Hands-on Science Programs
The EV is always seeking new Bay Area community organizations with whom we can partner to offer hands-on science programs.
There are several classroom-style options available for Community Partners. Each themed program consists of 3-4 individual activities of about 20-30 minutes, and a full program is typically 1 hr 30 min. Please review additional information about topics, costs and logistics, below.
Please email the Community Programs Coordinator or call 650-493-8000 ext 9 for questions or to schedule your Hands-on-Science program!
Note: At this time, Hands-on Science Programs for groups are currently available on weekends/evenings and during the summer, only, depending on space in the EV program schedule. They are not currently available during schoolday times.
If you are a school/teacher looking for hands-on science and nature programs for your classroom, please check out our School Programs options.
All About Bats
Are you curious about bats? Join the Environmental Volunteers in our Community Program, All About Bats to learn about different types of bats, how they hunt, and what they eat! We will be doing several activities and will even explore real bats! We explore some of the myths and mysteries of our local California bats.
Format: 90-minute classroom-style program. May also be available as an Open Hours-style program.
Activities: Morphology, Echolocation, Diet & Hunting
All the Little Things
Learn about the importance of all the little things in our ecosystem in this fun, interactive program. Bugs and worms are food for other animals as well as they clean up waste and return nutrients to the soil. Pollinators and healthy soils help us grow the food we eat. All the little things are key parts of our food chain that make our ecosystems livable for all of us.
Format: 90-minute classroom-style program. May also be available as an Open Hours-style program.
Activities: Healthy soils, Pollinators, Food webs
Fire Ecology
Have you ever wondered about how fire affects California’s plants and animals? Join us for some fun and learn something new about Fire Ecology! Learn about fire ecology through different activities and games. Pinecones, tree cookies, and many different types of animals can all help us understand wildfires and how they affect forests.
Format: 90-minute classroom-style program.
Activities: Seronity, How Trees Survive Fire, Wildlife Responses to Fire
Sustainable Art
Format: Classroom-style program.
Activities: Sustainable Sculptures, Nature Painting, Painting about Environmental Issues
Program Fees
Each program has a fee of $300. Fee reductions are available for organizations with constrained budgets, especially those working with underserved communities.
Payment is due in advance of each program. Discounts may also be available for programs that take place at our EcoCenter (vs off-site) if dates are available. Please ask!
Program Logistics
Our programs are intended for ages 6-11, though select activities are adaptable for older age groups. Each program can serve between 8-24 participants. If you expect more than 24 participants, we can discuss alternatives to our standard programs.
Additional topics may also be available.
IMPORTANT: Requests for group activities, including Hands-on Science Programs, should be submitted at least 6 weeks in advance. We likely won’t be able to accept program requests submitted with less advance notice.