Nature Lab is an SOL-based science program designed for homeschool and virtual students in the Roanoke, Virginia Region. Offered multiple times throughout the year, each Nature Lab program meets weekly for six two-hour sessions. Taught by a fully licensed teacher and environmental education instructors, this program provides meaningful experiential learning alongside rigorous scientific instruction. With its home base on Mill Mountain, students are able to easily connect with the outdoor environment through the park setting. Students spend their time in a wide variety of meaningful activities (see specific SOLs covered at the bottom of this post), allowing them to:
- pursue deeper understandings of scientific principles
- carry out investigations
- interpret and analyze scientific data
- play thematic games
- compare and contrast the intricacies of abiotic and biotic ecosystem components
- explore the natural beauty in each season on Mill Mountain
Beyond the knowledge gained through environmental education programs, students also gain a sense of well-being through the program. “Certainly, a side benefit to all of our fun hiking, observing, creating, investigating and sharing is enhanced social emotional well-being and awareness for student participants,” says Gretchen Boeren, with Roanoke Parks and Recreation.
Please note, currently Nature Lab is only offered for grades 3-5, but if enough interest is expressed for middle or high school levels, there is an opportunity for those sessions to be added.
The first session of Nature Lab begans September 4th, 2024, and the second session begins October 16th, 2024.
