Staff Favorites Art Exhibit
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Partners in Education with 
Events and Classes
Summer 2010 programs and camps will be posted and available for registration on March 16, 2010.
You can scroll through the entire list of offerings below or click on one of the subjects listed here to go right to that section:
• Homeschool Science
• Science Club
• Family Programs
• Just for Kids
• Nature Center Art Gallery
• Special Events
• Adult Education & Trips
• Educator Workshops
| Homeschool Science |
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| Homeschool students explore science through hands-on experiments, activities and inquiry-based learning. Register early, these classes fill quickly! Topics are repeated during the month, so select the class appropriate for your child's knowledge and abilities. Contact Margie for more information at 591-6439, or marjories@tacomaparks.com. Children under age 8 should check out 'Budding Scientists' in the 'Just for Kids' section. | |||
Beginning Science
Ages 8-10, $12, 1-3 pm
To participate in this class, students should be able to add and subtract numbers.
Note - for this level, there is also a morning session available - see below.
| 53469 | Jan. 14 | Tree Cookies |
| 53471 | Feb. 11 | Seasons of Mt. Tahoma |
| 53473 | Mar. 11 | Wet & Wild |
| 53475 | Apr. 15 | It's A Salty Life |
| 53963 | May 13 | City Critters |
Beginning Science
Ages 8-10, $12, 9:30am-11:30am
To participate in this class, students should be able to add and subtract numbers.
| 53468 | Jan. 14 | Tree Cookies |
| 53470 | Feb.11 | Seasons of Mt. Tahoma |
| 53472 | Mar. 11 | Wet & Wild |
| 53474 | Apr. 15 | It's A Salty Life |
| 53962 | May 13 | City Critters |
Intermediate Science
Ages 10-12, $12, 1-3 pm
To participate in this class, students should be able to multiply and divide numbers, add and subtract fractions.
Note - for this level, there is also a morning session available - see below.
| 53476 | Jan. 21 | Life on the Edge |
| 53477 | Feb. 18 | Mountains: Top to Bottom |
| 53478 | Mar. 18 | Wet & Wild |
| 53479 | Apr. 22 | Tidepools to Deep Waters |
| 53960 | May 20 | Living in the City |
Intermediate Science
Ages 10-12, $12, 9:30am - 11:30am
To participate in this class, students should be able to multiply and divide numbers, add and subtract fractions.
| 53480 | Jan. 21 | Life on the Edge |
| 53481 | Feb. 18 | Mountains: Top to Bottom |
| 53482 | Mar. 18 | Wet & Wild |
| 53483 | Apr. 22 | Tidepools to Deep Waters |
| 53961 | May 20 | Living in the City |
Advanced Science
Ages 12-15, $15, 1-3 pm
Older homeschool students will continue their science studies with challenging and engaging experiments and activities. To participate in this class, students should be able to calculate averages, percentages and solve simple equations.
| 53460 | Jan. 28 | Forest Ecosystems |
| 53461 | Feb. 25 | Mountain Ecosystems |
| 53462 | Mar. 25 | Wetland Ecosystems |
| 53463 | Apr. 29 | Marine Ecosystems |
| 53964 | May 27 | Urban Ecosystems |
Advanced Science Lab
Ages 12-15, $15, 1-4 pm
An expanded science class for Advanced Homeschool Science students which includes an integrated laboratory session as an extension of the two hour classroom session. Students get greater in-depth investigation of the monthly topic, practice in problem-solving and research skills and hands-on experimentation. Attendance in the class session is required for participation in a lab session. Lab sessions are not required for participation in class sessions.
| 53464 | Jan. 29 | Lab: Forest Ecosystems |
| 53465 | Feb. 26 | Lab: Mountain Ecosystems |
| 53466 | Mar. 26 | Lab: Wetland Ecosystems |
| 53467 | Apr. 30* | Lab: Marine Ecosystems |
| 53965 | May 28 | Lab: Urban Ecosystems |
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| Science Club |
Snake Lake Science Club for homeschool and other students age 10-14 years old who want to learn more about science and the natural world. Students pay a once per school year fee of $10.00 to join the Science Club and are then free to participate in any program offerings, including the 2010 Snake Lake Science Fair. Download a 2010 Science Fair Student Handbook here.
Science Club Registration: 52945 $10.00/school year
Science Club
Ages 10-14, free to Science Club members, 3:30-5:00 pm
These programs are designed to help students learn more about science and the scientific process through hands-on discovery. More details available upon registration in the Science Club. Pre-registration for each program is required as space is limited. You must first be registered as a Science Club member before you can register for the dates below.
| 53484 | January 19 |
| 53485 | February 16 |
| 53486 | March 16 |
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| Family Programs |
A minimum enrollment is required for all classes. Registration and payment is required at least two working days before each program. Register Early! Many programs fill quickly.
Morse Wildlife Preserve Open Trails Programs
All ages welcome, FREE!
Programs run noon - 4pm
Explore this natural treasure located in Graham by walking the trails and discovering the beauty of the five habitat zones during the following special open days. Registration not required - call for directions.
| April 11 | 12-4pm |
| May 9 | 12-4pm |
Discovery Walks
Not currently offered - check out some of our other programs instead!
| Just for Kids |
Nature Story Time All ages
$6.00/child aged 2-17, $3.00/member child
Free for adults and University Place residents
No online registration available for this program
10:30 am - 11:30 am
Join us as we explore the park at the Adriana Hess Audubon Center in University Place with nature stories based on the current theme. Adults are welcome with the children. This is a wonderful grandparent/grandchild activity! Best for ages 2-6. Space is limited to the first 20 registered guests, so call early to sign up.
Please note that this program changes to Thursday mornings beginning in 2010.
| 53456 | Jan. 28 | The Under Story |
| 53457 | Feb. 25 | Up, Up & Away |
| 53458 | Mar. 25 | Wet, Weedy & Wonderful |
| 53459 | Apr. 29 | Salt Waters |
| May 28 | Between the Sidewalk & the Porch | |
Nature Alphabet
 Ages 3-6, $6, One hour, Start times alternatePreschoolers explore different nature topics through stories, hands-on activities, nature walks and crafts at the Tacoma Nature Center. Adult participation is recommended, children under four require an adult present. Please note alternating times. Register by the Tuesday before the program. NOTE - Nurture in Nature Preschool families receive a discount - $5.00/child. |
| 53448 | Jan. 15 | 1:30-2:30 | S is for Snowflakes |
| 53449 | Jan. 29 | 10:30-11:30 | T is for Turtles |
| 53450 | Feb. 12 | 1:30-2:30 | U is for Underground |
| 53451 | Feb. 26 | 10:30-11:30 | V is for Variety |
| 53452 | Mar. 12 | 1:30-2:30 | W is for Windy Day |
| 53453 | Mar. 26 | 10:30-11:30 | X is for eXoskeleton |
| 53454 | Apr. 16 | 1:30-2:30 | Y is for You |
| 53455 | Apr. 30 | 10:30-11:30 | Z is for Zebra |
Budding Scientists
Ages 5-7, $9, per child, 10:30 am - noon or 3:15 pm - 4:45
Young homeschoolers and other children begin science and nature exporation through games, walks and crafts. Register at least two days prior to the session. This class is held at the Adriana Hess Audubon Center in University Place.
| 53488 | Jan. 13 | 10:30-12 | Story of the Understory |
| 53489 | Jan. 13 | 3:15-4:45 | Story of the Understory |
| 53490 | Feb. 10 | 10:30-12 | Alpine Exploration |
| 53491 | Feb. 10 | 3:15-4:45 | Alpine Exploration |
| 53492 | Mar. 10 | 10:30-12 | Marshes, Bogs & Swamps, Oh My! |
| 53493 | Mar. 10 | 3:15-4:45 | Marshes, Bogs & Swamps, Oh My! |
| 53494 | Apr. 14 | 10:30-12 | The Marine Scene |
| 53495 | Apr. 14 | 3:15-4:45 | The Marine Scene |
| 53970 | May 12 | 10:30-12 | Yard Guardians |
| 53971 | May 12 | 3:15-4:45 | Yard Guardians |
| Nature Center Art Gallery |
| As part of the changing art gallery at the Tacoma Nature Center, please join us in enjoying the following exhibit. Gallery available most open hours. Please call ahead to ensure access at the time of your visit. (253) 591-6439 |
Staff Favorites Art Exhibit
January 4 - April 3
Enjoy some of the favorite art pieces of MetroParks Tacoma employees and volunteers.
Sumi Art Exhibit
April 8 - May 27
Artist reception - April 16, 5:00-7:00pm
Exhibit by Puget Sound Sumi Artists highlighting the ancient art of Asian brush stroke painting (sumi-e) and calligraphy (shodo).
| Special Events |
Earth Day Extravaganza
Saturday, April 24, 2010 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Celebrate the earth with fun family activities that help you learn about the earth and how we can all keep it healthy! Help out even more during Parks Appreciation Day that morning. Info here.
Native Plant Sale
Saturday, May 1, 2010 9:00am - 4:00pm
Landscape your yard with plants that are native to our area. Planting natives ensures the conservation of our precious water resources and provides habitat for local birds, mammals and insects. View a shopping list of available plants here on Friday, April 30 after 10:00am.
Come early for the best selection of plants.
| Adult Education & Trips |
| Educator Workshops |
Growing Up WILD Workshop
Saturday, January 9, 9:00am - 4:00pm
$35.00 per person 53466
Developed by the nationally recognized leader in Environmental Education, Growing Up WILD is the new nature-based early learning childhood program designed for 3-7 year olds. In this course, educators become familiar with the content and practice of Growing Up WILD activities, which include developmentally appropriate practices; play, health, creativity and snack components; math; literacy and language connections; and more! The goal of Project WILD is to assist learners of any age in developing awareness, knowledge, skills and commitment resulting in informed decisions, responsible behavior, and constructive actions concerning wildlife and the environment. Clock hours available for $5.00.
NatureMapping for Beaches Educator Training
Saturday and Sunday, February 27-28, 9:00am - 4:00pm
$70.00 per person 53445
Scholarships available
Moving from activities to field research, NatureMapping is a tool to help create a healthy future for wildlife through the use of sound scientific techniques. This two-day workshop provides formal and non-formal educators with the skills needed to aid learners in the NatureMapping process with a focus on the beach protocol. The basic data collection and monitoring techniques are all included. Classroom and field work will include the use of maps, wildlife identification tips, habitat coding, building a search image, tracking and data collection procedures. Also includes time in the field. Open to formal and non-formal educators. Clock hours are available for $5.00.
Learn more about NatureMapping here.
City of Tacoma 'Make a Splash' grants for teachers
Last Updated: Feb 4, 2010 10:12 AM