Nature Classes

Instructor: Mrs. Sevim Kalyoncu

Nature Explorers (KG-2nd Grade Outdoor Adventure) Course

An exciting outdoor adventure class for Kindergarten through 2nd-grade students! In this course, young adventurers will embark on a journey to discover the wonders of the natural world through engaging group activities, free play, and hands-on exploration. Students will learn to identify native plants and animals, observe the changing seasons, and develop valuable skills that foster a deep appreciation for nature. Through safe and guided exploration of local trails and woods, children will become comfortable and confident in outdoor settings. They will also learn important principles of being good stewards of nature, understanding how to care for and protect the environment.

Key elements of the course include:

  • Working together: Games and educational activities that promote teamwork and curiosity.

  • Free Play: Unstructured time for children to explore and connect with nature at their own pace.

  • Skill Building: Practical lessons on identifying plants and animals, understanding ecosystems, and practicing nature conservation.

  • Observations: Engaging with the natural world to witness and understand seasonal changes.

  • Environmental Stewardship: Learning how to care for the environment and the importance of sustainable


Join us in Nature Explorers, where every day is an adventure, and every child becomes a budding naturalist!

Schedule

  • Days: Monday

  • Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

  • Start Date: September 9, 2024

  • End Date: October 28, 2024

Essentials

  • Grade Level: KG-2

  • Fee: $190

  • Duration: 7 sessions

  • Additional Note: No reimbursements or discounts for missed classes. October 14th is a holiday.

 

Nature Explorers (3rd-6th Grade Outdoor Adventure) Course

(Virginia Leaders)

An exciting outdoor nature class designed for 3rd-6th graders, set in the beautiful local trails of Fairfax County, Virginia, near the Hawa Center. In this immersive course, students will delve into the wonders of the natural world while developing a deeper understanding and appreciation for their environment.

Throughout the course, students will:

  • Learn About Native Plants: Identify and understand the importance of native plant species in our ecosystem.

  • Explore Invasive Plants: Recognize invasive plant species and learn about their impact on local flora and fauna.

  • Discover Local Animals: Observe and study the animals that call our local habitats home.

  • Understand the Local Watershed: Gain insights into the local watershed, its significance, and the environmental issues affecting it.

  • Develop Survival Skills: Acquire basic survival skills and techniques for thriving in the wild.

  • Discuss Environmental Issues: Engage in discussions about the environmental challenges impacting our local watershed and brainstorm solutions.

  • Organize Community Service Projects: Plan and participate in community service projects aimed at improving and preserving our natural surroundings.


Through hands-on activities, guided exploration, and meaningful discussions, students will become informed and proactive stewards of the environment. Join us in Nature Explorers for an unforgettable adventure in learning and discovery!

Schedule

  • Days: Last Monday of the month

  • Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

  • Start Date: September 30, 2024

Essentials

  • Grade Level: 3-6

  • Fee: $350

  • Additional Note: This class is a yearlong enrollment commitment. No reimbursements or discounts for missed classes. October 14th is a holiday.

 

Most Frequently Asked Questions

They all meet on the grounds of Noble Garden Academy, and they go out and explore local trails.

If a student arrives late at the meet-up location, and the class has already headed out into the trail, the parent can park and accompany the child into the trail to search for the group. The guide will not be able to turn around and back track to meet up with a tardy classmate. If the parent and child are unable to find the group, the child will miss that day’s class. Under no circumstances can the parent send his/her child into the trail unaccompanied with the hope of finding and joining the class.

Students should come prepared for class with outdoor or play-appropriate clothes, closed-toe shoes, a hat, and jacket or layered outerwear appropriate for the weather/temperature.

Parents may want to pre-apply sunscreen and/or insect repellent depending on the time of year. The teacher will not apply these products to students without having a waiver for sunscreen and insect repellent signed and students should not bring bottles/tubes of these products to class.

Classes will be held while it is raining (or snowing) or after it has rained (or snowed). There are many new phenomena to see in the outdoors when the weather changes. Students should wear raincoats and rain boots or cold weather layers on inclement days. Classes will not be held if it is thundering, lightning, or there is a risk of the area flooding. If these events happen, parents should watch for an email indicating whether there will be a classroom session that day or a cancellation with make-up class to be announced.

Students may wish to bring a water bottle; however it should be pre-filled at home. Parents may want to keep a change of clothes in the car for any adventurers who have close encounters with the stream or mud puddles.

Students can use the bathroom at NGA but once out on the trail there is none to lead the student back to the facility.

 

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