Interactive School Programs
Interactive Programs
There’s so much to learn and experience when it comes to nature! Our iconic programs allow children to experience nature up-close, while gaining a deeper understanding of South Florida’s unique habitats and wildlife. Through immersive learning experiences and live animal encounters, our age-tailored programs can be taught in your classroom or on-site at the Hobe Sound Nature Center.
(Programs not available on Mondays)
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new programs, which will be rolled out at the start of the 2024-2025 school year. These programs are engaging, TONS OF FUN, and feature some of South Florida’s most unique habitats and wildlife! Grade-level recommendations are provided as a guide and are subject to change.
Our top priority is to ensure the welfare and well-being of our teaching animals. We will do our best to ensure designated teaching animals accompany us at specific programs, but we cannot guarantee their involvement.
NEW INTERACTIVE PROGRAMS
Reptile Rumble: Exploring Scales & Tails
Grade Levels: Pre-K - 12
Join us for an exciting adventure into the world of Florida's reptiles! In this hands-on class, involving a number of our reptilian teaching animals, students will discover the remarkable diversity of snakes, turtles, alligators, and lizards that call Florida home. Through interactive presentations and live demonstrations, your group will learn about these incredible creatures’ unique behaviors, habitats, and the many threats to their survival.
Investigating Florida’s Feathered Friends
Grade Levels: Pre-K - 12
In this program, young explorers will dive into the diverse avian species that call Florida home. From the majestic bald eagle and the Florida scrub-jay to the vibrant roseate spoonbill, students will discover the unique characteristics, habitats, and behaviors of these fascinating creatures through interactive activities and games, followed by a meet-and-greet with our beloved raptor, “Rootie”.
Take an Everglades Journey
Grade Levels: Pre-K - 2
Through storytelling and a student-led skit, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the Florida Everglades, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of North America, which is home to over 360 bird species, 60 reptile species, 40 mammal species, and countless plants. From exploring the role of wetlands in water filtration to understanding the impact of human activities on this delicate ecosystem, every class promises to inspire curiosity and a sense of stewardship for our natural world.
Blazing Adventures: Digging Into Florida’s Fire-Dependent Habitats & Wildlife
Grade Levels: K - 12
Embark on an exciting journey into the heart of Florida’s unique scrub habitats and other fire-dependent ecosystems! In this class, students will delve into the fascinating world of these specialized landscapes, where fire plays a critical role in shaping plant and animal life, including a meet and greet with one beloved scrub animal ambassador, “Daisy”.
Trash Troopers: The Impact of Plastics in Our Oceans
Grade Levels: K - 8
Join us on an exciting adventure to uncover the secrets of the ocean and become a hero for our seas! In this class, kids will dive into the fascinating world of marine life and the serious challenges posed by plastics and marine debris. Explore real-life stories of animals impacted by debris and discover how simple actions, such as reducing plastic use and recycling, can make a big difference in the collective plight to protect our oceans.
CONTINUING INTERACTIVE PROGRAMS
Wildlife Around Us
Grade Levels: K - 12
Meet the Nature Center's animal ambassadors, while learning about the natural history of local wildlife and the importance of habitat protection and conservation. A variety of teaching animals may accompany our wildlife educators, including raptors, alligators, turtles, bugs, and/or snakes. Though we may be able to accommodate specific requests, ensuring the care and well-being of our teaching animals is our top priority.
What's Wild?
Grade Levels: Pre-K - K
This hands-on activity is designed to help children distinguish between wild versus domesticated animals. Wild animals can take care of themselves, while domesticated animals depend on people to survive. At least one animal ambassador will be utilized, including a discussion about how we care for our non-releasable, resident wildlife.
Voices in the Night: Frogs
Grade Levels: K - 12
Learn about local amphibians, including a meet and greet with members of our animal teaching team, with a special emphasis on how and why they make calls. Depending on the grade level, participants will imitate selected calls (Frog Chorus), observe a visual representation of sound (i.e., a spectrogram), learn about the physics of sound, do their best to identify specific calls, and discover why these calls are critical to survival.
Sea Turtles: Struggle For Survival
Grade Levels: 5 - 12
Students will learn about the natural history of South Florida’s sea turtle species, their conservation status, and information about nesting behaviors and trends on local beaches. Turtle shells will be utilized to showcase the unique anatomy and physiology of sea turtles, and leather goods, jewelry, and other products will be shared with a message to discourage the international trade of endangered species products.
NOTE: An interpretive skit is available for younger audiences.
Aliens In Our Backyard
Grade Levels: K - 8
From the Brazilian pepper to the Burmese python, Florida is home to many invasive species, which are non-native organisms that often disrupt environmental stability. During this interactive program, students will learn about what types of invasive species exist in Florida, the role they play in habitat degradation, and most importantly, how we can help remove them. One of our animal ambassadors will accompany our wildlife educators.