School Programs

Clermont County Park District offers both in-park programs or field trips for school groups, both of which are designed to be fun and interactive while introducing new science topics or supplement existing lesson plans to your curriculum. We are generally booking out at least 2 months in advance.

Program Fees: 

• Schools: $20 for each one-hour program at your location.
• Field trips are free to all public schools, $20/hour for non-public schools
• Minimum of 10 and a maximum of 40 participants per session.

Check out the details below, and when you are ready to learn more, fill out our request form at https://www.clermontparks.org/registration-forms/program-request-form-schools/. 

Field Trips

Park field trip are up to 2 hours long, and are for a maximum of 45 students. Larger groups will be split into different times or other days. Please have at least 1 teacher/chaperone for per each increment of 10 students. These programs are interactive, fun and free and are available at Clermont County Parks that are designated within each program description. Field trips are scheduled on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Email cskiff@clermontcountyohio.gov to schedule your field trip.

Animal Habitats

Grades 1-12, 1.5-2.5 hours

This program will introduce students to our local habitats and the animals that live within them. Throughout the program students will explore three different types of habitats (forest, field, stream or late), meet our live animals and participate in fun activities and gain a better understanding of the world around us. 

Park Locations: Chilo Lock 34 Park, Shor Park, Sycamore Park, Pattison Park (Lakeside), Clingman Park (groups under 50)

Key concepts: habitat, food chains, carrying capacity, ecosystem, adaptations and needs for survival

Ohio State Learning Standards: 1.LS.1, 1.LS.2, 3.ESS.1, 3.LS.3, 4.LS.1, 5.LS.1, 6.LS.4, 7.ESS.1, 7.LS.1, 7.LS.2, 8.LS.1, B.E.1, B.DI.1, B.DI.2, B.DI.3, ENV.ES.1, ENV.ES.4, ENV.ER.1, ENV.ER.3, ENV.ER.5, ENV.GP.5, ENV.GP.8, PG.ER.3

Earth Rocks 

Grades 3-8, 1.5-2.5 hours  

Students will become expert Junior Geologists through interactive studies of the rock cycle, glaciation, soils and fossilization. An exploratory hike takes students on a journey back in time before dinosaurs roamed. Program concludes with a fossil hunt where students can take home their very own fossil from the East Fork Little Miami River!

Park Locations: Sycamore Park

Key concepts: geology, rock cycle, rock ID, earth materials, erosion, land formation, fossils, minerals

Ohio State Learning Standards: 3.ESS.1, 3.ESS.3, 4.ESS.3, 4.LS.2, 6.ESS.1, 6.ESS.4, 7.ESS.1, 7.LS.2, 8.ESS.4, 8.LS.1, B.DI.2, ENV.ES.3, ENV.ER.4, PG.M.4, PG.M.5, PG.EH.1, PG.ER.4, PG.GG.1

Sap to Syrup (offered late January to early March) 

Grades Pre-K-12, 1-1.5 hours  

Take a tour of our sugar bush as you follow the process of maple syrup making. Students will learn how to identify a sugar maple tree and what it takes to turn the clear, sweet sap into delicious maple syrup! Students will also have the opportunity to tap a Sugar Maple tree and sample the sweet treats straight from the sugar bush.

Park Location: Pattison Park 

Key concepts: photosynthesis, tree identification, history of maple sugaring

Ohio State Learning Standards: K.LS.1, 1.LS.1, 3.LS.3, 4.LS.1, 5.LS.1, 5.LS.2, 6.LS.4, 7.LS.1, B.E.2, B.DI.2, B.DI.3, ENV.ES.5, ENV.ER.1, ENV.GP.7

Classroom Experiences

Let naturalists bring the outdoors to you! Classroom programs are 45 to 60 minutes long and best for a maximum of 30 students. Larger groups will be split into different times or other days. Limit of 4 programs per day.

Predator vs Prey

Grade Level: K - 12

What makes a coyote or owl a good hunter? How do rabbits and mice avoiding being caught? Meet live Ohio animals, examine biofacts, and learn about the features that help them survive.

Ohio State Learning Standards: K.LS.1, K.LS.2, 1.LS.1, 2.LS.2, 3.LS.2, 3.LS.3, 4.LS.1, 5.LS.1, 6.LS.4, 7.LS.1, 7.LS.2, 8.LS.1, 8.LS.3, B.E.1, B.E.2, B.DI.1, B.DI.2, B.DI.3, ENV.ES.1, ENV.ER.5, ENV.GP.5, ENV.GP.8

Creatures of the Night

Grade Level: K - 8

Some animals enjoy the night life! Ohio is full of nocturnal critters like bats, owls, and flying squirrels. Through activities, live animals, and investigation, we’ll learn about the cool adaptations that allow them to master the darkness.

Ohio State Learning Standards: K.LS.1, K.LS.2, 1.LS.1, 2.LS.2, 3.LS.3, 4.LS.1, 5.LS.1, 6.LS.4, 7.LS.2, 8.LS.1

Amazing Adaptations

Grade Level: 2-12

How does a salamander thrive in water AND on land? What makes an eagle such a skilled fisher? Why do buckeye trees produce so many nuts? Through activities and live animals, we will explore the physical and behavioral adaptations that help our local flora and fauna survive year round!

Ohio State Learning Standards: 1.LS.1, 2.LS.2, 3.LS.2, 3.LS.3, 4.LS.1, 5.LS.1, 6.LS.4, 7.LS.2, 8.LS.1, B.E.1, B.DI.1, ENV.ES.1, ENV.ER.5

Ancient Oceans

Grade Level: 2 – 12

Did you know that millions of years ago Clermont County was covered in saltwater? Discover the strange and amazing ancient creatures who once called this ocean home and whose fossilized remains can still be seen today! Students will sort living from rock and fossils, create models of ancient sea life, and learn why we can find their fossils.

Ohio State Learning Standards: 2.LS.2, 4.LS.2, 5.LS.1, 8.ESS.2, 8.ESS.3, 8.ESS.4, 8.LS.1, 8.LS.2, B.E.2, B.DI.1, B.DI.3, ENV.ES.3, PG.EH.1, PG.PT.3, PG.GG.1

The Art of Nature

Grade Level: K-12

Want to get a little wild in art class? Let us join your classroom- or bring you outside your learning space- with live animals, plants, and natural materials for a one-of-a-kind creative experience.