Social Studies Programs

Native American Life (Grades Kindergarten - 8th)
Come explore the lives of the Native Americans that lived along the Anacostia River: the Nacotchtanks. Learn about their lifestyle, food, clothing, and cultural traditions. Hands-on activities included. (This program can be modified to be taught on our pontoon boat.)

Battle of Bladensburg and the War of 1812 (Grades 2 - 12)
Come learn about the American defense of Washington D.C. against the British invasion of Baltimore, Bladensburg, and Washington D.C. in August of 1814. Students will be able to view and explore artifacts and reproductions of items that were typically utilized during this time. This program can be modified to be taught on our pontoon boat.

Science Programs

Nature & the Five Senses (Grades Preschool - 2)
Use your senses to learn about nature! Students will identify the five senses and the related body parts. The students will also classify natural and found objects based of sensory information to include color, texture, size, sound, taste, or shape. The program includes hands-on sensory activities and/or a guided nature walk.

Water & You (Grades Kindergarten - 5)
Using multimedia, visual aids, and water activities, students will explore the major components of water, the water cycle, water conservation, water safety, and the importance of water as a natural resource to the survival of plants and animals. The students will participate experiments to further explore the concepts and chemistry of water.

Animal Characteristics & Adaptations (Grades Preschool - 5)
Discover where animals live, what they eat, how they move, how they adapt to survive, and much more. The program will focus on adaptations of reptiles, amphibians, mammals, birds, and fish. Explore the furs, bones, skin, and shells of various animals. (This program can be modified to be taught on our pontoon boat.)

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle & Conservation (Grades 2 - 12)
Using multimedia, visual aids and everyday materials, students will learn about the three R's, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Conservation. Participate in activities that will teach the importance of conservation. Students will identify renewable and nonrenewable natural resources. They will explore various methods to conserve natural resources and discuss pollution and its impact on the environment.

Life Cycles of Plants & Animals (Grades 2 - 8)
Examine the life cycles and characteristics of plants and animals, discovering the reproductive, transformation, metamorphosis processes of specific species. Students will also learn about photosynthesis, respiration, and energy flow. Exciting activities will enhance their knowledge of life cycles that these living things go through to survive.

Weather & the Water Cycle (Grades 3 - 5)
Investigate the major components of weather, the importance of weather to the survival of plants and animals, meteorology, the water cycle, and water conservation. In addition, students will learn about the tools used to measure weather elements.

Wetlands & the Chesapeake Bay (Grades 3 - 12)
Explore the wonderful world of wetlands, their functions and importance to the health of the Chesapeake Bay and the surrounding environment. The students will discuss major wetland plants and animals, watersheds, pollution, erosion, and other factors affecting wetlands in Maryland. Hands-on experiments will help students understand the critical role of wetlands. (This program can be modified to be taught on our pontoon boat.)

Outdoor Activities

Discovery Hikes & Scavenger Hunts (Grades Kindergarten - 5)
The students will go on a naturalist-led nature hike along the Anacostia River Trail, discussing the river, wetlands, and forest ecosystems, biotic and abiotic factors, wildlife, plants, and more! Field guides, binoculars, nets, critter catchers, and other fun materials and supplies will be provided, so that the students can fully engage with their surroundings. Scavengers hunts can also be provided, so groups can search high and low for various natural items and creatures!

Outdoor Wetland Classroom (Grades 3 - 8)
An adapted version of our popular "Wetland and the Chesapeake Bay" program puts the students in the middle of a real wetland area to explore how our park marshes grow and function. From guided activities to open exploration, students will leave with an understanding and appreciation for wetlands! And they may be a little wet and muddy too!

Ecological Systems & Field Sampling (Grades 4 - 12)
Using tools and technology, students will sample and measure various aspects of life around the park. Study areas include forest and river/aquatic ecosystems. Real world data collection is the best way for students to love STEM and the outdoors!