Ijams Programs for Schools
The mission of Ijams' youth environmental education program is to increase environmental literacy through engaging, science-based programs that increase the awareness, appreciation, and stewardship of the natural world.
All programs are grade-specific and tailored to meet the Education Standards established by the State of Tennessee and Knox County. By creating quality education opportunities, Ijams has developed a strong relationship with teachers in Knox and surrounding counties.
Ijams can provide quality education opportunities either at the park or right in your classroom.
To bring your school to Ijams, click here.
To bring Ijams to your school, click here.
More Than a Field Trip
If you are looking for a way to bring science textbooks to life, consider the Science Discovery program at Ijams Nature Center. At Ijams, we believe that outdoor learning is more than just a great hike. Through the use of standards-based activities, students will gain hands-on knowledge that supports classroom curriculum. Outdoor activities are inquiry-based, encouraging students to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills as they learn more about the natural world around them. |
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Whether the program focuses on how animals adapt to winter or the relationship between plants and pollinators in spring, Ijams offers year-round learning opportunities. So pack your hiking boots and binoculars and come discover science!
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Preschool Programs
At Ijams Nature Center, we believe that scientific discovery is a lifelong pursuit. As a result, we are pleased to offer Science Discovery programs to private and public preschool groups. Preschool programs last one hour, and include a live animal presentation and nature hike. The fee for these programs is $3 per student. A minimum of $75 (25 students) is required. To schedule a preschool program, call Jennifer at (865) 577-4717, ext. 130.
Homeschool Programs
Ijams Family Adventures-
Bring the whole family out for a day of fun and learning at Ijams Nature Center. In this program, you and your family will have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of hands-on educational activities, suitable for all ages
Families will have the chance to look for tadpoles in the pond, search for insects in the meadow, take a short hike, visit with our non-releasable education animals, and even do a craft or two! Children over the age of 2 will be able to participate, although younger siblings are welcome to accompany them.
The fee for this program is $5 per person for non-members and $3 per person for members. Children 2 and under are free.
Headstart Programs
Thanks to a generous grant from the Cornerstone Foundation of Knoxville, Ijams Nature Center is pleased to offer one-hour programs, free of charge, to headstart programs in Knox County. Groups are treated to a live animal program and guided tour of the exhibits. After this program, groups are invited to walk the trails and experience the park. To schedule a headstart program, call Jennifer at (865) 577-4717, ext. 130
Grades K-5
Public and private schools can participate in year-round learning opportunities for their students. Programs are 2 hours in length, and feature a combination of live animal programs and outdoor learning experiences. Each program is tailored to meet Tennessee State Standards and Knox County Learning Expectations.
Click here for complete program descriptions: 
Program Descriptions
As an additional resource for teachers, Ijams Nature Center provides pre-visit and post-visit activities for use in the classroom. These activities are designed to introduce and support the content delivered during Life Science Discovery programs. These activities can be downloaded from the Forms and Information page.
Grades 6-12
For grades 6-12, Ijams can create a wide variety of learning opportunities to meet the needs of east Tennessee teachers. Please call Jennifer at (865) 577-4717, ext. 130 to discuss topics and scheduling for middle and high school students.
For more information about the Science Discovery program, visit the Frequently Asked Questions page. Most common questions are answered in detail.
Ijams Outreach Education Programs
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Can't find the time to take your class on a field trip? Then let Ijams bring a field trip into your classroom! Ijams provides quality environmental education programs that are grade specific and based on Tennessee State Standards. Each program helps students gain a deeper understanding of curriculum topics through hands-on activities, animal and plant artifacts, educational games, and a live animal presentation. Most programs also include a PowerPoint Presentation. Teachers will receive a Pre- and Post-Activity Packet to introduce, enhance, and reinforce key concepts once a program is booked. For a detailed description of each program, please click on the following link:
 Outreach Program Guide 2011-12
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All Outreach programs are designed for up to 30 students.
Preschool Outreach
Outreach programs are available for ages 3 and up. Preschool programs are 30 minutes in length, and have a minimum fee of $45.
Outreach Program Fee Information
All programs are 1 hour in length, unless otherwise specified.
Each 60-minute Outreach program is $4 per student, with a $90 minimum fee, unless otherwise specified.
There is an additional travel fee for programs outside the area of Ijams Nature Center:
| 20-30 miles: $15 |
| 31-40 miles: $20 |
| 41-50 miles: $25 |
| 51-60 miles: $30 |
| 61-70 miles: $35 |
| 71-80 miles: $40 |
Scheduling an Outreach Program
To schedule an Outreach program, or for more information, call Emily at (865) 577-4717 x112, or email eboves@ijams.org. Please have the following information ready:
Program desired
Grade/age level
Number of students
Contact information
School address and phone number
Preferred dates and times
Scheduling Tips
Thank you!
