Though COVID-19 has caused a lot of changes to the ways we can offer our programs, the Environmental Volunteers remain committed to providing Nature Science Education in any way we can. We have been working hard on a robust selection of programs that are available in both distance learning and COVID-safe in-person formats. Below is a brief summary of all of our current program options – all have further links so you can read more!
Classroom (Distance Learning)
NEW for the 2020/2021 School Year:
Environmental Volunteers now offers distance-learning programs available for grades K-5!
- Available as live/interactive virtual programs
- Each grade has at least one NGSS (Next Generation Science Standard) program.
- Open to all teachers
- San Mateo and Santa Clara County – Small-group/covid-safe walkable field trips are also available (see Field Trips).
We continue to offer in-person, hands-on science programs, as county health ordinances allow, complete with standards-based learning stations and adaptable, grade specific-subject areas.
“Walkable” Small Group Field Trips
For schools who have returned to some in-person instruction, the Environmental Volunteers now offer the “Walkable Field Trips” program, designed to help students get to know our local city parks and open space areas without having to get on a bus or other form of communal transportation. Provides small groups of students with a fun, activity and learning filled experience with Nature!
Available in connection with our ecology-based classroom programs, or as a stand-alone introductory nature experience
Standard Field Trips
Our standard, full-class field trips are also available as county health ordinances allow. Trained volunteer guides lead students on a nature hike exploring plant communities, wildlife, geology and more.
Pre-recorded Lessons and other Asynchronous Learning
These options will not feature live-interaction with an instructor, but instead focus on providing convenient resources to enhance lessons! The Environmental Volunteers have developed a number of asynchronous learning opportunities, available as pre-recorded lessons, lesson Packets, and virtual field trips.
Sprout Up Explores
Sprout Up offers a fantastic program, Sprout Up Explorers, which features pre-recorded lessons and supporting worksheets on a variety of topics such as sustainability, environmental science, and environmental justice.
More information on the other options coming soon!
Nature Walks Program
Environmental Volunteers’ Nature Walks Program for 2020/2021 is designed to help students and their families get to know our local city parks and open space areas. Small, family groups will be guided by a knowledgeable environmental educator during a 90-minute (covid-safe) exploration of a local park.
- A variety of open space locations
- Fun-nature based activities
Families are welcome to sign up for as many as they like! These field trips are intended for children ages 6-11.
Homeschool Friday Programs
Small groups of students can also join our knowledgeable field trip leaders in separate field trip options. Students and their Families will get to know the amazing Open Space Areas of the Bay area!
- Third Friday of each month, with a by-appointment option
- New Open Space location each month
- 2 hour, COVID-safe program led by an experienced field trip leader!
Families are welcome to sign up for as many as they would like! Open to children ages 6-11.
Independent Learning Programs – Virtual Lessons
Homeschool families or students participating in independent study are invited to participate in our live/interactive lessons. These “classroom” style lessons are led by experienced educators, and support Next Generation Science Standards. They are available for grades K-5.
- Each lesson requires a minimum of 4 students
- Lessons are grade-based (K-5)
- Groups can choose from individual stand-alone lessons or an entire lesson series
- Asynchronous, take-home lessons are also available
For The Community
The Environmental Volunteers will continue to engage the community through various other programs. We will continue with our monthly EcoCenter events, fun public programs that give participants a variety of nature experiences. Some events will be virtual and available through our event calendar.
In addition, the Environmental Volunteers will continue to support our community partners like the Catholic Charities Youth Club or Justice Outside, with virtual and in-person nature education programs. We are always seeking new community partners – contact us to see how we can work with your community organization!
If you are interested in our public events, please visit our event calendar here >
If you are interested in other programs or community partnerships with the Environmental Volunteers, you can read more here >
Interested In Volunteering?
The Environmental Volunteers always need new volunteers to help deliver our programs. Even during COVID-19, we are seeking new EVs. If you are interested in helping out with any of the above programs as a volunteer, or want to learn what other volunteer roles we have, check out our Getting Started page to learn about how you can become an EV and inspire a love of science and nature.