Jerome Buddie Ford Nature Center's Educational Resources
School Programs
Let us help you cover your science standards with an engaging, interactive program built to meet Virginia's Standards of Learning. See our program offerings with the recommended grade levels listed below:
Environmental Education Program Request Form
Environmental Education programs designed to support Virginia's Standards of Learning (SOL). We cover the following nature-based SOLs for Pre-K to the 5th grade.
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Adaptations
3rd and 4th grade
Program Length: 30 or 45 minutes
Students will learn about the physical and behavioral adaptations of various animals - including some from the Nature Center! We will explore how adaptations help animals survive in their habitats. This program features live animals.
Senses
Kindergarten
Program Length: 30 or 45 minutes
Students will learn about the 5 senses and the ways in which they help us experience the world around us. We will explore how animals use their senses to survive. This program features live animals.
Habitats/Ecosystems
Kindergarten - 4th grade
Program Length: 30 or 45 minutes
Students will examine the mechanisms and relationships within an ecosystem. We will discuss habitats, food chains, energy flow, needs for survival, and interactions between living and non-living components. This program features live animals.
Life Cycles
2nd grade
Program Length: 30 or 45 minutes
Students will learn about how organisms grow, develop, and change. We will identify life processes and sequences in both plants and animals. This program features live animals.
Oceans
5th grade
Program Length: 30 or 45 minutes
Students will investigate the characteristics of the ocean environment including zones, aquatic life and food chains, and the history of oceanic exploration. This program does not feature live animals.
Weather
1st and 2nd grade
Program Length: 30 or 45 minutes
Students will investigate basic types, changes, and patterns of weather. We will learn how to define and measure different kinds of weather, and develop an understanding of extreme weather.
Nature Friends Show & Tell
All grades
Program Length: 30 or 45 minutes
Students will learn about the habitats, needs, and fun facts about our reptiles, invertebrates, and amphibians while meeting live animals. *Animal selection is not guaranteed.
Nature Walk (at the Nature Center/field trips only)
All grades
Program Length: 30 or 45 minutes
Take a walk with us! Enjoy a hike on our trails to experience nature closely. Naturalist-led activities along the trail can make any season full of exploration and wonder. This is a great program to pair with other programs to make your day at the nature center complete!
Program Parameters
- In-person programs are designed to accommodate one class at a time. Presentations for larger groups may be arranged. Please contact us for more information.
- Programs can be either 30 or 45 minutes long. Please indicate your preference on your registration form.
- The majority of our programs involve a visit from at least one live animal. Please be aware that we cannot accommodate requests for specific individuals or species as a part of the program.
- Program Fees:
- $70 per class for a 30-minute program
- $90 per class for a 45-minute program
- Program fees are waived for Alexandria City Public Schools
Educational Resources
KINDERGARTEN Weather
Water
Senses
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Living/Non-living
Life Cycles
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1ST GRADE Seasons
Natural Resources
Living/Non-living
Plants
Animals
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2ND GRADE Weather
Plants
Natural Resources
Life Cycles
Habitats
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3RD GRADE Ecosystems
Adaptations
Water Cycles
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4TH GRADE VA Natural Resources
Adaptations Ecosystems
Plants |
5TH GRADE Rock Cycle
Earth's Surface
Plant and Animal Adaptations
Oceans |
Contact Information
For more information or questions, please contact us at 703.746.5559