Highlands Biological Station

School Outreach

The Highlands Nature Center offers 50+ hands-on science programs for public, private, and homeschool groups, tailored for grades K–12 and aligned with North Carolina’s Essential Standards. Programs are engaging, educational, and adaptable—delivered outdoors, in the classroom, at your site, or at the Nature Center.

Each 60-minute class features activities, games, field studies, and real-world science connections. We also offer free tours of the Nature Center & Botanical Garden, with a suggested donation of 50¢ per student for other programs (waived upon request).

Adult groups welcome—inquire about workshops, lectures, and guided garden tours.

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Highlands Nature Center Outreach Programs

Hands-on science and nature-based learning for all ages. Explore our offerings below, sorted by age group!

Early Learners (Pre-K – Grade 2)

Playful, sensory, and story-driven activities to inspire curiosity in young naturalists.

  • Nature Games
    Interactive games that teach ecology concepts like food chains and animal behavior.

  • Storybook Science
    Nature lessons brought to life through storybooks and related activities.

  • Nature Observation
    Simple sketching, sound mapping, and creative exploration outdoors.

  • Pond Life (adapted)
    Gentle exploration of aquatic creatures and habitats.

  • Reptiles & Amphibians (adapted)
    See and touch live animals while learning the basics of herpetology.

  • Mammals (adapted)
    Learn what makes an animal a mammal with real skulls and skins.

Elementary Explorers (Grades 3 – 5)

Hands-on learning about ecosystems, life cycles, and natural processes.

  • Botany
    Learn about plant parts, trees, and pollination.

  • Forest Study
    Explore forest layers, biodiversity, and habitats.

  • Insects
    Discover insect anatomy and collect live specimens.

  • Nature Observation (Grades 3–5)
    Use art and journaling to document nature discoveries.

  • Predators & Prey
    Study animal adaptations and survival strategies.

  • Compass & Orienteering
    Intro to navigation skills using compasses and maps.

  • Watersheds
    Understand how water moves through and affects ecosystems.

  • Birds & Flight
    Explore bird ID, flight mechanics, and attractants.

  • Pond Life
    Dive into aquatic ecology and adaptations.

  • Reptiles & Amphibians, Mammals, and Nature Center Tour
    Dynamic programs with live animals and interactive exhibits.

Middle School Investigators (Grades 6 – 8)

Deeper scientific exploration through fieldwork, data collection, and analysis.

  • Forestry Methods
    Measure trees and assess forest health and biodiversity.

  • Keys & Classification
    Use dichotomous keys to ID species and explore taxonomy.

  • Wildlife Habitat
    Understand carrying capacity, predator-prey dynamics, and conservation.

  • Population Genetics
    Hands-on simulations to explore evolution and genetic change.

  • Streamside Salamander Communities
    Collect and compare salamander data in mountain streams.

  • Discovery Hikes
    Interpretive hikes focused on ecology and geology.

  • Group Dynamics
    Fun team-building challenges that promote collaboration.

  • Compass & Orienteering, Botany, Insects, Watersheds, Birds & Flight, Mammals, Reptiles & Amphibians

High School & Beyond (Grades 9 – 12 & Adults)

Advanced workshops and field-based learning for young scientists and nature enthusiasts.

  • Experimental Design & the Scientific Method
    Develop and test a mock research project with stream salamanders.

  • Forestry Methods (advanced version)
    Includes air quality indicators and invasive species monitoring.

  • NC Wildlife Course Programs
    Tailored workshops on mammals, birds, salamanders, and habitat assessment.

  • Discovery Hikes, Population Genetics, Streamside Salamander Communities

  • Group Dynamics, Keys & Classification, Watersheds, Birds & Flight, Mammals, Reptiles & Amphibians

Book Your Outreach Program Today

We offer flexible, curriculum-aligned programs for all grade levels—on-site or at your location. Let’s connect and create a meaningful learning experience.

Reach out to Patrick Brannon at (828) 526-4123 or by at email at pbrannon@wcu.edu