Events and Classes

Fall 2010 programs are all available for registration now.  Call in today or register online!

• Homeschool Science
• Science Club
• Family Programs
• Just for Kids
• Nature Center Art Gallery
• Special Events
• Adult Education & Trips 
• Educator Workshops

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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, 9:30am-11:30am
To participate in this class, students should be able to add and subtract numbers.
Note - for this level, there is also an Afternoon session available - see below.

Beginning Science
Ages 8-10, $12, 1:00pm-3:00pm  To participate in this class, students should be able to add and subtract numbers.

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.
Note - for this level, there is also a morning session available - see below.

Intermediate Science
Ages 10-12, $12, 1:00pm- 3:00pm
To participate in this class, students should be able to multiply and divide numbers, add and subtract fractions.

Advanced Science
Ages 12-15, $15, 1:00pm-3:00pm
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.

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.

Crack the Code for Good Writing
Ages 12-15, $40, 3:30pm-5:00pm
We all need to write well! Come once a week for seven weeks and improve your own writing with an advanced focus on the multi-paragraph essay. We'll start with some detective sleuthing and work through the writing process. Parents, please feel free to come and participate with your student! Washington Virtual Academy (WAVA) students register with no fee.
Wednesdays, September 22 - November 3
55717 

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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.  We will also focus on helping students prepare for the 2011 Snake Lake Science Fair. Register and pay per club meeting in advance to ensure a place.

Ages 10-14, $5.00 per date, 3:30-5:00 pm

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.

Discovery Walks
Not currently offered - check out some of our other programs instead!

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Nature Discovery Hour
Ages 3-6, $3.00/child, no charge for adults
10:30 am - 11:30 am
Explore our new Discovery Pond play area with a Nature Guide during this reserved time. Special activities and nature discovery aids will be available. Adult participation is required, but there is no fee for adults. NOTE - Nurture in Nature Preschool families receive a discount - $2.50/child.

Nature Yoga
Ages 3-6, $6.00/child, no charge for adults
10:30 am - 11:30 am
FUn, child-centered activities and nature poses are combined with time honored yoga practice to guide children and an adult partner through warm-up, work-out, strengthen, cool down and relaxation. Adult attendance is required. Participants may bring yoga mats or use those provided.  Sponsored by Source Yoga. NOTE - Nurture in Nature Preschool families receive a discount - $5.00/child.

Nature Alphabet

Ages 3-6, $6, One hour, Start times alternate Preschoolers 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.

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.

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Tahoma Audubon Bird Drawing Contest Winners
June - August
View the winning entries in this annual contest that attracts young artists of all ages from throughout Pierce County. 
Read more about the contest here.

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Discovery Pond Grand Opening
Saturday, September 11
10:00am - 4:00pm
Join us for the grand opening of this unique play area where adventure and learning happen naturally!  Details coming soon.

Fall Native Plant Sale
Saturday, October 2, 2010
9:00am - 4:00pm
Landscape your yard with native plants to conserve water and provide habitat for birds, mammals, and insects.  A list of available plants will be posted here by 2:00pm October 1.
Come early for the best selection.
Check out our series of Natural Yard Care Workshops in the next session.

Creatures of the Night
Friday, October 22, 2010
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Have you met the creatures who come out after dark?  Learn all about creatures of the night as you experience a short twilight hike, activities, crafts, and a special snack.  Visit with our special guests from the Hands On Children's Museum.  Come early to experience everything. Recommended for ages 3-6 and their parents or grandparents. Reservations requested.
$5.00/child and up to 2 accompanying adults
$2.00/additional child or adult

Who Goes Bump in the Night?
Saturday, October 23, 2010
5:00pm - 8:00pm
Fun for the whole family! Find out who goes bump in the night as you experience a guided twilight or night hike, activities and crafts. Visit with nocturnal critters from Point Defiance Zoo and learn all about creatures of the night. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Reservations requested.
$2.50/person

Volunteer Naturalist Training Workshops
Join us for this series of workshops that will help adults learn about the ecology of our region and how to inspire a sense of wonder in those who seek to explore it.  Details here.

Birding Basics
Adults 18 and up, $45/Audubon member, $55/non-member
Curious about birds but don't know your crown from your tail feather? All are welcome to this intro to the joy of identifying the birds all around us. Learn how to use a field guide and binoculars to identify common birds. Learn about some of the best places to see birds and practice your newfound birding skills.  Includes a field trip on Saturday, October 2 at 8:00am.    55611
Mondays, September 13 - October 4, 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Beginning Birding
Adults 18 and up, $50/Audubon member, $65/non-member
Winter is a wonderful time to watch birds. Learn how to identify the most common and colorful waterfowl and other winter birds with a local master birder and bird educator. This class is designed for beginners. Local field trips on November 13, 8:00am to noon and November 20, 8:00am to noon.    55609
Mondays, November 8 - 22, 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Natural Yard Care Workshops
Adults 18 and up, no charge, 6:30pm-8:30pm
Learn about environmentally friendly yard and garden maintenance through fun and informative "Natural Yard Care Workshops" presented by the Tacoma Nature Center, City of Tacoma and the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department.  Participants in the October 1 class will also have a sneak preview of the October 2 Fall Plant Sale at the Nature Center (no presale available). All classes take place at the Tacoma Nature Center.
Thursday, September 16  Natural Yard Care
Thursday, September 23  Garden Design
Friday, October 1  Designing with Plants

NatureMapping Workshops
No workshops are scheduled at the present time.
Click here to learn more about the NatureMapping program and find a workshop.
NatureMapping for Educators see next section

Arrange a NatureMapping Workshop for your group by contacting Michele Cardinaux.

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Growing Up WILD Workshop
Next date TBA for early spring 2011
Saturday, 9:00am - 4:00pm
$35.00 per person
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.

City of Tacoma 'Make a Splash' grants for teachers

Find more great things to do

Last Updated: Jul 28, 2010 4:20 PM