The Nature Center offers a variety of environmental education activities
available to public and private schools, home schools, and other educational
groups. Our activities primarily focus on marine and estuarine ecosystems as
some broader environmental concepts such as food webs and adaptation.
We also offer a day camp program during the summer. Check out this year's Estuarine Adventures 2008.
 Educational activities are available to all age groups including preschool
and up. NRNC educators are fantastic at fine-tuning activities to match your
specific subject needs.
Below is a list of some hands-on programs currently available for group
sessions. Each program is designed to last 20 - 30 minutes but can be altered
to fit your needs. If you are interested in scheduling a class, please
download the Education Visit
Application and return it to the Nature Center; or contact the Nature Center at 360-459-0387. We will be happy to give you more
information and send you an application.
Typically Classes are $30 for up to 30 students. Add $1 for each additional
student.
Amazing Wetland Animals
An introduction to some of the animals commonly found in an estuary, and
the adaptations that help them survive. (Kindergarten - 2nd grade.)
No Backbone? No Problem!
Get to know the Estuary's invertebrate community. Find out where they
live, what they eat, how they grow, and why they're important. (2nd - 4th
grades.)
Homing Instincts for Salmon
This activity illustrates how salmon in the ocean always find their way
back to the same river they were born in. (3rd - 5th grades)
Web Of Life
This exercise helps students to see the inter-relationships between the
living organisms and the physical structures of the beach. (4th - 7th
grades)
It Came From the Intertidal Zone (Low Tide Required)
In this fun activity, students learn to distinguish the five intertidal
zones of a beach. By digging in the mud, everyone gets to meet the critters
that live in each zone personally. (4th grade and up)
Micro Odyssey
What is plankton? Students unravel the mystery of plankton by observing
them through microscopes and participating in discussions that introduce
their characteristics and importance. (4th grade and up)
Wetland Metaphors
The importance of wetlands is demonstrated in this exercise where students
learn the fundamental functions of the wetland ecosystem. (4th grade and
up)
Be an Estuary Ecologist
Ever wonder how far underwater plants can grow? How do you measure
salinity? What do barnacles look like before they attach to pilings?
Discover the answers to these questions and more by being an "estuary
ecologist." (5th - 8th grades.)
Beach Walk (Low tide suggested)
Take a natural history walk along the Luhr Beach shoreline and observe
the plant and animal life that lives at Nisqually Reach. Learn how
everything in an estuary is linked together. A leave-in-place scavenger hunt
is available for this program. (All ages.) |
