Where Local Science
Comes to Life
for Every Student
Hands-on programs and camps that spark curiosity, connect to our environment, and support classroom learning.
At The Pelican’s Nest Science Lab, learning goes beyond the classroom walls. We offer engaging, age-appropriate programs for Pre-K through 12th grade that turn our local ecosystems into living laboratories. From summer enrichment camps to custom field experiences, every class is designed to ignite curiosity, deepen understanding, and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards—all while supporting the incredible work teachers do every day.
- Aligned to classroom curriculum and standards
- Led by certified, passionate educators
- Hands-on, outdoor, real-world learning
- Local marine and environmental discovery for PreK–12
Field Experiences and Labs
Down By the Bay!
Students focus on the Brown Pelican, a once threatened species, who will lead them on an exploration “Down By The Bay” at the Fairhope beach to investigate the marine food chain, water quality, animal habitats, map skills, and weather. This adventure allows them to get their feet wet while using dip nets, seine nets and cast nets. Students make observations using compasses and binoculars to understand coastal features and learn map skills and spend time in the lab exploring the live organisms collected at the water’s edge. They will have access to microscopes, magnifying glasses, discovery scopes, compasses, binoculars, and the Ken-A-Vision camera to observe their catch! Let’s go “Down by the Bay!”
Suggested Grade Levels:
- Kindergarten:
ALCOS Foundational skills and K.3, K.4, K.5, K.6, K.9, K10 - First Grade:
ALCOS Investigation Expectations, Senses, Scientific Tools & Processes and 1.5,1.6,1.7 - Second Grade:
ALCOS 2.1, 2.2, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 2.10, 2.11 - Third Grade:
ALCOS 3.1, 3.3, 3.12, 3.13, 3.14, 3.15
Edge of the Bay!
Students dive deeper into the human impacts on water quality and their connection to the Mobile Bay watershed. They will investigate life as a scientist and begin their experience by participating in a flash five minute Coastal Clean-up at the bay. Students participate with instruments and equipment used by the Dauphin Island Sea Lab scientists, to complete five rotations: Plankton Tow, Secchi Disk (water clarity), Cast Net, Seine Net, and Weather Data. They return to the lab and explore the live organisms collected at the edge of the bay along with access to microscopes, magnifying glasses, discovery scopes, compasses, binoculars, and the Ken-A-Vision camera to observe their catch!
Can’t wait to see you at the “Edge of the Bay!”
Suggested Grade Levels:
- Fourth Grade:
ALCOS 4.9, 4.10, 4.11 - Fifth Grade:
ALCOS 5.8, 5.9, 5.10, 5.12, 5.13, 5.14 - Sixth Grade:
ALCOS 6.12, 6.13, 6.14, 6.15, 6.16
Touch the Bay!
In this K-6 lab experience students will learn how local marine organisms survive in our ecosystem. Hands-on experiences provide exploration of the adaptations of the preserved specimens provided by the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. Students will also complete a STEAM challenge to understand adaptations, living and non-living things, habitats, or our human impact on Mobile Bays watershed. STEAM Challenges provided are determined by the grade level standards and offered November-February.
Suggested Grade Levels:
- Kindergarten:
ALCOS Foundational skills and K.3, K.4, K.5, K.6, K.9, K10 - First Grade:
ALCOS Investigation Expectations, Senses, Scientific Tools & Processes and 1.5,1.6,1.7 - Second Grade:
ALCOS 2.1, 2.2, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 2.10, 2.11 - Third Grade:
ALCOS 3.1, 3.3, 3.12, 3.13, 3.14, 3.15 - Fourth Grade:
ALCOS 4.9, 4.10, 4.11 - Fifth Grade:
ALCOS 5.8, 5.9, 5.10, 5.12, 5.13, 5.14 - Sixth Grade:
ALCOS 6.12, 6.13, 6.14, 6.15, 6.16
PNSL Scheduling and Logistics:
Book a Field Experience or Lab
We offer field trips for Kindergarten -12th Grade during the academic school year. Reservations begin on the first BCBE teacher work day for each year. These spots fill up fast, so mark your calendars!
Time Frames for Field Experiences and Labs
9:00-11:00 or 12:00-2:00
One class per slot, maximum 50 students at a time.
Time slots are flexible and can be shifted depending on travel time for each school.
Cost
FREE-BCBE
$10.00 facility fee– Private and Homeschool
Chaperones are free
Preparing for a Field Experience
Complete the scheduling form for details of field experience or lab.
Google Classrooms
BCBE Teachers will have access to the Google Classroom for the field experience or lab booked at the PNSL. These Google Classrooms provide the rigor around the relevance piece provided in the PNSL field and lab experiences. Pre-Lab and Post-Lab resources, lessons and student activities are organized to help prepare for the most in-depth experience. The Google Classroom lessons and activities are not required for participation.
Teacher Collaboration
Teachers are encouraged to collaborate with their grade level team and the PNSL director to design their own lesson to meet the needs of their students. Field Experiences and Labs are very fluid and can be adjusted to accommodate a particular standard focus or individual community relevance need.
What they’re saying…
Claire Maciena – Fairhope High School, Food and Nutrition
“The PNSL and bay lab experiences give students an opportunity to connect classroom learning to their community. Making connections with the resources in our backyard opens the door to career opportunities, the importance of ecological conservation, and gives these students the power to make a difference.”
Marla Warner – Rotary Youth Director
"The Pelican's Nest has been a great extension to the Fairhope-Point Clear Rotary Youth Club After-School Care/Summer Program. Students have been able to make visual and hands-on connections between our science lessons and our own backyard (Mobile Bay). We now have a Kindergarten student who is very passionate about science and aspires to become a Marine Biologist."
Josh Odem – Father
“Watching my kids learn at the Pelican’s Nest outdoor classroom is seeing education come alive through mud, salt air, and wonder.”
Ethan Olmstead – Fairhope High School Sophomore, Summer Camp Counselor
“I would much recommend going to the Pelican’s Nest with the program's help. I was more knowledgeable about Mobile Bay. It is always a great time and learning experience!”
Kelly Knapp – Spanish Fort Elementary STEAM Coach
“Pelican’s Nest has turned our students into curious scientists and lifelong stewards of our bay and surrounding environment.”
Bonnie Powell – Stapleton Elementary, Fourth Grade
“The Pelican’s Nest enhanced my 4th grade student’s learning through practical application of our state standards and increased their curiosity with hands-on experiences in the field. Thank you so much to this program for teaching our students and our teachers in Baldwin County!!!!”
Annabelle Vestal – Virtual Homeschool High School Junior, Pelican’s Nest Intern
“Being an intern at Fairhope’s Pelican Nest since 5th grade has shaped who I am today. The guidance has not only deepened my love for the environment and education, but the passion and dedication observed have inspired me and countless others to care more, learn more, and give back to our community.”
Eli Olmstead – J. Larry Newton 6th Grader
“The Pelican’s Nest has impacted me personally by allowing me to learn about sea life and get me to like sea life and other things about the bay”
Mollie Robinson – Mother of boys
“It’s so important for kids to explore nature; the PN offers that in the heart of our community in a fun and memorable way!”
Jennifer Graham – Mother of girls
“The Pelican’s Nest has turned my girls’ curiosity into real scientific skills. The hands-on labs and fieldwork make science exciting and builds confidence, critical thinking, and a strong connection to our environment. This program goes beyond facts and teaching—it inspires lifelong learning and care for the world.”
Jenn Clark-Grainger – Nature Connect School, Alabama
"Year after year, we've had the privilege of bringing the students of Nature Connect to The Pelican’s Nest to learn about the wonders of our incredible Mobile Bay. In return, the PN has graciously brought students to our campground to explore the creek and woods. I’m continually impressed by how the PN brings important environmental topics like erosion, clean water, and stewardship to life. The engaging and fun approach, from silly skits on how pelicans feed their young to hands-on learning with live local wildlife, keeps the kids captivated. As someone with over 10 years of experience in education and programming, I’m in awe of the ability to connect with children and make learning memorable. These kids will surely remember this experience for years to come."
Jennifer Jaynes – Fairhope High School, AP Marine Science/AP Environmental Science
“PN impact for students in Baldwin County is huge. It brings our area’s most precious asset, Mobile Bay and the surrounding ecosystems, into the classroom and to these students. It really helps give the students the “why” for the science they are learning and the reason it is so important.”
Mrs. Rose Wiles – Assistant Principal, Baldwin County Public Schools
“The Pelican’s Nest Science Lab has transformed our students’ connection to science—and to their own backyard. Through hands-on investigations tied to the ecology of Mobile Bay, our students don’t just learn about science—they live it. As an assistant principal, it’s inspiring to see their curiosity come alive as they explore the real-world impact of environmental stewardship right here at home.”