K-12 Education
We offer land- and boat-based student programs led by our education staff across the coast. Programs for the 2020-2021 school year will begin booking in August 2020.
A Seaworthy Classroom
Aboard a 45’ catamaran, the E/V Discovery, our educators lead science investigations using field sampling techniques and equipment that echo current research methods. Students assist in data collection and sample various marine organisms during their visit. With an emphasis on estuarine ecology, groups connect local conservation issues to broad science concepts while developing critical science investigation skills. Together, we are working to create coastal stewards for the future of South Carolina’s fisheries and coasts.
Virtual Programs
Email MarineEducation@dnr.sc.gov with your prefered program from the link below to set up a date, time, and virtual platform.
View Virtual ProgramSchoolyard Programs
Educators will come to your school and conduct education programs outside on school grounds. Limit to 1.5 hour drive from Fort Johnson. Check the calendar and request a program. Note: This is only a program REQUEST. You will be notified if your program was confirmed within 24 hours.
View Schoolyard Programs Request a ProgramHomeschool Programs
We are scheduling homeschool groups differently this year. There are set dates for your students, and you can book a program as an individual family or as an organized group.
April 7th, 2021 - Fort Johnson, Charleston March 11th, 2021 - Botany Bay Plantation, EdistoSchool Field Trips
- In order to maintain safe, social distancing, we are only allowing a maximum of 20 people per group. We will split into 2 smaller groups to conduct the programs. We require every person wear masks during these programs.
- Reservations are first come, first served.
- There is no fee for school groups.
- You can book multiple days for large grade levels.
- We serve as many students in this state as possible, so please only book one grade from each school.
- We reserve the right to reschedule or modify your program with proper notification.
Fort Johnson
217 Ft. Johnson Rd.
Charleston, SC 29412
McKenzie Field Station
15717 Bennett's Point Rd.
Green Pond, SC 29446
Botany Bay Plantation
Botany Bay Rd.
Edisto Island, SC 29438
Edisto Environmental Learning Center
Oyster Row Ln.
Edisto Island, SC 29438
How to book a field trip:
- Choose a program location.
- Select a program from the "Program Descriptions" above.
- Click "Book A Program" to see available dates and reserve your program. (The E/V Discovery boat is unavailable December 15, 2019 through March 1, 2020. Please do not book the boat during winter months. If you are a K-4th grade group, please book January or February.)
Resources and Lesson Plans
ACE Basin Activity Book
Designed to instill a stronger awareness and respect for environmentalism and conservation and to encourage young students to enjoy discovering coastal South Carolina.
Estuaries 101
This new curriculum is designed for grades 6-12 to deepen students’ understanding about estuaries and how estuaries affect their daily lives. Estuaries offer an exciting context for learning about math, chemistry, marine science, and more.
Sea Sciences
A series of educational publications put together by scientists and educators of the Marine Resources Division at SCDNR. Each lesson goes into detail about a variety of marine related topics.