Wannamaker, James Island and Palmetto Islands County Parks
SC Educational Standards-Based Field Trips
Meeting state standards can be as easy as a walk in the park! Let experienced naturalists and historians work with you to plan a field trip that is both fun and educational for your students. Then, take a trip out to James Island, North Charleston Wannamaker, or Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands county parks. These programs are designed for groups of up to 25 students with two chaperones and can be repeated several times in a day to accommodate larger groups. Call 843-889-8898 for more details.
Salt Marsh Ecology
The salt marsh is a dynamic and fascinating habitat. Students will become familiar with common plants and resident animals, sample phytoplankton, and gain an appreciation of this unique environment through hands-on exploration
Program Length: 90 minutes
Grade Levels: 3-8
$90.00 per group of up to 25 students
Pond Poking
Explore the adaptations to fresh water of the plants and animals that live in fresh water ponds. Use dip nets to observe insects, fish, amphibians, and plants before releasing them. Not available at Wannamaker.
Program Length: 30 minutes
Grade Levels: Preschool - 5
$50 per group of up to 25 students
Native Americans of Coastal South Carolina
Students explore Native American culture of coastal South Carolina at the time of European settlement. Learn how local tribes successfully used the natural resources available to meet their needs.
Program Length: 60 minutes Grade Levels: K-2
$75 per group of up to 25 students
Program Length: 90 minutes
Grade Levels: 3-12
$90 per group of up to 25 students
Moving Right Along (Portable Planetarium)
Observe phases of the moon, and discover differences between the day and night, beyond light and dark. Not available at Palmetto Islands.
Program Length: 30 minutes
Grade Levels: 1-2
$100 per group of up to 25 students*
The Sun & Earth (Portable Planetarium)
How do the sun and Earth interact as they rotate and revolve? Monitor seasonal changes, including the way the sun and moon rise and set and the effects on shadow length. Not available at Palmetto Islands.
Program Length: 45 minutes
Grade Levels: 3-5
$100 per group of up to 25 students*
The Earth & Our Moon (Portable Planetarium)
Investigate characteristics of the Earth and moon and how the moon affects the ocean tides. Several telescopes and their purposes are also explored. Not available at Palmetto Islands.
Program Length: 30 minutes
Grade Levels: 3-5
$100 per group of up to 25 students*
Follow the Drinking Gourd (Portable Planetarium)
Step back in time to view the night sky that escaping slaves followed to freedom, and discover an important element of African American heritage. Not available at Palmetto Islands.
Program Length: 45 minutes
Grade Levels: 3-5
$100 per group of up to 25 students*
Constellations & Our Night Sky (Portable Planetarium)
Constellations paint grand pictures that give us insight into how different cultures saw their world, their universe, and themselves. Not available at Palmetto Islands.
Program Length: 45 minutes
Grade Levels: 5-6
$100 per group of up to 25 students*
World in Motion (Portable Planetarium)
Explore the Earth’s axis, rotations, and revolutions. Movements of the moon and its influences on Earth, including phases, eclipses, and tides are investigated. Not available at Palmetto Islands.
Program Length: 45 minutes
Grade Levels: 6-8
$100 per group of up to 25 students*
Star Light Star Bright (Portable Planetarium)
Observations of the night sky and deep space reveal the cycle of stars from nebulas to black holes. Not available at Palmetto Islands.
Program Length: 45 minutes
Grade Levels: 9-12
$100 per group of up to 25 students*
Customized Programs
Teachers can work with Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission Social Studies and Environmental Education staff to develop customized programs based on the programs listed in this guide. Staff may also bring the programs listed in this guide to other destinations. Call 843-889-8898 for details. Program lengths will vary.
* There is a two-program minimum for the portable planetarium.
Fees and programs are subject to change without notice.
