Homeschool Day on the Learning Barge

Calling All Homeschool Families!

No school group? No problem! Experience the award-winning Dominion Energy Learning Barge with a 90-minute, hands-on field trip led by Elizabeth River Project educators. Explore the Elizabeth River, discover exciting blue-green careers, and learn how students can make a difference for the environment through interactive investigations and activities.

Unlike our traditional programs, which are reserved for school and organized groups of 15 students or more, this special day is for all our homeschool families. This is a rare opportunity to experience one of the region's most unique floating classrooms.

Students will rotate through six interactive stations aboard the Learning Barge:

• Restoration Specialist: Learn how to read a thermometer and measure temperature, explore how mosaic shorelines help protect against sea level rise, and create nature-inspired art.

• Marine Biologist: Discover food webs and the important role river otters play in the ecosystem while interacting with live river animals.

• Environmental Engineer: Learn how watersheds and stormwater runoff affect the river, participate in a cleanup activity, and explore how long plastic pollution persists in the environment.

• Historian: Explore the Elizabeth River’s role in the Underground Railroad and make a pledge to help protect local waterways.

• Water Quality Scientist: Investigate where the Elizabeth River’s water comes from and learn how to measure salinity.

• Wind Technician: Discover renewable energy concepts and use an anemometer to measure wind speed.

Children must be accompanied by an adult guardian for the entirety of the field trip. We recommend one adult per child. Younger siblings are welcome to tag along, but please note the program is designed for children ages 4 and up. Children under 4 must remain under the direct supervision of an adult at all times, and we recommend baby wearing for infants and toddlers whenever possible.

Date: October 19th

Time: 10:00am to 11:30am

Location: Dominion Energy Learning Barge

Address: Grandy Village Learning Center, 2971 Kimball Loop, Norfolk, VA 23504

Cost: $20.00 per student, A 25% discount is automatically applied with a purchase of 3+ tickets, We allow 1 adult per child at no charge, additional adults must purchase a ticket. Children under 4 are free.

For more information: please contact:

Hailey Lauritsen: hlauritsen@elizabethriver.org