EDUCATION AT EARTHPLACE

Preschool
Our Preschool, a state licensed school for three and four-year olds, offers programs two days, three days or five days a week. Our experienced teaching staff guides youngsters in developing their skills and helps them appreciate the nature that surrounds them. A tots parenting program for two-year-olds and their parents is also available.

School Programs at Earthplace
Earthplace offers innovative, curriculum-based natural history programs for pre-K to Grade 5 and are designed to supplement school science units. All programs are held at Earthplace.  The programs are appropriate as an introduction or review of the topic and may be tailored to meet the needs of the audience. As appropriate, these programs can also be adapted for scout and adult groups.

Summer Camp
Eight weeks of nature-related experiences for Pre-K through 9th grade children are available in our Summer Camp. Age appropriate activities are offered from simple environmental crafts for three-year olds to sophisticated outings such as hiking and overnights for participants entering 9th grade. Sessions run for two weeks.

After-school Programs
Various programs are offered grades K through 6 that are designed to guide and instruct children in the use of their senses for the discovery and enjoyment of nature.  See our Calendar for current program offerings.

Scouting Programs
Earthplace has several programs available to scouting groups which help fulfill badge requirements. 

Junior Staff
The Junior Staff Program is a positive youth development program for middle and high school students combining natural science education with opportunities for community service and personal growth. Participants will have the basic knowledge for making informed decisions about protecting our natural resources.  The group meets on Saturdays from 10 AM until 2 PM.

Harbor Watch / River Watch
Harbor Watch / River Watch (HW/RW) provides high school and college students opportunities for independent research projects that complement their classroom environmental science and ecology studies. Students are trained to correctly operate field equipment such as dissolved oxygen meters, conductivity meters, and pH meters. They also learn how to conduct and follow laboratory protocols for the analysis of water samples in our water quality laboratory. HW/RW also offers workshops on water quality for adults. These workshops focus on the various ways water quality is viewed, measured and evaluated. Hands-on water testing is highlighted with a special emphasis on nutrients and how field measurements can lead to the understanding and detecting of pollution. Again, many participants go on to become volunteers in the program. HW/RW has empowered people from all walks of life to participate in a program that is actively working as an adjunct to local, state and federal conservation specialists. Participants see first-hand how their efforts can make a difference in protecting and preserving the environment.