HBS STEM Outreach Program (in-person)

​Highlands Biological Station (HBS) & Nature Center provides more than 50 different day programs to public, private, or homeschool groups in grades K-12 throughout the counties of western North Carolina. Classes are designed to meet the curriculum requirements of the NC science Essential Standards for each targeted grade level. Programs generally take place in natural outdoor settings as well as in the classroom, and are designed to provide hands-on learning experiences through activities, games, observations, and field studies.

Most classes can be modified and presented either at your school or facility, or at Highlands Nature Center. Each program lasts approximately 60 minutes, unless specific circumstances require adjustments to the schedule.

School programs are also available for groups such as scouts, churches, 4-H, libraries, and other community organizations and the general public. Special request programs can frequently be accommodated. Lectures and workshops for adults are also available on a variety of topics, as are teacher and informal educator workshops for science CEU and EE Criteria II or III credit.

The requested fee for school outreach programs is only 50¢ per student, but is not required. Fees for lectures, workshops, and public programs with general admission are typically a flat rate based on the expected number of participants and the length of the program. Tours of the Nature Center and Botanical Garden are free of charge, but contributions are greatly appreciated.

Descriptions and details of each program offering, including correlations to NC curriculum, are available on the Highlands Nature Center website (highlandsbiological.org/nature-center/outreach). For additional information or to schedule a program, please call the Outreach Office at 828-526-4123.