the organism's survival.
Naturalists review life cycle niches, plant dormancy and animal defense
strategies using live animals and specimens. Science SOL/Program: 4.4
(d), 4.5
(a,d,e), 4.8 (d)
For information on 7th grade Meaningful Watershed Experiences on
or off site of Hidden Oaks, contact suzanne.holland@fairfaxcounty.gov
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