Outreach Programs
We offer in-person & virtual presentations that align with NGSS, State Curriculum, and Environmental Literacy standards. Our instructors introduce natural science topics using live animals, engaging demonstrations, and biofacts. Echoes of Nature brings an academic field trip to your classroom, encouraging active student participation.
Pre-K to 8th Grade Classrooms
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Approximately 45 minutes (30 minutes for younger participants)
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Standard Programs (Walk and Talk):
Prek-K: Maximum 45 students
1st-8th: Maximum of 60 students
Lab Style Programs
Maximum 30 students
Assembly Programs: Inquire about themes and cost:
20 minutes: 35-60 students
45 minutes: 65-150 students
45 minutes: 150-200 students
45 minutes: 200+
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Standard Programs:
$200 for one in-person program
$150 for live virtual program
$275 for recorded program
Assembly programs available: cost varies on size of group(s). Please inquire.
Discounts: Available for multiple same-day programs on all programs
Driving Fee: $30-$45 for areas beyond a 20-mile radius (PG and AA counties have no driving fees)
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Programs can be customized for your classes and adapted for after-school sessions! If a topic isn’t listed or suits a different grade, contact us to explore custom or modified options.
General Information
Browse our list of session topics
Filter sessions below by grade. Once you know which topics you’re interested in, please fill out our signup form and we’ll reach out to you to answer any questions and get you on the schedule.
Download a Printable Version: 2024-2025 Outreach Program Brochure (PDF) →
Dinosaurs and Living Fossils
NGSS: 2-LS2-2, 2-LS4-1, 3-LS4-1, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4
What can fossils reveal about ancient life? Discover extinction causes and meet living fossils from the past.
Animals and their Biome Ecosystems
NGSS: 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4
Studying biomes? Add live animals to help students learn about biomes, animals, and their adaptations. What happens with environmental changes?
Winter Survivors
NGSS: 3-LS4-3, 4-LS1-1
“How do animals survive winter? Explore migration, hibernation, and adaptation techniques, focusing on winter’s challenges.
Habitats of Maryland
NGSS: 2-LS2-1, 2-LS2-2, 2-LS4-1, 3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-2, 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2
Explore Maryland’s habitats and match animal ambassadors to their needs for food, shelter, water, & space. Learn how structures support survival.
Animal Adaptations II
NGSS: 3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-2, 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2
Explore the internal/external features animals use to survive. Compare wild vs. captive behavior. Can focus on specific adaptations!
Looking at Vertebrates
NGSS: 4-LS1-1
What is a vertebrate? Explore biofacts and meet live representatives to learn about their characteristics and adaptations.
Web of Life
NGSS: 5-PS3-1, 5-LS1-1, 5-LS2-1
Solve the puzzle to reveal the basic concepts of photosynthesis and food webs. Meet some of the “links” and discover how they fit in the web of life.
Snakes!
Meet the misunderstood, but fascinating animal, the snake. Learn about the natural history of snakes with a special look at local venomous and nonvenomous species. Meet some nonvenomous snakes to help with the class. Snakes are ‘living fossils’. What can we learn from modern snakes to help us learn about the past?
Earthquakes, Plate Tectonics, and Tsunamis
NGSS: 2-ESS1-1, 2-ESS2-1, 2-ESS2-2, 3-ESS2-1, 3-ESS2-2, 3-ESS3-1, 4-ESS1-1, 4-ESS2-2, MS-ESS2-1, MS-ESS2-2, MS-ESS3-2
What are plate tectonics? How do they move and cause hazards? Enjoy a classroom field trip with an edible Earth model and learn pourquoi legends.
Note: Due to restrictions, the edible materials used are for demonstration only and cannot be consumed. Live animals may be presented if no food is being consumed.
Careers with Animals
NGSS: MS-LS1-4, MS-LS2-1, MS-LS2-2, MS-LS2-4, MS-LS2-5, MS-LS3-1, MS-LS3-2, MS-LS4-1, MS-LS4-2
Interested in a nature or science career? Explore different paths, ask questions, and meet animal ambassadors.
Microscopic Pond Life
We bring the pond life, you bring the microscopes. View and identify microscopic pond organisms with hands-on experience. Some simple microscopes may be available, please inquire.
Chemistry of Plants & Animals
NGSS: MS-PS1-1
Explore the magic of chemistry by testing acids, bases, and neutrals with plant juices and chemicals! Meet animal ambassadors and discover their chemical defenses. Uncover the secrets of reactions and formulas while having fun!