Schoolyard Investigations
Explore, Discover, Connect... Right in Your Own Schoolyard!
Applications for Fall
Schoolyard Investigations Trips are OPEN!
Schoolyard Investigations brings the wonders of nature directly to your school! With engaging, hands-on programs led by Ijams Nature Center naturalists, students will dive into the ecosystems in their own schoolyard, fostering a deeper connection to the environment around them. This immersive, interactive experience encourages curiosity, discovery, and a lasting appreciation for nature.
Program Highlights
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Interactive Nature Activities: Explore local flora and fauna, learn about habitats, investigate soil, water, and plant life, and uncover the unique story of your schoolyard ecosystem.
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Customized for K-12 Learning Standards: Aligned with Tennessee Academic Standards, each session is tailored to engage students through activities suited to their age group.
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Program Details
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Location: Your school campus
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Duration: 9:30 am – 11:30 am
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Grades: K-12
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Group Requirements:
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Minimum group size: 15 students
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Maximum group size: 45 students
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Cost: $200 (includes all materials and activities)
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Travel Fee:​​
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​Travel Fee: Travel fees apply to locations over 10 miles away (one way) from Ijams (2915 Island Home Ave. Knoxville, TN 37920). Rates start at $15 dollars for distances 11-20 miles away, and $30 for distances 21-30 miles away. 30 miles is our max for one way travel.
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Scholarship Funding: Available for qualifying Title I and Community Schools on a first come first serve basis.
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SCHEDULING Schoolyard Investigations
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Ijams schedules Schoolyard Investigations and field trip requests by Google form on a first-come, first-served basis. Ijams can accommodate groups between 15-45 students on some Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
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If you have any questions, please contact our Youth Programs Coordinator at fieldtrips@ijams.org.
FIELD TRIP AND OUTREACH SCHOLARSHIPS
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Ijams has funding available for scholarships and transportation for schools that qualify. There also are other ways for educators to request funding for field trips, transportation, and outreach programs. The following document offers suggestions and includes a sample letter. ​
