You don’t need to travel any further than your local natural area or even your backyard to find some amazing biodiversity. Did you know we have over 20,000 animal species in CT? Join us as White Memorial guides you through the menageries of animals we have right here in our state, from marvelous mammals to resplendent reptiles to beautiful birds. The highlight is getting to meet a few live CT creatures up close!
NGSS: (1)-LS1.A; (2)-LS4.D; (4)-LS1.A; SEP: Constructing Explanations; CC: Structure & Function
CT ELDS: Strand C Science – 48.5, 60.7
The Litchfield Hills are alive with the sound of music…birds singing, toads trilling, coyotes howling! Join us for a program about the “music” of animals. Identifying animals by sound is a great way to get to know the creatures that call CT home. Audiences will learn just “who-who-whoooo” is making those common noises we hear in nature. A live barred owl will make an appearance too!
NGSS: (2)-LS4.D; (4)-LS1.A & D; CC: Patterns, Structure & Function
Let us expose your group to the wonders of the outdoors on a guided nature discovery hike. We’ll identify and provide fun facts about several plants and animals, and explain their roles in the ecosystem. This program works well for all age levels and ranges! Hikes can either be conducted on White Memorial property or on a trail at your location (a scouting charge may be added for offsite programs).
NGSS: (K)-LS1.C; (K)-ESS3.A; (1)-LS1.A; (2)-LS4.D; (3)-LS4.C; (4)-LS1.A; (5)-LS2.A; (MS)-LS2.A,B,C; (HS)-LS2.A,C; (HS)-LS4.C; SEP: Carrying Out Investigations; CC: Systems; Structure & Function; Stability & Change
CT ELDS: Strand A Science – 48.1, 60.2; Strand C Science – 48.5, 48.7, 60.8, 60.9
Just who-who-whoo are those big, beautiful birds of prey you see perched atop fenceposts by day or hear calling outside your window by night? This digital presentation by Education Director Carrie Szwed covers the hawks, owls, eagles, and falcons that call northwest CT home. You’ll even get to meet one of our raptors up close and personal!
NGSS: (1)-LS1.A,D; (2)-LS4.D; (4)-LS1.A,D; CC: Patterns; Structure & Function
CT ELDS: Strand C Science – 48.5, 60.7
Have you ever seen a dragonfly nymph or a water scorpion? Find out what aquatic macroinvertebrates live in a pond during a hands-on catch-and-release discovery session at Ongley Pond. Various themes, such as metamorphosis, predator-prey relationships, and adaptations, can be explored depending on the group’s needs. Don’t wear your brand new shows and plan to get your hands dirty! Onsite and in-person only.
NGSS: (K)-LS1.C; (K)-ESS3.A; (1)-LS1.A; (2)-LS4.D; (3)-LS1.B; (4)-LS1.A; (5)-LS2.A; (MS)-LS2.A,B,C; (HS)-LS2.C; SEP: Carrying Out Investigations; Analyzing & Interpreting Data (HS only); Using Mathematics & Computational Thinking (HS only); CC: Structure & Function; Stability & Change (MS & HS only)
During this unique nighttime experience, participants will learn that you don’t need light to discover the night! Using little or no artificial light, we’ll lead you down one of White Memorial’s trails, relying on our other senses to take in the wonders of nature. This program works well for groups that are staying overnight at one of our campgrounds or at The Carriage House, or even for adult groups! Weekday nights only. Onsite and in-person only. Must be scheduled at least 1 month in advance. Cost: $175. Lasts approximately 1½ hours. Maximum of 20 participants per hike. Please wear appropriate hiking shoes and layers.
NGSS: (MS)-LS1.D; SEP: Carrying Out Investigations; CC: Structure & Function
Rachel Carson painted a world void of the sounds of insects and birds in her ground-breaking book Silent Spring, published in 1962. Millions were stunned to discover the deadly consequences of our increasing dependence on potent pesticides. Poisons like DDT slowly accumulated in each stage of the food chain, almost destroying some birds of prey like the Peregrine Falcon and Bald Eagle. Gerri Griswold will give a talk on the history of DDT and the amazing comeback of raptor species with the discontinuation of its use.
Gerri Griswold has always been in awe of extinct species. This four part series introduces you to four fascinating animals that have become extinct at the hands of humans: the Thylacine, Great Auk, Passenger Pigeon, and Dodo Bird. Programs can also be presented individually.
Human activity clearly has a major impact on the natural environment and its inhabitants. Historically, much of this impact has been negative. After discussing several causes of species endangerment, we’ll take an interactive survey to find out how to make sure our environmental footprint for the future is a positive one. A couple of live animals and several natural props will enhance the program.
NGSS: (3)-ESS2.D; (4)-ESS2.E; (4)-ESS3.A; (5)-LS2.A; (5)-ESS3.C; (MS)-LS2.A,C,D; (MS)-ESS3.A,C,D; (HS)-LS4.C,D; (HS)-ETS1.B; SEP: Defining Problems; Interpreting Data; Designing Solutions; CC: Cause & Effect; Scale, Proportion, & Quantity; Stability & Change
White Memorial’s Nature Museum provides a glimpse into the natural diversity found throughout the Foundation’s 4,000-acre wildlife sanctuary. All education programs booked at White Memorial include admission to the Nature Museum for a self-guided tour. However, if you would like a guided tour of the museum, in which our exhibits will be interpreted by a staff person, please sign up for this program. Your group will get to delve further into the museum experience through engaging discussions and activities led by the tour guide. Onsite only.
NGSS: (2)-LS4.D; (3)-LS2.C; (3)-LS4.D; (MS)-LS2.A,C; (MS)-LS4.D; (HS)-PS3.D; (HS)-LS2.C; (HS)-LS4.C,D; (HS)-ESS3.A,C; SEP: Using Models; Carrying Out Investigations; CC: Scale, Proportion, and Quantity; System Models; Stability & Change