1,800
3rd to 5th graders participating
160+
field investigations
12 - 15
hours outdoors per student
Explorers Program
Hands-on Science Education with Blue Sky
The Explorers program works with over 1,800 3rd through 5th grade students and teachers from Richmond Public Schools. Students explore the Richmond area’s natural environments, including Belle Isle, Pocahontas State Park, and Shalom Farms. The Explorers curriculum includes hands-on science SOL instruction, team building, and a focus on respect for one another and the environment.
Elementary School Partners
Blue Sky Fund provides Explorers programming at no cost to schools and students at 12 Title 1 Richmond City Public Elementary Schools.
- Bellevue ES
- Blackwell ES
- Chimborazo ES
- Fairfield Court ES
- Frances W. McClenney
- Henry L. Marsh III ES
- Miles Jones ES
- Oak Grove ES
- Overby-Sheppard ES
- Swansboro ES
- Westover Hills ES
- Woodville ES
Locations Visited
During the last school year, our Explorers visited the following places.
- Forest Hill Park
- Bryan Park
Three Lakes Park
Dorey Park
Science Museum of VA
York River State Park
Pocahontas State Park
Camp Thunderbird
Maymont
Hidden Creek Park
Bellemeade Park
Ancarrow’s Landing
Belle Isle
Shalom Farms (North AND South)
3rd Grade Topics
- Introduction & Data Collection
- Human & Natural Activity
- Adaptations
- Soils & Ecosystems
4th Grade Topics
- Introduction & Data Collection
- Ecosystems
- Space & Energy
- Plant Structures
- Watersheds
5th Grade Topics
- Introduction & Data Collection
- Sound & Light
- Geology & Fossils
- Natural Resources
- Energy & Magnetism
Program History
In 2008, this program began in partnership with Oak Grove-Bellemeade and Chimborazo Elementary Schools. For two years, committed Blue Sky volunteers, teachers, and 3rd grade students met one Saturday a month to discover more about themselves and their environment. In 2010, the schools identified a need to address low performance on Virginia Science SOL tests and partnered with Blue Sky to meet this need with creative, hands-on, experiential learning.
Blue Sky began offering the Explorers program as a field-trip for 3rd grade students. The program has since grown to engage over 1,800 3rd through 5th grade students.