Overview
The following programs have been developed to spark the imagination and curiosity of all young children. Through the use of games, songs, puppets, colorful storybooks, active conversation, and the nature center animals themselves, the children absorb information about the world around them. They are invited to interact with the park naturalist and find enjoyment through each learning lesson.
Contact
Please call the Park Naturalist at (301) 898-1460 for further information about any of the programs listed below.
Program Descriptions
Awesome Animals
Children discover through first-hand observations the similarities and differences of several animals and plants. They observe and compare the life cycles of some familiar animals and learn their basic needs such as food, water, shelter, and space. Animals presented include mammals, birds, amphibians, insects, arachnids, and reptiles.
Beautiful Birds
Small children are introduced to the common birds of Maryland. They learn through songs, games, and other lively activities. They will observe the variety of birds that come to the feeders outside the nature center and learn to identify them. If weather permits, the group will have a short hike and learn the basics of bird watching.
Going Buggy
The children learn about the basic characteristics of insects: three body parts, six legs, antennae, wings, and exoskeleton. They are introduced to some live insects, including a Madagascan hissing cockroach, a toad, and a tarantula. If weather permits, nets will be used to hunt for butterflies in the field near the Nature Center.
Slithering Snakes
Come and learn about the misunderstood snake. Why does this creature get such a bad rap? Is it fact or fiction? Children will learn the characteristics of the reptile world and get to meet many of the snakes residing at the Nature Center.
Woodland Indians
Native American Learn about some of Maryland’s first residents. What did the Native American Indians look like? How did they make use of their environment? Where did they live? What did they eat? What types of tools did they use? Children will enjoy this program with hands-on activities and stations.
The Mighty Amazon River
This program includes a short musical video, a slide show of a visit to the Amazon, and hands-on opportunities with unique items from South America. Children will learn why the rain forest is important while enjoying interactive games.
Butterflies
Using a storybook, children learn about butterflies. They make believe they are butterflies with each child getting a butterfly finger puppet to fly around the Nature Center. Weather permitting, butterfly nets are used for hunting butterflies in the field near the nature center.