Get your child away from the computer this spring to learn in the great outdoors at PVAS’s Outdoor School!
These programs are designed for families with school children participating in virtual learning at home, first time homeschooling families, and homeschooling veterans. Sign up for a session at either Cool Spring or Yankauer Preserve. Sessions are held once a week for a month! Sessions will be kept small – 10 kids total and two adult instructors.
Ages: 6-12
Sessions and Pricing:
January: Winter Exploration
(4 sessions, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
- $165 members, $175 non-members
- Location: Cool Spring Preserve
- Tuesdays: Jan 5,12,19, 26
- Thursdays: Jan 7, 14, 21,28
Description:
Some animals and plants might be dormant, but we won’t be. Bundle up! This month is all about exploring nature no matter the winter weather. Much of the session will be on the trails, searching for what animals have been up to in the cold weather. We will study animal tracks, fur and bones, and set up motion activated trail cameras to see who is lurking around at night. We’ll even be doing some experiments with ice!
February: Forces of Nature
(4 sessions, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
- $165 members, $175 non-members
- Location: Cool Spring Preserve
- Tuesdays: Feb 2, 9, 16, 23
- Thursdays: Feb 4,11,18, 25
Description:
Come learn about the forces of nature, extreme weather and climate. We will explore what natural forces are at work in different parts of the world as well as right here in West Virginia and how people can impact these forces. We will go on hikes, play games and do some fun science experiments. Finally, we will take action and learn what we can do to help our planet.
March: Spring has Sprung
(4 sessions, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. )
- $165 members, $175 non-members
- Location: Cool Spring Preserve and Yankauer Nature Preserve
- Tuesdays (Cool Spring): March 2, 9, 16, 23
- Thursdays (Yankauer) March 4,11,18,25
Description:
Get ready to spring into action as we explore nature as spring unfolds. From studying frogs and spring wildflowers to planting our own spring garden, students will be fully immersed in the emergence of spring. One of the main focuses will be to track and record the phenology (timing of biological events) of the plants and animals that start to emerge in the warming weather.
April: Biodiversity
(4 sessions, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. )
- $165 members, $175 non-members
- Location: Cool Spring Preserve and Yankauer Nature Preserve
- Tuesdays (Cool Spring): April 6,13,20,27
- Thursdays: (Yankauer): April 8, 15,22,29
Description:
Each week we will study a new group of animals that make our preserves their home. From mammals and birds to insects and herps, we’ll learn about the rich biodiversity of wildlife that surrounds us.
May: Life Under Water
(3 sessions, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m)
- $125 members, $135 non-members
- Location: Cool Spring Preserve
- Tuesdays: May 4,11,18
- Thursdays: May 6, 13 ,20
Description:
Get ready to dive into this month of Outdoor School where we will be learning all about life under the water! We’ll begin by studying fish biodiversity and look at fish fossils to see how fish evolved over millions of years. Students will have the opportunity to sample fish and macroinvertebrates in the creek and learn how they are indicators of stream health. We’ll also be investigating the creek and the pond ecosystems to see how the water in those habitats support different kinds of aquatic life.