Explore Nature at Your School with the Potomac Valley Audubon Society!

PVAS has been partnering with teachers and principals since 2001 to develop and offer a wide variety of programs for local youth that meet the needs of students and teachers alike.

We offer a variety of grade-specific programs for classrooms from Pre-K through 6th grade. Our curriculum is designed to meet state-mandated content standards in order to create the best programs possible that support in-class learning.

Our school programs include: 1) One or more classroom visits from one of our naturalist educators and 2) An outdoor learning experience – either a schoolyard investigation or a field trip to one of our 4 beautiful nature preserves. Students experience firsthand the plants, animals, and natural ecosystems that sustain our community. The prior classroom lessons help students build foundational knowledge and curiosity so that students are able to make the most of their outdoor learning experience.

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Program Options

Pre-K

Scientific Senses

LESSON 1: Fantastic Five (At School)

Students will use all five senses (except taste) as they investigate sense bags full of natural objects. Then, they will use their sense of touch to explore live composting worms!

LESSON 2: Nature Explorers (At School with Outdoor Component)

This lesson gives students the opportunity to interact with nature on the school grounds. We’ll take a nature hike using our senses to feel the different textures of trees, listen to bird songs, and look for bugs.

OR

LESSON 2: Nature Explorers Field Trip

Students will embark on a sensory adventure while exploring one of our nature preserves. They’ll immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and textures of the great outdoors on a guided nature hike, tackle an exciting scavenger hunt, and get up close with our charismatic Animal Ambassadors (Cool Spring field trips only).

My students loved working with your instructor! He was very kind and knowledgeable. He made them feel knowledgeable while also teaching them more about the animals and senses we talked about. He incorporated a fun game to let them put their sense to work.

–Kindergarten Teacher, Back Creek Valley Elementary

CONTENT STANDARDS

SC.PK.1 Ask questions that can be answered through active investigation.
SC.PK.2 Explore and discuss similarities and differences among objects and materials.
SC.PK.5 Identify the five senses and use them to make observations.
SC.PK.6 Explore observational tools (e.g., magnifying glass, stethoscope) to extend the five senses.
SC.PK.7 Engage in scientific talk by utilizing words (e.g., observe, compare, contrast, measure, reflect, predict, plan).
SC.PK.9 Explore and describe the natural environment verbally or through representation. SC.PK.10 Explore and describe changes in materials and relationships (e.g., cause/effect, seasons, life cycles, etc.).
SC.PK.11 Communicates awareness that people can impact the environment in positive and negative ways.

Kindergarten

Bugs-a-Billion

LESSON 1: Bug Basics (At School)

Bug Basics (At School)

Students will learn the basics of insect anatomy and insect life cycles. They’ll then get up close and personal with Mealworms, exploring their fascinating transformation through various life stages. This hands-on experience will bring insect biology to life in an engaging and memorable way.

LESSON 2: Pollinators (At School)

Students will investigate the diversity of animals that help pollinate plants! They’ll have a blast stepping into the role of busy bees in an engaging, interactive game where they’ll buzz from flower to flower.

OR

LESSON 2: Pollinator Field Trip

LESSON 2: Nature Explorers Field Trip

Students will embark on a nature hike around the preserve, on the lookout for fascinating insects and key pollinators. They’ll explore our vibrant pollinator garden, and then play a fun and interactive pollination game that brings their newfound knowledge to life.

The Bugs-A-Billion program was a huge hit! Students learned about insects and pollinators. It was very hands-on and engaging. Your instructor did a fantastic job teaching, answering questions, getting the students up and moving, being active, and singing/dancing. We would love to have you return!

–Kindergarten teacher, Pleasant View Elementary

CONTENT STANDARDS

S.K.GS.3 Students will use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.
S.K.GS.6 Students will communicate solutions that will reduce the impact of humans on the land, water, air, and/or other living things in the local environment.
ELA.K.1 With prompting and support, ask and answer questions about key details in a literary text.

Scientific Senses

LESSON 1: Fantastic Five (At School)

Students will use all five senses (except taste) as they investigate sense bags full of natural objects. Then, they will use their sense of touch to explore live composting worms!

LESSON 2: Nature Explorers (At School with Outdoor Component)

OR

LESSON 2: Nature Explorers Field Trip

My students loved working with your instructor! He was very kind and knowledgeable. He made them feel knowledgeable while also teaching them more about the animals and senses we talked about. He incorporated a fun game to let them put their sense to work.

–Kindergarten Teacher, Back Creek Valley Elementary

CONTENT STANDARDS

SC.PK.1 Ask questions that can be answered through active investigation.
SC.PK.2 Explore and discuss similarities and differences among objects and materials.
SC.PK.5 Identify the five senses and use them to make observations.
SC.PK.6 Explore observational tools (e.g., magnifying glass, stethoscope) to extend the five senses.
SC.PK.7 Engage in scientific talk by utilizing words (e.g., observe, compare, contrast, measure, reflect, predict, plan).
SC.PK.9 Explore and describe the natural environment verbally or through representation. SC.PK.10 Explore and describe changes in materials and relationships (e.g., cause/effect, seasons, life cycles, etc.).
SC.PK.11 Communicates awareness that people can impact the environment in positive and negative ways.

1st Grade

Rockin’ Reptiles

LESSON 1: Turtles (At School)

What makes a reptile a reptile? What makes a turtle unique? Students will have a chance to meet our box turtle Animal Ambassador, Scute, while learning how they can help protect box turtles in the wild.

LESSON 2: Snakes (At School)

In this lesson, students will learn what sets snakes apart from other reptiles. They’ll uncover the vital roles snakes play in our ecosystems and gain a newfound appreciation for our slithery friends! They will also get an up-close look at our Corn snake Animal Ambassador, Esther!

*not available on Friday

Your instructors were so friendly and patient with our kids during their visit today. They answered many questions and taught at great age-appropriate levels. The kids loved every bit of the program, especially getting to see and touch the Animal Ambassadors!

-Teacher, Covenant Church Homeschool Co-op

CONTENT STANDARDS

S.K.GS.3 Students will use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.
S.K.GS.6 Students will communicate solutions that will reduce the impact of humans on the land, water, air, and/or other living things in the local environment.
ELA.K.1 With prompting and support, ask and answer questions about key details in a literary text.

Bugs-a-Billion

LESSON 1: Bug Basics (At School)

Bug Basics (At School)

LESSON 2: Pollinators (At School)

OR

LESSON 2: Pollinator Field Trip

LESSON 2: Nature Explorers Field Trip

The Bugs-A-Billion program was a huge hit! Students learned about insects and pollinators. It was very hands-on and engaging. Your instructor did a fantastic job teaching, answering questions, getting the students up and moving, being active, and singing/dancing. We would love to have you return!

–Kindergarten teacher, Pleasant View Elementary

CONTENT STANDARDS

S.K.GS.3 Students will use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.
S.K.GS.6 Students will communicate solutions that will reduce the impact of humans on the land, water, air, and/or other living things in the local environment.
ELA.K.1 With prompting and support, ask and answer questions about key details in a literary text.

Bird Beaks

LESSON 1: Beaks for Food (At School)

Students will study bird anatomy as they investigate fascinating artifacts like feathers and beaks to uncover what sets birds apart from other animals. While participating in an interactive activity, students will discover how different beak shapes are uniquely adapted to diverse diets, and see firsthand how these adaptations help birds thrive in their environments!

LESSON 2: Nest Building (At School)

Students will learn the engineering techniques birds use to construct nests and then be put to the test by designing and building your own creative nests!

OR

LESSON 2: Everything Birds! (Field Trip)

Students will embark on an exciting bird-themed adventure through the nature preserve, exploring a variety of interactive stations. They’ll set off on a nature hike, complete a challenge to build their own bird nests, and hone their birdwatching skills with binoculars. Each station offers a unique opportunity to dive into the avian world, making for a day full of discovery and fun in the great outdoors!

The hands on activities were terrific. I think the woodpecker and hummingbird beak activities were hands down my favorite and very inventive. Really great…Perfect amount of time spent sitting and listening/observing/offering answers and the hands on portion. Very well thought out.

–2nd Grade Teacher, Rosemont Elementary

CONTENT STANDARDS

S.1.GS.5 Students will use materials to design a solution to a human problem by mimicking how plants and/or animals use their external parts to help them survive, grow, and meet their needs.
S.1.GS.6 Students will read texts and use media to determine patterns in behavior of parents and offspring that will help offspring survive.
S.1.GS.7 Students will make observations to construct an evidence-based account that young plants and animals are like, but not exactly like, their parents.
ELA.1.1 Ask and answer questions about key details in a literary text.

2nd Grade

Nature’s FBI Agents

LESSON 1: Compost Worms (At School)

Students will learn about Nature’s FBI Agents: the mighty decomposers (Fungi, Bacteria, and Invertebrates) and how they recycle nutrients and help plants grow. Students will have a chance to explore our composting worm bin to study how worms help create soil. Then, they will create a decomposition timeline to see how long different objects take to decompose. At the end of lesson 1, the instructor will ask the students to bring in different items from their lunch or from home to make a “compost stew” in lesson 2.

LESSON 2: Compost Stew (At School)

Get ready to cook up some compost magic! In this engaging activity, the instructor will read the story “Compost Stew,” and students will add their own compostable items to a stew pot as they appear in the tale. Afterward, they’ll jump into action with a fun-filled Decomposer Relay Race, turning learning about composting into an unforgettable adventure!

OR

LESSON 2: Decomposers in the Woods (Field Trip)

Students will visit different decomposer themed stations that each offer a unique and interactive way to discover the incredible role decomposers play in nature! They’ll roll up their sleeves for a fun log-rolling activity, embark on mile-long hike through the woods, stretch into tree life cycle yoga poses, and whip up a batch of “compost stew.”

The lesson was well-planned, age-appropriate, and engaging–my students loved it! The instructors were great with the students, keeping the group’s attention with various activities that included direct instruction, personal anecdotes, body movements, food-web roleplay, and, most importantly, hands-on learning. The students really loved being able to explore the worm habitat and it helped them understand the role worms play in the decomposition process….I’m excited to have them visit again!

–4th/5th Grade Teacher, Paw Paw Elementary

CONTENT STANDARDS

S.K.GS.3 Students will use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.
S.K.GS.6 Students will communicate solutions that will reduce the impact of humans on the land, water, air, and/or other living things in the local environment.
ELA.K.1 With prompting and support, ask and answer questions about key details in a literary text.

Rockin’ Reptiles

LESSON 1: Turtles (At School)

LESSON 2: Snakes (At School)

*not available on Friday

Your instructors were so friendly and patient with our kids during their visit today. They answered many questions and taught at great age-appropriate levels. The kids loved every bit of the program, especially getting to see and touch the Animal Ambassadors!

-Teacher, Covenant Church Homeschool Co-op

CONTENT STANDARDS

S.K.GS.3 Students will use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.
S.K.GS.6 Students will communicate solutions that will reduce the impact of humans on the land, water, air, and/or other living things in the local environment.
ELA.K.1 With prompting and support, ask and answer questions about key details in a literary text.

Busy Beavers

LESSON 1: Habitat Builders (At School)

Students will learn how beavers are adapted for a life in water, and how they are master builders all while creating habitat for other animals. They will observe the environmental changes that beavers create through an interactive story.

LESSON 2: Beaver Investigators (Field Trip at Cool Spring Preserve only)

Students will embark on an exciting adventure at our preserve, where they’ll hunt for signs of beaver activity and explore impressive beaver dams up close. But the fun doesn’t stop there— they’ll also get to channel their inner beaver by constructing their very own dam!

Your team was great. They were knowledgable and friendly. My students loved every part of the program. Thanks so much for a great trip.

-Teacher, Marlowe Elementary

CONTENT STANDARDS

S.2.GS.2 Students will analyze data obtained from testing different materials to determine which materials have the properties that are best suited for an intended purpose.
S.2.GS.3 Students will make observations to construct an evidence-based account of how an object made of a small set of pieces can be disassembled and made into a new object.
S.K2.ETS.2 Students will develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem.

Bird Beaks

LESSON 1: Beaks for Food (At School)

LESSON 2: Nest Building (At School)

Students will learn the engineering techniques birds use to construct nests and then be put to the test by designing and building your own creative nests!

OR

LESSON 2: Everything Birds! (Field Trip)

The hands on activities were terrific. I think the woodpecker and hummingbird beak activities were hands down my favorite and very inventive. Really great…Perfect amount of time spent sitting and listening/observing/offering answers and the hands on portion. Very well thought out.

–2nd Grade Teacher, Rosemont Elementary

CONTENT STANDARDS

S.1.GS.5 Students will use materials to design a solution to a human problem by mimicking how plants and/or animals use their external parts to help them survive, grow, and meet their needs.
S.1.GS.6 Students will read texts and use media to determine patterns in behavior of parents and offspring that will help offspring survive.
S.1.GS.7 Students will make observations to construct an evidence-based account that young plants and animals are like, but not exactly like, their parents.
ELA.1.1 Ask and answer questions about key details in a literary text.

3rd Grade

Friends of the Forest

LESSON 1: We All Need Trees (At School)

Why do we need trees? Students will kick off the lesson exploring tree touch bins as they discover the different parts of a tree and their function. We’ll discover how humans and wildlife alike depend on all parts of a tree for survival.

LESSON 2: Tree Investigators (In school with outdoor component)

Students will learn the process of photosynthesis and how trees benefit the health of our planet by taking in carbon dioxide through the process of making food. Then, we’ll go on an investigative hike around their schoolyard comparing different trees while searching for evidence of how wildlife thrives thanks to these leafy giants. Students will document their findings as they see firsthand how trees make a real difference in our ecosystem!

OR

LESSON 2: Forest Explorers (Field Trip)

It’s time for your students to truly become “Friends of a Forest” while exploring the forest of one of our nature preserves. The students will visit various stations throughout the field trip. Activities include a scenic mile-long nature hike, a fun log-rolling challenge to search for FBI agents on the ground, invigorating tree yoga, and a hands-on photosynthesis activity. Each station promises to deepen their connection with nature and enhance their understanding of the forest ecosystem! The best location for this field trip is Yankauer Nature Preserve.

Your team was great. They were knowledgable and friendly. My students loved every part of the program. Thanks so much for a great trip.

-Teacher, Marlowe Elementary

CONTENT STANDARDS

S.3.GS.7 Students will construct an argument with evidence that in a particular habitat some organisms can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot survive at all.
S.3.GS.8 Students will make a claim about the merit of a solution to a problem caused when the environment changes and the types of plants and animals that live there may change.
S.3.GS.10 Students will analyze and interpret data to provide evidence that plants and animals have traits inherited from parents and that variation of these traits exists in a group of similar organisms.
S.3.GS.11 Students will use evidence to support the explanation that traits can be influenced by the environment.

Busy Beavers

LESSON 1: Habitat Builders (At School)

LESSON 2: Beaver Investigators (Field Trip at Cool Spring Preserve only)

Your team was great. They were knowledgable and friendly. My students loved every part of the program. Thanks so much for a great trip.

-Teacher, Marlowe Elementary

CONTENT STANDARDS

S.2.GS.2 Students will analyze data obtained from testing different materials to determine which materials have the properties that are best suited for an intended purpose.
S.2.GS.3 Students will make observations to construct an evidence-based account of how an object made of a small set of pieces can be disassembled and made into a new object.
S.K2.ETS.2 Students will develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem.

Nature’s FBI Agents

LESSON 1: Compost Worms (At School)

LESSON 2: Compost Stew (At School)

OR

LESSON 2: Decomposers in the Woods (Field Trip)

The lesson was well-planned, age-appropriate, and engaging–my students loved it! The instructors were great with the students, keeping the group’s attention with various activities that included direct instruction, personal anecdotes, body movements, food-web roleplay, and, most importantly, hands-on learning. The students really loved being able to explore the worm habitat and it helped them understand the role worms play in the decomposition process….I’m excited to have them visit again!

–4th/5th Grade Teacher, Paw Paw Elementary

CONTENT STANDARDS

S.K.GS.3 Students will use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.
S.K.GS.6 Students will communicate solutions that will reduce the impact of humans on the land, water, air, and/or other living things in the local environment.
ELA.K.1 With prompting and support, ask and answer questions about key details in a literary text.

4th Grade

Watershed

LESSON 1: WOW - Wonders of Water (At School)

This lesson introduces some of the basic properties and qualities of water from which the series of lessons builds upon.

LESSON 2: What’s a Watershed? (At School)

The lesson defines and illustrates the definition of a watershed and helps students understand the small scale to the large-scale concept of a watershed. Importantly, it emphasizes the idea that even though they may not live right next to a body of water, they do impact the larger picture; the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

LESSON 3: Runoff and Erosion (At School)

This lesson introduces erosion and overnutrification by connecting to one component of the water cycle (run off). This lesson is intended to introduce the importance of plants on the reduction of erosion.

LESSON 4: Water Quality (At School)

This lesson introduces several different qualities of water, specifically pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen.

LESSON 5: Your Own School Yard (At School)

This lesson allows students to review the aspects of erosion and human impact. By surveying the school grounds, students apply their knowledge of the concepts of erosion, other human impacts, topography, and where water will go, as well as positive practices that are in place.

LESSON 6: Watershed Field Trip to Local Park

Students rotate between different stations to test water quality, invesigate macroinvertebrate life, design/build water filtration systems, and assess habitat!

Watershed is an absolutely wonderful program! It is a hands-on, learner-centered, educational program that focuses on students actively discovering local environments. Aligned with West Virginia State Science Standards for Fourth Grade, students put what they have learned in the classroom into practice through investigations at Poor House Farm. Accordingly, students gain the knowledge, tools, and local connections they need to advocate for stronger, sustainable, benefits of a healthy environment. Without Watershed, students would be missing the knowledge imperative to understanding the footprints we leave behind and how they can protect nature and vital waterways.

-Bryan Hott, Mill Creek Intermediate

CONTENT STANDARDS

S.4.GS.9 Students will construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.
S.4.GS.12 Students will make observations and/or measurements to provide evidence of the effects of weathering or the rate of erosion by water, ice, wind, or vegetation.
S.4.GS.13 Students will analyze and interpret data from maps to describe patterns of Earth’s features.
S.4.GS.14 Students will generate and compare multiple solutions to reduce the impacts of natural Earth processes on humans.
S.3-5.ETS.1 Students will define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost.
S.3-5.ETS.2 Students will generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
S.3-5.ETS.3 Students will plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.
ELA.4.22 Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.
ELA.4.30 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on a grade 4 topics and texts, building on others’ ideas and expressing ideas clearly.
ELA.4.41 Acquire and accurately use grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases, including those that signal precise actions, emotions, or states of being (e.g., wildlife, conservation, and endangered when discussing animal preservation).
M.4.19 Know relative sizes of measurement units within a system of units, including the metric system (km, m, cm; kg, g; l, ml), the standard system (lb, oz), and time (hr, min, sec).
SS.4.4 Demonstrate patriotism by creating and implementing school/community service projects (e.g., litter cleanup, fundraisers for community groups, participation in community holiday parades, celebrations, services, etc.).
SS.4.8 Describe and locate examples of the major physical features of the United States (e.g., bodies of water, mountains, rivers, grasslands, oases, etc.) using references and technology (e.g., atlas, globe, geographic information system, etc.)

5th Grade

Become a Biologist

LESSON 1: Investigating Leaf Litter (At School)

After exploring what is an ecosystem and the role of biotic and abiotic factors, students will step into the shoes of biologists. They’ll dive into our “Leaf Litter” bins to uncover the hidden secrets of the forest floor. This hands-on investigation will reveal how much we can learn about a forest ecosystem by examining the rich, often overlooked details right beneath our feet.

LESSON 2: Mammals of the Forest (At School)

Students will dive into the world of mammals and how they can be studied by observing their skulls. Through a hands-on examination of real animal skulls, students will learn how teeth type and eye placement can reveal a wealth of information about an animal’s behavior and diet.

CONTENT STANDARDS

S.6.1 Construct an explanation that predicts patterns of interactions among organisms across multiple ecosystems.
S.6.2 Evaluate competing design solutions for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services.
S.6.6 Develop a model to describe the cycling of matter and flow of energy among living and nonliving parts of an ecosystem.

6th Grade

Become a Biologist

LESSON 1: Investigating Leaf Litter (At School)

LESSON 2: Mammals of the Forest (At School)

CONTENT STANDARDS

S.6.1 Construct an explanation that predicts patterns of interactions among organisms across multiple ecosystems.
S.6.2 Evaluate competing design solutions for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services.
S.6.6 Develop a model to describe the cycling of matter and flow of energy among living and nonliving parts of an ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of this program?

AVAILABLE FUNDING FOR PROGRAM FEES

All options are free for public schools in Berkeley or Jefferson Counties (while grant funds remain)
4th Grade Watershed Program is free for schools in Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan Counties
Additional funds are available specifically for the 3rd Grade Friends of the Forest program for Martinsburg schools, as well as for a Morgan County school to attend a field trip to Eidolon Nature Preserve.

PROGRAM FEES

Fees may apply to private schools, homeschool groups, public schools not located in Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan Counties, and other public schools if grant funding runs out.

School visits: $60/class for a 1 hour program, $30/class for a 30 minute program
Field Trips: $150/class for a 3 hour program. Up to 4 classes per field trip

Note that PVAS will only be able to visit schools for programs if at least 2 hours of programming per day is scheduled. The programming can be split between classes and grades. For example: Two 2nd grade hour-long programs or Four 30 minute Kindergarten programs.

TRANSPORTATION COSTS

Schools/groups are responsible for arranging and paying for transportation for their school/group to/from the field trip location.

What dates and times are available?

DATES

Click here to view a list of dates available for school visits and field trips.

TIMES

Field Trips:

Field trips are 3 – 3.5 hours in length.
Most schools choose the field trip to be scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1:00 p.m. with a 30 minute lunch break scheduled into the itinerary.
Potomac Valley Audubon Society will plan and share the details of the schedule once we know the school’s arrival time, departure time, and if lunch should be built into the itinerary.

School Visits:

We ask that the school provide a schedule for school visits in the program request form, including times, teacher names, and number of students. Below are detailed instructions and an example of the schedule.
Class visits for Grades 1-6 are 1 hour.
Class visits for Pre-K and K are 30 minutes.
Include at least 5 minutes for our educator to pack up and transition from classroom to classroom.
Our educator will be able to visit up to 4 classes in a day. To accomodate more than 4 classes, we may either 1) send two educators in a single day or 2) schedule a single educator to visit multiple days.
Note that PVAS will only be able to visit schools for programs if at least 2 hours of programming per day is scheduled. The programming can be split between classes and grades. For example: Two 2nd grade hour-long programs or Four 30 minute Kindergarten programs.
If the schedule includes a lunch period, we will assume that our educator is welcome to be in the teachers’ lounge unless you tell us otherwise.
Please schedule to maximize our educators’ time – no large gaps in the schedule where our educators have nothing to do, please.
Please use the name that you would like our educators to refer to the teacher(s) in front of students.
Example:

SCHEDULE 1

8:30-9:30 Miss Wren, 25

9:35-10:35 Professor Hawk, 23

10:40-11:40 Mr. Sparrow, 24

11:40-12:10: lunch in teachers’ lounge

12:15-1:15 Mrs. Kingfisher, 22

SCHEDULE 2

8:30-9:30 Ms. Blueheron, 25

9:35-10:35 Mr. Hummingbird, 23

10:40-11:40 Mr. Warbler, 24

11:40-12:10: lunch in teachers’ lounge

12:15-1:15 Mrs. Blackbird, 22

How do I register?

Complete our school programs request form. This form is non-binding. It helps us determine to availability and to begin the registration process.
After you complete the form, PVAS staff will reach back out to you about selecting specific dates and other next steps

Where do field trips take place?

Field trips for our 4th Grade Watershed Program take place at various parks around the Eastern Panhandle with stream access.

Field trips for our other school programs take place at one of the 4 beautiful preserves that PVAS manages: Cool Spring Preserve, Yankauer Nature Preserve, Stauffer’s Marsh Nature Preserve, and Eidolon Nature Preserve.

Cool Spring

10 minutes south of Charles Town

1469 Lloyd Road

Learn More

Yankauer

13 minutes from Shepherdstown, 17 minutes from Martinsburg

438 Whitings Neck Rd.

Learn More

Stauffer’s Marsh

23 minutes from Martinsburg

Back Creek Valley Road

Learn More

Eidolon

19 minutes from Berkeley Springs

2146 Orleans Rd.

Learn More

How are PVAS field trips structured?

A field trip to one of our nature preserves is a great way for students to apply what they learned in the classroom to an outdoor learning experience! At least 1 school visit occurs before a field trip. In order for students to get the most out of their field trip, it is important that they have some context from a previous lesson.

We can host up to four classes on a field trip. Each class will visit 3-4 different stations led by PVAS educators and volunteers. Field trips are 3 – 3.5 hours in length. It is helpful to have 1 chaperone for every 5-6 students or at the very minimum 1 per class. We ask that you divide your students evenly into groups so that there is one adult per group. Teachers and chaperones will be in charge of their group of students all day and should be with them during all activities.

How do I prepare for a field trip?

It is very important for teachers to read our field trip information packets and share information with students and chaperones to help everyone be ready for a wonderful experience together! These documents include important information like packing lists and our expectations for chaperones.

Chaperone Guide: Be sure to share this information with all field trip chaperones prior to the trip.

INFORMATION FOR TEACHERS:

If you are interested in booking a program with us, please complete our Program Request Form. Using this form helps us to get all the information we need to determine availability and begin the registration process.

School Programs

Explore Nature at Your School with the Potomac Valley Audubon Society!

Program Options

Scientific Senses

LESSON 1: Fantastic Five (At School)

LESSON 1: Fantastic Five (At School)

LESSON 2: Nature Explorers (At School with Outdoor Component)

LESSON 2: Nature Explorers (At School with Outdoor Component)

OR

LESSON 2: Nature Explorers Field Trip

LESSON 2: Nature Explorers Field Trip

Bugs-a-Billion

LESSON 1: Bug Basics (At School)

Bug Basics (At School)

LESSON 2: Pollinators (At School)

LESSON 2: Pollinators (At School)

OR

LESSON 2: Pollinator Field Trip

LESSON 2: Nature Explorers Field Trip

Scientific Senses

LESSON 1: Fantastic Five (At School)

LESSON 1: Fantastic Five (At School)

LESSON 2: Nature Explorers (At School with Outdoor Component)

LESSON 2: Nature Explorers (At School with Outdoor Component)

OR

LESSON 2: Nature Explorers Field Trip

LESSON 2: Nature Explorers Field Trip

Rockin’ Reptiles

LESSON 1: Turtles (At School)

LESSON 1: Turtles (At School)

LESSON 2: Snakes (At School)

LESSON 2: Snakes (At School)

Bugs-a-Billion

LESSON 1: Bug Basics (At School)

Bug Basics (At School)

LESSON 2: Pollinators (At School)

LESSON 2: Pollinators (At School)

OR

LESSON 2: Pollinator Field Trip

LESSON 2: Nature Explorers Field Trip

Bird Beaks

LESSON 1: Beaks for Food (At School)

LESSON 1: Beaks for Food (At School)

LESSON 2: Nest Building (At School)

LESSON 2: Nest Building (At School)

OR

LESSON 2: Everything Birds! (Field Trip)

LESSON 2: Everything Birds! (Field Trip)

Nature’s FBI Agents

LESSON 1: Compost Worms (At School)

LESSON 1: Compost Worms (At School)

LESSON 2: Compost Stew (At School)

LESSON 2: Compost Stew (At School)

OR

LESSON 2: Decomposers in the Woods (Field Trip)

LESSON 2: Decomposers in the Woods (Field Trip)

Rockin’ Reptiles

LESSON 1: Turtles (At School)

LESSON 1: Turtles (At School)

LESSON 2: Snakes (At School)

LESSON 2: Snakes (At School)

Busy Beavers

LESSON 1: Habitat Builders (At School)

LESSON 1: Habitat Builders (At School)

LESSON 2: Beaver Investigators (Field Trip at Cool Spring Preserve only)

LESSON 2: Beaver Investigators (Field Trip at Cool Spring Preserve only)

Bird Beaks

LESSON 1: Beaks for Food (At School)

LESSON 1: Beaks for Food (At School)

LESSON 2: Nest Building (At School)

LESSON 2: Nest Building (At School)

OR

LESSON 2: Everything Birds! (Field Trip)

LESSON 2: Everything Birds! (Field Trip)

Friends of the Forest

LESSON 1: We All Need Trees (At School)

LESSON 1: We All Need Trees (At School)

LESSON 2: Tree Investigators (In school with outdoor component)

LESSON 2: Tree Investigators (In school with outdoor component)

OR