After-school Programming

Eco-Explorers

Eco-Explorers: After-School Nature Club

Weekly Nature Exploration and Science Club for Grades K-5

At Eco-Explorers, students will engage in meaningful outdoor environmental education after school! We strive to foster fun, safe, and immersive interactions with nature right at your child’s school. During the program, students will enjoy time exploring the great outdoors, creating nature crafts, conducting science experiments, and getting to meet live animal ambassadors from Irvine Nature Center. Topics from past club sessions include exploring habitats, nature science experiments, pioneers in the field of nature, and animal caretaking. We hope to share with students the wonders of nature, teach some simple things they can do to conserve it, and nurture a lasting connection with the natural world around them.

Enrollment for SPRING 2025 opens mid-February! Classes begin mid-March. Click to learn more and register your student for the Spring Session at one of our existing nature clubs.

Session Theme Descriptions

FALL SESSION

K-2: Water, Water Everywhere- Ever wondered why you shouldn’t drink salt water or why only certain items float? Join us as we dive into our watery world to learn more about Earth’s most valuable resource, water. Students will perform experiments, create crafts and get a chance to meet some of Irvine’s Animal Ambassadors.
3^rd-5^th: Nature Survivor- Think you have what it takes to survive out in the wilderness? Put your skills to the test with our basic survival skill challenges focused on topics such as basic navigation and map reading, shelter building, fire building and more!

WINTER SESSION

K-2: Natural Disasters– Uh, oh! Here comes a tornado! Take cover as we explore the causes of natural disasters through experiments, crafts, games and more!
3^rd-5^th: Microscopic Worlds- Dive into the fascinating world of the super small and investigate the microscopic wonders of Earth. Students will use microscopes to peer into this “invisible” universe to learn more. Students will also participate in outdoor activities, nature crafts and live animal encounters!

SPRING SESSION

K-2: Science Mysteries- Ever pondered the great mysteries of the universe? Why is the sky blue? Why is the beach covered in sand? Join us as we investigate some of science’s greatest mysteries! Students will enjoy time exploring the great outdoors, creating nature crafts, conducting science experiments, and getting to meet live animal ambassadors.
3^rd-5^th: Nature Photography- Discover the natural world and take it home with you! Students will get to capture various snapshots of nature and learn the tricks of environmental photography. They will then get to choose their favorite photos and create an album to take home at the end! Cameras are provided or can be brought from home.

Eco-Explorers After-School Nature Club is currently offered at:

Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School
Carroll Manor Elementary School
Catonsville Elementary School
Glyndon Elementary School
Krieger Schechter Day School
Reisterstown Elementary School
Relay Elementary School
Robert Moton Elementary School
Sparks Elementary School
Padonia International Elementary School
Timonium Elementary School
Watershed Public Charter School
Westowne Elementary School

If you are interested in offering Eco-Explorers After-School Nature Club at your student’s school, please contact Emily Ludy at LudyE@ExploreNature.org or 443-738-9219.