Humans depend on the Earth’s natural resources. But, with close to 8 billion people on Earth, those resources are getting used up fast! First, we’ll define/review “natural resource,” “renewable,” and “nonrenewable,” and show an array of everyday products that come from natural resources. Then we’ll see actual examples of renewable resources that are hopefully the wave of the future. Finally, we’ll brainstorm what actions we can take to preserve our global supply of natural resources. A live animal will also make an appearance! Onsite and in-person only.
NGSS: (3)LS2.C; (3)-LS4.D; (4)-ESS3.A; (5)-LS2.B; (5)-ESS3.C; (MS)-ESS3.A,C; (HS)-ESS3.A,C; SEP: Designing Solutions; CC: Stability & Change
This program will show participants how to be accountable for their material usage and, ultimately, be better stewards of the planet. First, we’ll see how nature breaks down and reuses materials and nutrients. Using nature as our inspiration, we’ll then discuss the 4 R’s (reduce, reuse, recycle, rot – compost) that we can employ to decrease the amount of trash that ends up in our garbage cans or in the environment. Onsite and in-person only.
NGSS: (4)-ESS3.A; (5)-LS2.A; (5)-ESS3.C; (MS)-ESS2.A; (MS)-ESS3.C; (HS)-ESS3.A,C; SEP: Asking Questions; Carrying Out Investigations; Obtaining Information; CC: Energy & Matter; Cause & Effect
Many people do not realize that there are endangered species even here in CT! Join White Memorial for a discussion on what local species are considered in peril, why they’re each important, and what we can do to help them. Plus, you’ll get to meet a couple of live creatures up close and personal, and play some fun interactive games!
NGSS: (3)LS4.D; (MS)-LS2.C,D; (HS)-ETS1.B; SEP: Engaging in Argument from Evidence; Obtaining, Evaluating, & Communicating Information; CC: Cause & Effect; Scale, Proportion, & Quality; Stability & Change
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)
No matter what “green space” we’re in, whether it’s at your site, at White Memorial, or at a park near you, we can find nature! We’ll lead participants in several fun physical activities, including a seek-and-find mission to spy natural items, from cones to acorns to feathers to live critters! Participants will truly get to be immersed in their outdoor environment, wherever it is, while learning some fun facts and ID tips about the natural items all around them. We will work with you beforehand to establish what green space we’ll use and develop the perfect program. For offsite programs, an extra scouting charge may need to be applied.
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
White Memorial, as well as many areas in CT, have three main ecosystems: forest, field, and freshwater. After an activity defining “ecosystem,” “biotic,” and “abiotic,” we’ll develop a food chain for these three ecosystems and talk about the flow of energy through them. We’ll also identify the role each inhabitant plays, whether as a producer, consumer, or decomposer. The program concludes with a couple of live animal encounters! In-person only.
NGSS: (5)-LS2.A; (MS)-LS2.B,C,D; SEP: Using Models; CC: Patterns; Energy & Matter
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.
Have you ever seen a porcupine in CT? Would you like to know more about Connecticut’s elusive “Quill Pig?” North American Porcupines are large, solitary rodents commonly found in New England. Although they are mostly nocturnal, they can be found perched in the top of a tree during the day. Porcupines are herbivores and typically have 20,000 to 30,000 quills that cover most of their body. Gerri Griswold will address the natural history of one of Connecticut’s most fascinating species and the world’s third-largest rodent in her beautifully-illustrated talk.
NGSS: (4)-LS1.A; CC: Structure & Function