School Programs at Riverbanks

Whether you teach preschool or high school, we have a school program to fit your needs. All programs are carefully crafted around South Carolina Science Academic Standards and are developed to involve your students in active, student centered learning.

Classroom Programs

Your group can join us in one of our on-site classrooms to go deeper into standards-aligned hands-on activities with one of our trained educators.

Available Programs

On the Move (Preschool)

Can you swim like a fish? Slither like a snake? Swing like a siamang? Students will explore animal movement as they hop, crawl and wiggle their way through story, song and activities.

SC State Standards: APL-1, APL-5, APL-8, HPD-4, LDC-1, LDC-2, LDC-3, LDC-7, LDC-8, CD-10

Colorful Creatures (Preschool)

Join the worldwide game of hide and seek as we explore how both animals and Riverbanks’ keepers use colors.

SC State Standards: APL-1, APL-8, ESD-5, LDC-1, LDC-2, LDC-3, LDC-7, LDC-8, CD-10

Kindergarten Keepers (Kindergarten)

Kindergarteners will count, play and pretend their way through this fun class exploring what it takes to care for an animal’s needs.

SC State Standards: K-LS1-1, K-ESS3-1

Investigating Adaptations (1st Grade)

Students will put their observation and critical thinking skills to the test as they discover how wildlife adaptations help us all survive, grow and meet our needs.

SC State Standards: 1-LS1-1

Seeds on the Move (2nd Grade)

Students will explore and experiment through this windy, wet, sticky and sometimes yucky investigation of seed dispersal.

SC State Standards: 2-LS2-2

Escaping Extinction (3rd Grade)

In this mystery inspired class, students will have to put their geography skills and knowledge to the test to save local species from extinction.

SC State Standards: 3.1.1.AG, 3-LS4-3

Adaptation Engineers (4th Grade)

Work as a team to overcome a challenge in this adaptation themed class. Students will observe living plants and animals as well as design their own model plant.

SC State Standards: 4-LS1-1

Mighty Plankton (5th Grade)

Students will get an introduction to the base of the ocean’s food web while using engineering design skills to create models of plankton to compete in the Great Plankton Race.

SC State Standards: 5-PS3-1, 5-LS1-1

Pollination Investigation (6th–8th Grade)

Help Riverbanks staff identify factors that could be affecting pollinator populations at nearby farms in this project-based class, BEEfore all your favorite foods disappear for good!

SC State Standards: 7-LS2-1, 7-LS2-4, 7-LS2-5

Program Details

Cost :
$90 per program.
Capacity :
Up to 25 students and 2 adults.
Program Length :
45 minutes.

Tours

One of our educators will tour your group through the park to learn about the species represented around Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.

Available Programs

Conservation Around the World Tour (6th–12th Grade)

Travel around the world to explore various wildlife and how humans impact their survival. Don’t miss out on the chance to find out how you can use technology daily to conserve these amazing animals.

SC State Standards: 7-LS2-5*, 7-ESS3-4, 8-LS4-4, B-LS2-7

(*) Denotes partial completion of standard.

Riverbanks Careers Tour (7th–12th Grade)

Are you interested in photography, art, retail, horticulture or guest services? The Zoo might be the place for you! Take a tour with us to discover the teamwork and talented people that run the Zoo.

Program Details

Cost :
$75 per tour.
Capacity :
Up to 16 students and 2 adults.
Program Length :
45 minutes.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation or date change requests must be received three weeks in advance of the event to receive a refund of your registration. Requests must be submitted in writing at education@riverbanks.org Riverbanks Zoo and Garden will retain a 10% processing fee for cancellations.

In the rare event that Riverbanks Zoo and Garden must cancel the scheduled event, all deposits or money received will be reimbursed or an option to reschedule will be provided. Notifications of cancellation will be provided at least ten days prior to the scheduled event (unless weather-related). Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is not liable for any other expenses that the guest may have incurred in the preparation and execution of the event.

Refunds will not be provided for individuals who do not show up for the event.

Programs Information Inquiry Programs may be requested in advance online or by calling the Education Department at 803.602.0803 Monday through Friday between 8:00am and 1:00pm. Once your information is received, we will check availability and reply to your request in a timely manner. This request does NOT guarantee availability! Groups will receive an emailed “Field Trip Confirmation Letter” with reserved date and program details.

Group Information

ext.

Program Request Information Classes and tours are only offered Tuesdays–Fridays, August–May.

#1 :
/
/
#2 :
/
/
#3 :
/
/

Contact Information

ext.

protected by reCAPTCHA
PrivacyTerms

Don’t see something that meets your needs? We will create custom programs for your group. Requests must be made at least 30 days in advance. A nominal development fee will be charged.

Interested in college level programs? Please contact the Education Department at 803.602.0803.

Questions about School Programs at Riverbanks?

Please call 803.602.0803 or email us.