Environmental Volunteers

 

I loved the experience and so did the children. It was well organized, developmentally appropriate, and encouraged the children's natural love of learning about how the world works Melinda, Teacher

The Environmental Volunteers visit schools in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. Our volunteers bring a group of hands-on, standards-based learning stations focused on one of nine subject areas. Each program can be adapted to best support your work in your classroom. Our program can give a new unit an exciting introduction, or you can conclude a unit with a fun break from the normal classroom routine.

Each of our nine subject areas meets the California State Education Standards and aligns with the Education and the Environment Initiative Learning Objectives. Five of our subject areas have the option of going on a follow-up field trip to a local nature preserve. We serve all grades K-8, and each program is specially tailored to be age appropriate.

Classroom Overview

Each classroom program is 90 minutes long and has a volunteer to student ratio of 1:8 or better. We have over 100 learning stations with interactive activities such as games, experiments, demonstrations, and encounters with real animal specimens. The program begins with a 15-20 minute introduction. Students then rotate between 3-4 stations for 15-20 minutes each, and then engage in a 10-15 minute wrap up.

Field Trip Overview

Field trips are 2 hours long and have a volunteer to student ratio of 1:6 or better. The EVs guide your students on a nature hike to explore the plant communities of the area, look for evidence of animals passing by, and discover the stories told through the local geology. The school is responsible for providing transportation and 1 chaperone for each group of students.

About our Volunteers

Each EV has completed an in-depth training program that covers the basic science content of each subject area as well as how to lead students of any age group through our activities. EVs also bring their own passion for the environment and working with kids to our program.

Next Steps

1. Review the details about our different subject areas
2. Read through the How to sign up for school programs
3. Sign up! Program Request Form