During this program, we’ll break down the four essential components of a habitat – food, water, shelter, and space (air). After a fun game reinforcing these components, we’ll use live ambassadors and fun props to learn about native animals that live in CT habitats such as fields, forests, and ponds. We’ll finish by teaching you how you can help CT’s animals by providing their habitat necessities.
NGSS: (3)LS4.C,D; SEP: Using Computational Thinking; CC: 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
What makes an insect an insect and why are they so important? Using artistry and live invertebrates, this program will teach young students what distinguishes and insect and why these cool and crawly critters are an integral part of any ecosystem. Onsite or virtual only.
NGSS: (1)-LS1.A; SEP: Engaging in Argument from Evidence; CC: Patterns
CT ELDS: Strand C Science: 48.5, 60.7
Participants will get to impersonate animals, and even meet several live animals up close, in order to learn how wildlife move in unique ways to find food and water. Get ready to jump like a frog, slither like a snake, and swim like a fish.
NGSS: (1)-LS1.A
CT ELDS Strand C Science: 48.5, 48.7, 60.7, 60.9
What makes a mammal a mammal? Or a reptile a reptile? How about an amphibian an amphibian? Scientists have grouped animals based on similar features. Using natural props, animal mounts, and LIVE animals, we will will break down the characteristics of several major animal groups. (If you’re looking for a program that also discusses the classification of plants, see “Classify THIS.”)
NGSS: (1)-LS1.A; (4)-LS1.A; CC: Patterns; System Models; Structure & Function
CT ELDS: Strand C Science – 36.5, 48.5, 60.7
This program discusses the interconnectedness of all life in a forest community. Participants will understand this connection firsthand as they literally construct a community of forest creatures out of sticks. In addition, they will get to meet several forest residents up close to learn how each species is so important to the community they inhabit. In-person only.
NGSS: (5)-LS2.A; (MS)-LS2.A; SEP: Developing & Using Models; CC: Systems and System Models; Cause & Effect
Do birds seem “over your head” literally and figuratively? Birding can become a fun lifelong hobby once you learn some of the basics of bird identification and observation. On this stroll, we’ll practice using binoculars while scoping White Memorial’s Main Area for common birds, which will be identified by sight and sound. Please wear appropriate hiking shoes and layers. This program can easily be modified for any age level, even adults. In-person only. If you would like this program conducted on YOUR property, a scouting charge will be added to the outreach cost.
(2)-LS4.D; SEP: Carrying Out Investigations
Plants have a life cycle, just like animals do. Using the more familiar life cycle of an owl for comparison, participants will understand similarities and differences between basic animal and plant life cycles. We’ll cover all aspects of the plant life cycle, including seed germination, growth, flowering, pollination, and seed dispersal. Several interactive activities are included, as well as a visit from a live owl!
NGSS: (2)-LS2.A; (3)-LS1.B; (4)-LS1.A; (MS)-LS1.B; SEP: Using Models
Can turtles leave their shells? Do opossums hang by their tails? Can owls turn their heads ALL the way around? All of these questions have to do with the adaptations these animals possess to thrive in their habitats. Find out the answers to these questions and MORE with White Memorial Conservation Center during their “Animal Adaptations” program. Using natural props, animal mounts, and even a couple of LIVE animals, we’ll illustrate how both structural and behavioral adaptations benefit animals. Participants will then be shown “mystery props” from local animals, for which they will propose how these body parts serve as adaptations.
NGSS: (3)-LS4.B,C; (4)-LS1.A; (MS)-LS1.B; (MS)-LS4.B,C; SEP: Engaging in Argument from Evidence; Obtaining, Evaluating, & Communicating Information; CC: Structure & Function