Discovering STEM in the Garden!
What is Nature Academy? Nature Academy provides hands-on science classes at the Garden to enrich STEM learning for students in grades K-8. Classes are new and improved every year, and registration is open to all homeschool, public school, and private school students in the area.
For more information, contact education@hsvbg.org, or call 256-830-4447 ext. 253.
Schedule
Every
month, a new class will be offered covering a different nature science topic.
Classes are a two-hour adventure into science at the Garden led by our
certified educators. Every class is offered on multiple dates throughout the
month, so you can pick the date and time that work best with your schedule.
All Tuesday programs are from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
All Thursday programs are from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
All classes meet in the Grisham Pavilion and may include inside and outside experiences. Registrants will be notified of any location changes in advance.
Pricing
Members
Individual class: $15 per class
Non-members
Individual class: $20 per class
Interested in becoming a Garden member? Click here!
2023-2024 Classes
August: Bees a Buzzin’
Safely explore our local Garden hives with a real beekeeper! In this class, students will taste a variety of types of honey, learn about the parts of a bee, and even learn how bees communicate. We will also explore the benefits of native bees and their unique habitats.
FULL: Tuesday, August 15, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Thursday, August 17, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
September: Herbs for Kids
Did you know there are many uses for herbs in our everyday life? Learn about how we use herbs for cooking, medicine, and fragrance. We will also create a beautiful piece of artwork using herbal dyes.
Tuesday, September 12, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Thursday, September 14, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
October: Garden Habitats
A habitat is a home for plants and animals. We will explore four habitats and learn more about what plants and animals need to survive. After playing a fun game, we will create a model of the habitats found in our Garden.
This class is FULL: Tuesday, October 10, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 12, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
November: Nature’s Inspirations
Let’s get inspired by nature! We will explore designs found in nature that we can use to solve challenges in life. The world is full of an amazing assortment of living things that can survive even in the most extreme circumstances. We will learn what biomimicry is and how it leads to some truly inspirational inventions.
This class is FULL: Tuesday, November 14, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Thursday, November 16, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
December: Dome Sweet Dome
Have you ever climbed on a dome on the playground? The dome shape is very special because it is strong and inspired by nature! Domes are used worldwide in beautiful buildings, sports stadiums, and garden conservatories. Explore more about their potential for more sustainable living as homes and greenhouses. We will work together to build a model of a geodesic dome that you can replicate at home.
Tuesday, December 12, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 14, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
January: Weather Watchers
Weather plays an important role in gardening. Vegetables and flowers aren’t going to grow without water and sunlight. Storms and cold temperatures can be harmful to your plants. Learn about weather-watching so you can be a better steward of your garden space.
Tuesday, January 9, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Thursday, January 11, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
February: Backyard Birds
We see birds around our community all the time, but do you recognize them by name? Come walk our Lewis Birding Trail and learn more about how to identify birds when you see and hear them. Learn about their habitats and how we can care for our feathered friends.
Tuesday, February 13, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.-This class is full
Thursday, February 15, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
March: Go with the Flow
Plants and animals may seem different, but we have many things in common. The most important thing is that we all need clean water to survive. Come learn about the importance of conserving water and how we can create a water filter using items from nature.
Tuesday, March 19, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Thursday, March 21, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
April: Earth Day Every Day!
Caring for the Earth can seem like a daunting task, but there are many things kids can do to help our planet. Come escape the mystery and learn how you too can make a difference for planet Earth.
Tuesday, April 16, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Thursday, April 18, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Registration & Cancellation:
- Participants are encouraged to pre-register for all classes. Due to supply and class size limitations, we cannot guarantee registration on the day of the program.
- Registration and payment for classes may be made online or by calling 256-830-4447 ext. 253.
- Refunds will be given as a credit to participants who do not attend their scheduled class if notice of cancellation is given at least 48 hours in advance.
- The Garden reserves the right to cancel any class if a minimum number of participants are not registered. If this happens, either another class option or a 100% refund of registration fees will be offered.
- Questions? Please contact education@hsvbg.org or 256-830-4447 ext. 253.
Youth Programs sponsored in part by
