Nature Everywhere
Taking kids outside for science in the schoolyard
We bring the field trip to you – no buses required! Our outdoor science programs help you meet curriculum requirements while making the schoolyard alive for students. Each one-hour program with a professional naturalist includes guided discussion in the classroom, followed by firsthand observation and hands-on activities outside.
In a crack in the sidewalk, a puddle in the ballfield, or the schoolyard garden, we show students that nature is everywhere! Once they discover that wilderness is just outside the classroom, they’ll be eager to make observations and connections throughout the year.
Our program offerings follow MCPS science requirements and encourage vocabulary and language development. Programs can be tailored to meet your teaching needs - whether your class requires an introduction, review or continued learning. The following programs are available for grades K-4:
Programs
Kindergarten: Living Things
MCPS Science Blueprints: K (LIT)
See what lives and breathes just outside and learn how habitats support life.
Grade 1: Weather
MCPS Science Blueprints: 1 (WAM)
How does weather affect plants and animals in the schoolyard? Find out as we observe and measure weather and compare living conditions in different areas.
Grade 2: Life Cycle of Butterflies
MCPS Science Blueprints: 2 (LCB)
(April, May and September only) Butterflies may be growing in your classroom, but they really fly outdoors! We'll discuss the life cycle and adaptations of butterflies and other insects and search outside for pollinators, caterpillar host plants and nectar sources.
Grade 3: Plant Growth and Development
MCPS Science Blueprints: 3 (PGD)
Study the function of plant and flower parts in a variety of species and look for flowers, fruits, and seeds outside.
Grade 4: Ecosystems
MCPS Science Blueprints: 4 (ECO)
See how many ecosystems you can find in the schoolyard, and discover how they are related.
How to schedule a program
Programs are available Tuesday through Friday in the fall (September through November) and spring (March through May). Contact the nature center nearest you from 9 am - 5 pm, Tuesday through Friday, to make a program reservation.
Brookside Nature Center 301-962-1480 (schools in or near Wheaton, Silver Spring, and Bethesda)
Locust Grove Nature Center 301-765-8660 (schools in or near Wheaton, Silver Spring, and Bethesda)
Meadowside Nature Center 301-924-4141 (schools in or near Rockville)
Black Hill Visitor Center 301-972-5990 (schools in or near Gaithersburg and Germantown)
Students should dress appropriately for conditions outside. In case of severe weather (heavy rain, thunderstorms), make-up days are available in early December (for fall programs) and early June (for spring programs).
Fees
$5 per student + $50 travel fee. No charge for Title I and Special Focus schools.
Montgomery County Department of Parks