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Education Programs

The programs offered at the EDC actively engage students in learning about nature and the environment and are correlated with South Carolina Science Academic Standards.

Teachers are encouraged to bring their public, private and home school classes to the EDC to engage in standards-based activities that will further their knowledge of the natural world while they have fun outside the classroom.

Most programs run from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM

There is no charge for our programs; however, specific times and dates must be reserved. Call the EDC at (843)-389-0550 or fill out our program request formto schedule a field trip or outreach experience.

Note: Programs occur rain or shine! Please encourage your students to wear clothing and shoes that are appropriate for outdoor activities (including off-trail walking) and weather conditions.

Bring your lunch and enjoy the day - picnic tables are available!

Outreach Programs

Bring the EDC to your classroom with our one-hour Wonders of Wild program for all grade levels. This program features live reptile species common to SC and teaches your students about the role and importance of reptiles in the ecosystem. Now available September through May! This program is also available on site year round.

Using a variety of live animals common to SC, we'll teach your students about different animal adaptations and structures and how each species uses those features to survive in their individual habitats. Available for grades Pre-K - 8th as well as scout groups, youth centers, religious organizations and more!

Sensational Seasons
Students will learn about the four seasons and the weather that occurs throughout. We'll also discuss how animals and plants deal with the changing seasons.

K-1.3, K-4.1, K-4.2, K-4.3

Growing Up Wild
Students will learn how different animals grow and change throughout their life cycle.

K-2.1, K-2.2, K-2.3, K-2.4, K-2.5

First Grade

The Tiny Seed
Students are introduced to the life cycle of a plant through an interactive story. They will also plant their own seeds to take back to the classroom (as well as a planting journal) for continued study.

1-2.1, 1-2.2, 1-2.3, 1-2.4, 1-2.5, 1-2.6

Second Grade

Extinction is Forever
Students will learn about the needs and characteristics of animals as they study endangered and threatened species of South Carolina. After classifying these species, students will graph the results and determine what steps can be taken to slow the extinction rate.

2-1.3, 2-2.1, 2-2.2, 2-2.3, 2-2.4

We All Need Trees
Students will (1) examine various products and determine which ones are made from trees (2) classify products that come from trees.

2.S.1A.1, 2.S.1A.2, 2.S.1A.3

Third Grade

Birds and Worms
Students learn about characteristics and adaptations as they pretend to be birds in search of "worms" in this physically involved outdoor activity.

3-1.1, 3-1.3, 3-1.4, 3-1.5, 3-1.6, 3-1.7, 3-1.8, 3-2.1, 3-2.2, 3-2.3, 3-2.4, 3-2.5

Fossil Discovery
Students will learn about and examine different types of fossils as well as gain an understanding of how they are formed. They will also have the opportunity to make their own fossil or fossil rubbing to take home.

3-1.1, 3-1.5, 3-1.8, 3-3.3, 3-3.4, 3-3.5, 3-3.6, 3-3.7, 3-3.8

Fourth Grade

How Many is Too Many?
Students portray black bears while looking for one or more components needed to survive in their distinct environment. They will learn about limited resources and carrying capacity during this physically involved activity.

4-2.1, 4-2.2, 4-2.3, 4-2.4, 4-5.5, 4-2.6

Oily Problems!
Participants learn why birds' feathers must stay clean and well-conditioned and discover how oil in water can hurt wildlife.

4.S.1A.1, 4.S.1A.2, 4.S.1A.3, 4.S.1A.8

Fifth Grade

Adaptation Artistry
Students will be able to identify and describe the advantages of bird adaptations, and discuss the importance of adaptions to birds while designing their own animal.

5.L.4B.1, 5.L.4B.2, 5.L.4B.3, 5.L.4B.4

Sixth Grade

Treemendous Trees
Using "tree cookies", students will examine a cross section of a tree trunk to learn the parts of a tree and the resources need-ed to help it grow.

6-1.2, 6-1.4, 6-2.1, 6-2.3, 6-2.4, 6-2.5, 6-2.7, 6-2.8, 6-2.9

Middle School

Oh Deer
Students will (1) identity and describe food, water, and shelter as three essential components of a habitat; (2) describe factors that influence carrying capacity; (3) define "limiting factors" and give examples; and (4) recognize that some fluctuations in wildlife populations as natural as ecological systems undergo constant change.

7.EC.5A.1, 7.EC.5A.3, 7.EC.5B.1, 8.S.1A.1, 8.S.1A.4

Now You See Me
Students will learn about animal adaptations & survival by trying to design the perfect insect to blend in with their surroundings, trying to avoid predation by a larger organism.

7.EC.5A.1, 7.EC.5A.3, 7.EC.5B.1, 8.S.1A.1, 8.S.1A.4