NATURE IN THE CLASSROOM
WE BRING NATURE TO YOU!
Irvine’s Nature in the Classroom programs allow groups to experience the excitement of nature from the convenience of their own classroom or auditorium.
Depending upon group size and age, our in-classroom programming offers the chance for your group to interact with nature, either through a presentation or lesson. Please note that smaller class sizes (30 students or less) will have more opportunities for interaction with animal ambassadors, while larger class sizes will gain additional content and information regarding the topic of choice.
Young children (ages 6 and under) benefit best from programs that are 30 to 40 minutes long. Irvine is able to accommodate shortening our standard program duration for our youngest learners.
Questions? Contact Laura Ferrara at 443-738-9215 or FerraraL@ExploreNature.org
OFFERED: SEPTEMBER 16TH THROUGH MAY 31ST
LENGTH: VARIES BASED ON PROGRAM AND AGE
CAPACITY: VARIES BASED ON PROGRAM
PRICING: RANGES FROM $225-$275, DEPENDING ON GROUP SIZE
Please note: there is an additional travel fee if over 25 miles from Irvine
PRESENTATIONS and LESSONS OFFERED 2026-27:
Presentations are each 60-minutes in length and available for groups of all sizes.
All About Animals Age: All grades
Why can’t a frog fly? Why do snakes stick their tongues out? How do you know if an animal is alive? During an interactive presentation with several live animals and hands-on exploration of animal artifacts, students will learn about animal lifecycles and how to classify animals based on their features.
Survival of the Fittest Age: All grades
This interactive program provides students with the opportunity to observe and touch several live animal ambassadors and artifacts as they learn about unique animal adaptations. Students will examine the physical and behavioral traits that allow animals to survive in their habitats, the seasons and discuss how humans are impacting the survival of many species. Together, we will brainstorm strategies to help our animal friends thrive!
Taking Care of the Earth Age: PreK-2nd grade
Students will participate in exciting hands-on explorations that will help them discover the many ways they can reduce their carbon footprint and take care of the earth. From recycling to composting, students will develop the skills to be environmental stewards in their daily lives and help combat climate change!
Chesapeake Connections Age: 3rd grade & up
The Chesapeake Bay, famous for its bounty and rich history, needs continued stewardship to protect its many resources. We will lead students through hands-on activity stations that explore water quality, the Chesapeake Bay watershed and its tributaries, and actions students can take to help keep our Bay healthy.
Hunters of the Sky* Age: 3rd grade & up
Students will take an in-depth look at hawks and owls to study how the unique adaptations of these raptors help them survive and thrive at the top of their food chain. A virtual presentation of Irvine’s live ambassadors and taxidermy mounts will allow students to discover special traits common to all birds of prey, as well as species-specific characteristics. Ecological threats to raptors will be discussed, and concepts such as migration, niche, and biomagnification will be explored.
Native Americans of Maryland Age: 3rd grade & up
Students will take explore how natural resources intertwine with community, specifically in the cultural traditions and lifestyles of Maryland’s pre-colonial Native American tribes, the Piscataway and Susquehannock. To gain a genuine understanding of how Indigenous wisdom is evergreen, students will learn about tools, clothing, hunting and gathering, fire-making, and games through hands-on experience. The structures and content have been designed in collaboration with our tribal neighbors. See BAIC for more information.
*Please note that due to concerns of Avian (Bird) Flu transmission, and in adherence to the recommended guidelines in place by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, this program is available only virtually at this time. Thank you.
