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Virtual Environmental Education Opportunities

Playcard can now stream in your classroom with our staff there to assist! Please contact Ben Abercrombie to set-up a Google or Zoom Meeting to explore various topics. Lessons will encompass 25 minute - 1.5 hour time slots dependent upon your needs.  Please give the topic a time slot according to your needs in your email.  We are flexible and can meet your schedule.  Please allow at least 24 hours to confirm.

  • Local Animal and Plant Adaptations - Study the local environments around your classrooms and communities.  Learn about unique adaptations around you.  Species include, snakes, alligators, turtles, fish, insects, birds, trees, shrubs, wildlflowers, and vines.
  • Virtual Field Trip/Tour of Trails - Explore the trails virtually with your students around the unique Playcard Environmental Education facility.   Explore Beaverpond wetlands, bottomland hardwood forests, fallow fields, and more!
  • Beach Tidepools and Trails - Experience the ecosystem from the saltmarsh, tidelines, and beaches of Horry County SC.  Find and identify seashells, fossils, and sea creatures found in local saltwater systems.  (Offsite study).
  • Wetland Wonders - Examine the world of wetland ecology in the Playcard freshwater beaverpond ecosystem.  Learn why wetlands are so vital for clean water in Horry County and experience the biodiversity of this unique ecosystem.  
  • Virtual Resources:  Explore the world around you and experience unique destinations such as the Smithsonian Natural History Museum, The Grand Canyon, Mars, and local natural features on Google Earth.
  • Map Your Species:  Explore, search, identify species, and create a digital species map of your school grounds or local community using the National Geographic iNaturalist App and online resources.
  • Birds and Birding:  Enjoy the world of birding, use E-bird, Birdsong Hero, National Audubon and Cornell University Resources, Chirp-o-matic USA, and Merlin Bird ID to explore the world of birding.
  • Astronomy:  Utilize Stellarium and Sky View Lite to explore the night sky.  Learn about the unique features in the heavens, local astrological phenomena, and upcoming interesting skywatching opportunities.
  • Fish and Family Fishing:  Learn all about fish and how to fish as a family.  How to get started, species in our waters, and local resources for fishing.  Great lifelong hobby starter.
  • Primitive Survival:  Learn strategies such as the rule of 3's, water, food, and shelter acquisition, fire-making techniques (adult-supervised of course!), tracking, and navigation strategies.
  • Fun With Fungi:  Experience the wonderful world of mushrooms.  Learn edible and poisonous mushrooms in our area.  Interact with fungi experts (subject to online availability of Karen Hilbourn the Mushroom Lady).
  • Forests and Forestry:  Immerse yourself in the world of Forestry in South Carolina.  Learn about the history, management strategies, products, and techniques of this important conservation topic.
  • Geology of South Carolina:  Find your ecological address, learn about the unique mineral resources in our area and how they help shape the fauna and flora of South Carolina. Show and share your own rocks and minerals for identification.
  • Fossils of South Carolina: Learn about some of the most treasured finds in Horry County, fossils!  Learn the difference between types of fossils, where to find them, and how to create your own homemade "fossils" from easily obtainable materials.  Show and share your own fossils for identification.
  • Water Quality and Conservation: Enjoy learning about water quality issues globally and locally.  The water cycle, conservation, pollution, and how the climate affects water availability.
  • Macroinvertebrate Water Quality Analysis:  From the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center in Aiken, SC.  Virtual field Trip.
  • Energy Resources and Climate:  Learn about energy use and conservation, renewable vs. non-renewable resources, alternative energy, and conservation.
  • Materials Cycling Solid Waste Solutions: Explore the world of materials cycling, connect with and tour a local landfill and materials recycling center (Thank you to Horry County Solid Waste Authority).
  • Experiential Education, Team-building, and Leadership:  Dive into the world of leadership, group dynamics, and team building with this interactive and engaging program.  Learn how to create social and emotional connections with your students and family to accomplish goals while having fun facing and overcoming challenges through cooperative game theory.
  • South Carolina History, Exploring Pioneer Life: Experience life as a pioneer, learn about using tools and implements from the Colonial period. 
  • South Carolina History, Native American Life: Enjoy life from a Native perspective.  Learn how Native Americans viewed the natural world and tools they used to survive.