Environmental Education - South Shore YMCA Natural Science Center

Founded in 1962, the South Shore YMCA Natural Science Center has been active in environmental education for almost 50 years, working with area schools “to cultivate an awareness, appreciation, and concern for” the natural world. We offer hands-on, interactive environmental and STEM enrichment programs for preschoolers through Grade 12 — in schools, at the Science Center, at our seashore, riverways, and local nature preserves.

Environmental Education & STEM

Nature-based STEM Enrichment Programming for Families

Supporting remote and home learners grades K-6 throughout the school year, the South Shore YMCA Natural Science Center’s experienced environmental educators help support learning through hands-on nature-based experiences and explorations. Curriculum ties to the Massachusetts STE standards, while providing opportunities for students to become “solutionaries.” Education partners include Battelle; NASA, via the National Informal Science Education Network; NOAA, via the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary; Whole Kids; the Gould Foundation; and more.

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School Groups

Environmental education programs and field trips to the Science Center are offered for children in preschool through twelfth grade at the Science Center, at your school or other sites such as the seashore or conservation lands. All programs are connected to the Massachusetts Science and Technology/Engineering curriculum frameworks.

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Scout Groups

The South Shore Natural Science Center offers hands-on, educational day programs for Scouts of all ages - Brownies, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts or Boy Scouts, K-12. All our naturalists have completed the Scouts of America Youth Protection Training, are CORI and SORI checked, and are trained in First Aid and CPR.

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