Designed by Elizabeth Hanrahan, parents and visiting children in grades 3–7 as well as island youth are welcome to attend. There is no cost. For 2015 four different programs will be offered: How to read a NC Beach; Wetland Metaphors; Estuaries: where the rivers meet the sea; and The Incredible Journey (water cycle game).

Each activity-based program follows the North Carolina Essential Standards for Science. All will be taught by Elizabeth Hanrahan who is a full-time Ocracoke resident, an Ocracoke Foundation (OFI) Board member, a certified environmental educator and a licensed wildlife rehabilitator through the NC Wildlife Resources Commission and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 

Programs will begin each Wednesday at 10am and are expected to last 90 minutes and will be held at the NC Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) located on the harbor at the old Coast Guard Station.

The Outdoor Classroom Summer Programs are sponsored by Ocracoke Foundation.