Live Animal Programs
With over 50 live animals in our teaching collection and hundreds of hands-on animal artifacts to support curriculum, come explore the amazing world of animals with us! Our collection includes snakes, hawks, ferrets, hedgehogs, tarantulas, owls and many more.
Click Here to learn more about our Live Animal Collection.
Animal Classification
By utilizing observation and deduction skills, students will discover how vertebrate animals are classified into five groups: mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds and fish. They'll then meet animals from several of these groups to help them in their study.
- CT Curriculum Standards: Core Sciences; A INQ 1, A INQ 2, A INQ 3, A INQ 4, B INQ 1, B INQ 3, B INQ 5
- NY Curriculum Standards: Standard 4 Science; Living Environment; 1,2,3,4 & 7
Animal Adaptations
We will discuss form and function as we observe the adaptations of several Nature Center animals. Students will role play the adaptations of a water mammal to facilitate discussions regarding how the form of each animal helps it survive in its habitat.
- CT Curriculum Standards: Core Sciences; A INQ 1, A INQ 3, A INQ 4, A INQ 5, B INQ 1, B INQ 3, B INQ 6
- NY Curriculum Standards: Standard 4 Science; Living Environment; 1,2,3,4 & 7
Meet the Animals
By meeting live animals, children learn how each is adapted to live in its environment:what it eats, where it lives and what covers its body. We'll learn about some common misconceptions as we study the species, emphasizing respect for animals. The course can be tailored to complement your curriculum and include aquatic animals, nocturnal animals, reptiles, amphibians and others.
- CT Curriculum Standards: Core Sciences; A INQ 1, A INQ 3, A INQ 4, A INQ 5, B INQ 1, B INQ 3, B INQ 6
- NY Curriculum Standards: Standard 4 Science; Living Environment; 1,2,3,4 & 7
Animal-ologies
The animal kingdom is incredibly diverse and exciting - and our collection of over 50 animal ambassadors lets us explore their world in unique and exciting ways! Students will get face-to-face with the group of animals that best fits your curriculum: mammals, birds, reptiles/amphibians or invertebrates. They'll learn how scientists study individual groups of animals, study artifacts and meet live animals from the chosen group.
- Book a series to introduce students to several groups, or for a broader overview consider our Animal Classification program.
Endangered Species
Students will explore the amazing diversity in the animal and plant kingdom and examine what's needed to survive. From here, we'll learn what threatened, endangered and extinct really mean for animals and plants, and what factors contribute to population decline. A forum discussion including real life success stories ties together lessons of the day and shows students how they can play a positive role in helping endangered species.
Birds of Prey
Observe several raptor species up close while learning about their adaptations, behavior, ecological importance and their natural history. Demonstrations, games and museum specimens will help illuminate the fascinating lives of these animals. Availability for this program is limited.
- CT Curriculum Standards: Core Sciences; A INQ 1, A INQ 3, A INQ 4, A INQ 5, B INQ 1, B INQ 3, B INQ 6
- NY Curriculum Standards: Standard 4 Science; Living Environment; 1,2,3,4 & 7
Edible Insects
Many people don't realize just how amazing - and delicious! - insects can be. Did you know that most countries utilize insects as a primary food source? Did you know that if you eat ketchup, you are eating fruit fly eggs? Students will learn about cultures that use insects as food, why it is actually sustainable to eat insects to eat them and even get to try some insects themselves!
Getting Ready for the Season (Winter/Spring/Summer/Fall)
Regardless of the season - Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter - animals have to adjust and adapt to their changing environment. An extension of our popular "Getting Ready for Winter" program, students will learn how nature changes each season and what animals do to get ready so they can survive to the nest season. We use our extensive collection of live animals to bring these wonderful lessons to life right in your classroom or at the Nature Center.
- This program is great when booked as a series over the course of the school year.
Getting Ready for Winter
How do animals know winter is on its way? We'll use museum specimens, participatory activities and some role-playing to learn how animals have adaptations to help them survive. Migration, hibernation and brumation are only some of the ways animals survive the coldest season.
- CT Curriculum Standards: Core Sciences; A INQ 1, A INQ 2, A INQ 3, A INQ 4
- NY Curriculum Standards: Standard 4 Science; Living Environment; 1,2,3 & 4
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