We are now accepting reservations for in-school field trips for the 2024-25 school year.
Every nature study will meet the 2023 NCSCOS in science, supporting the teaching and learning in your public or private school classroom. Scroll to learn more.
Pricing information is listed at the bottom of this page.
“It is our intention to thoughtfully craft every program to meet the developmental needs of each age group.” -Rachel Woods & Charlotte Saylor
Kindergarten
Kindergartners are affectionate and excited to learn. Our playful kindergarten programs take into account their shorter attention spans and their need for learning through play.
Junior Zoologists
[LS.K.1.1-1.2 & LS.K.2.1] Breath, eat, grow, develop, move. Sounds like a day in the life of a kindergartener, but also of all animals! Through play and careful observation, students will be introduced to the characteristics of living things, and will meet some animal ambassadors.
*May include live animals.
Puddle Jumpers
[ESS.K.1.1 & K.1.3] Let’s play our way through weather! By studying weather, kindergarteners are empowered with an understanding of their world that opens them up to the study of science, allows them to relate to the natural world and to make practical choices that keep them safe in their everyday lives.
Grade 1
First graders are very curious about the world and ask a lot of “what if” questions. Our 1st grade programs encourage guided discovery knowing their improved fine motor skills and improved ability to follow directions will support their learning and their big “what ifs.”
Soil Science
[ESS.1.2.1-1.2.2] Students will investigate the physical properties of rocks and soil. This “dirty” nature study guides learners through a hands-on investigation of our physical world, making connections between rocks, soil and our own lives.
Home Sweet Home
[LS.1.1.1-1.1.2] A deciduous forest is a local ecosystem made up of various habitats to fulfill the vital needs of a diverse range of living things. We bring these habitats to you and give students time to dig in to the curious differences between each habitat.
*May include live animals.
Grade 2
Second graders are achieving more independence, and are better able to make comparisons between two concepts. Our 2nd grade programs allow learners to see themselves as a part of the natural world and asks students to compare the adaptations and lived experiences of native plants and animals.
A Year in the Life
[LS.2.1.1-2.1.2] Students will explore one year in the life of the longleaf forest, including the fire cycle and its benefits to the health of the ecosystem. They will also investigate the individual life events of organisms native to our native pine forest.
*May include live animals.
Did You Hear That?
[PS.2.2.1-2.2.2] Hearing is vital to survival & a challenge to understand. This nature study explores sound waves and human hearing then dives deep into hearing adaptations of animals. This lesson is hands-on, playful & will spark curiosity & understanding!
Grade 3
Older and wiser, third graders are able to see a whole system better than their younger peers. Our third grade programs take a whole picture perspective while still allowing these young learners to consider each part of the whole independently.
Flora Meet Fauna
(LS.3.2.1-3.2.2, LS.3.3.1) Students will investigate the structure and function of flowers, emphasizing the importance of the flowering stage of the life cycle of seed plants. They will then consider how pollinators are an essential partner in a flower’s development into fruits and seeds.
Scales, Feathers & Fur, Oh My!
(LS.3.1.2) Skin is the largest organ in the human body & serves as our body’s primary protection. This popular nature study asks students to investigate their own body covering, and to evaluate the diversity of body coverings in the animal world.
*May include live animals.
Pricing & Additional Information
Dragonfly strives to provide a thoughtful, age appropriate and hands-on learning experience at an affordable price: $150 per class with 20 or fewer enrolled students; for classrooms with more than 20 students, add $8 for each student over 20
Classes may not combine; each class is taught separately
Prices are not subject to change due to changes in attendance on the day of programming
Payments are accepted at the time of service but clients have 14 days to fulfill an invoice
Payments can be made by check or credit card (a 2.95% convenience fee is charged for credit card transactions only)
In-house nature studies run approximately 60 minutes
Teachers are expected to remain with students & assist in behavior management
Dragonfly Nature Programs is a for-profit business however we NEVER want affordability to limit our reach. If you know of a school that would benefit from our services but cannot afford full price programming, reach out to Rachel @ 919-274-3750. Accommodations can be made.
Are you unsure if our programs are right for your school community?
Read what others think on our testimonials page.
Forms
Some of our programs include live animals. For more information check out: WCPSS Animals in Schools Board Policy
Parents are a big partner in their child’s education. If there are concerns about the use of animals in programming, here is an option for you: Parent Opt Out Form-animals in schools
Our programs are designed by a state licensed, veteran science teacher. As such, each program meets the standards teachers are entrusted to teach and students will be tested on: NCSCOS Science Grades K-5