Upcoming Programs

January 2024: Animal Adaptations: Wednesday January 17; Friday January 19, 2023 | 10am – 12pm

What makes a successful predator? How do different animals survive in our winter environment? Your students will explore these questions and more as they observe animals and biofacts and discuss the similarities and differences between major animal groups and the adaptations that aid each animal in survival. Afterward we will become eco-explorers and put our observation skills to the test by seeking out animal adaptations and habitats in a guided nature hike. This lesson is NGSS aligned and addresses the following concepts:

• Relationship between physical traits and survival strategies of animals
• Animal life cycles; growth and development
• Cycles of matter and energy transfer in ecosystems
• Sense receptors and information processing in animals
• Relationship between habitat and food web structure
• Natural selection and adaptation for a specific environment

Wednesday January 17:  

Friday January 19:  

 

February 2024: Science of Small Things: Wednesday February 14; Friday February 16, 2023 | 10am – 12pm

Have you ever wondered what the building blocks of a plant look like? What lets plants breath? How do feathers work? Together we will dive into the microscopic world of small things! We will learn how to use a microscope, what plant, animal, and fungi cells look like, and go on a nature hike to take a closer look at the small things we miss everyday. This lesson is NGSS aligned and addresses the following concepts: 

• Structure and Function of organisms; introduction to cells

Wednesday February 14:  

Friday February 16:  

 

March 2024: Life and Earth Cycles: Wednesday March 13; Friday March 15, 2023 | 10am – 12pm

Together we will learn about the cycles of our natural world. We will break down cycles that exchange materials among the living and non-living components of our environment. We will also explore the life cycles of different groups of wildlife. Discover the Water Cycle, Nutrient Cycle, and how animal life cycles are similar and different from each other. This lesson is NGSS aligned and addresses the following concepts: 

• Animal life cycles; growth and development
• Cycles of matter and energy transfer in ecosystems
• Energy flow in organisms
• Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems

Wednesday March 13:  

Friday March 15:  

 

April 2024: Space Science: Wednesday April 10; Friday April 12, 2023 | 10am – 12pm

Let your student explore the wonders of Space with the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory. Together we will create a scale model of our solar system, explore the life cycle of a star, see how black holes form, learn more about our own sun and moon, and meet with some space experts at the Observatory! This lesson is NGSS aligned and addresses the following concepts: 

• ESS1:A The Universe and Its Stars
• Earth and the Solar System
• Types of Interactions: Gravity

Wednesday April 10:  

Friday April 12:  

 

May 2024: Pond Study: Wednesday May 15; Friday May 17, 2023 | 10am – 12pm

Join Sunriver Nature Center educators and fellow homeschoolers on the shore of Lake Aspen this spring! The Pond Study is an outdoor, experiential field trip program focusing on habitat exploration with emphasis on ponds. Students will have a blast going on a nature walk, observing aquatic insects, and meeting live reptiles and amphibians. This lesson is NGSS aligned and addresses the following concepts:

• Relationship between habitat and food web structure
• Relationship between physical characteristics and survival strategies of animals and plants
• Observation and categorization of pond organisms based on appearance and behavior pattern
• Human impacts on aquatic ecosystems
• Best practices for nature stewardship

Wednesday May 15:  

Friday May 17:  

 

 

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Program Details & Logistics

– Programs are geared toward homeschool students in kindergarten through fifth grade.
– At least one adult chaperone is required per group. There is no fee for adult chaperones to attend.
– All tools and materials for program activities are provided.
– This program takes place both outdoors and indoors. Students should wear sturdy footwear such as boots or sneakers, and dress for the weather.
– Please bring snacks and refillable water bottles.

 

Registration

$15/child; $10/additional child in family
Adult chaperones are free

If a desired program is sold out please email programs@snco.org or call 458-292-9995 to be added to the waitlist.