As we hike around nearby Ongley Pond, we’ll focus our attention on aspects of nature you might not see in warmer months, such as birds bouncing around in bare branches and bright natural colors that pop against a snowy, white background. We’ll also discuss how animals that remain active in winter cope with harsher conditions. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear! While the trail may be slightly packed down by past hikers, it is not plowed. This program is good for small groups or large groups that need rotation options. Onsite only.
NGSS: (K)-LS1.C; (1)-LS1.A; (2)-LS4.D; (3)-LS4.C; (4)-LS1.A; (5)-LS2.A; (MS)-LS2.A,B,C; SEP: Carrying Out Investigations; CC: Systems, Structure & Function; Stability & Change
Take a leisurely hike through the woods and get to know our local trees better, including how they function and why they are important to us, and to other animals. We’ll do some interactive activities to reinforce these concepts. For the appropriate ages, we’ll also teach you some simple identification tricks for trees such as sugar maple, white pine, red oak, yellow birch, and more. Please wear appropriate hiking shoes and layers. In-person and onsite only.
NGSS: (K)-LS1.C; (1)-LS1.A; (2)-LS2.A; (2)-LS4.D; (3)-LS1.B; (4)-LS1.A; (5)-LS1.C; (MS)-LS1.B; (MS)-LS2.C; SEP: Carrying Out Investigations; CC: Scale, Proportion, & Quality; Structure & Function
CT ELDS: Strand A Science – 60.3; Strand C Science – 48.5, 60.7
Plants are simply amazing organisms, not to mention necessary for our survival! After a discussion on the importance of plants, as well as an activity covering photosynthesis, we will go on a short walk around the Museum looking for notable examples of local plants. In-person and onsite only.
NGSS: (4,5, MS, HS)-LS1.C; (MS)-PS3.D; SEP: Using Models; Engaging in Argument from Evidence; CC: Energy & Matter; Structure & Function
When it comes to North American Beavers, it all about the ABC’s: their adaptations, their building abilities, and the need for their conservation. This outdoor program takes place along the shore of the beaver-inhabited Ongley Pond. After dressing up a lucky participant with the adaptations of a beaver, we’ll stroll past a real beaver lodge and chewed tree stumps, discussing beavers’ architectural skills and their importance as engineers in wetland ecosystems. Please wear appropriate hiking shoes and layers. Onsite and in-person only. (As an addition or alternative, we offer a 1 hour hike to provide a more in-depth exploration of the world of beavers. Additional charge.)
NGSS: (2,3)-LS4.D; (3)-LS3.B; (3,MS)-LS4.B,C; (4)-LS1.A; (MS)-LS2.A,C; SEP: Developing and Using Models; CC: Structure & Function; Stabilty & Change
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
We tend to overlook the smaller things in nature, but organisms such as fungi, mosses, ferns, and lichens are important components of an ecosystem. During this hike, we’ll take the time to appreciate each of these small wonders, plus any forms of tiny animal life that may cross our paths. Please wear appropriate hiking shoes and layers. Onsite only.
NGSS: (4)-LS1.A; (5)-LS2.A; SEP: Carrying Out Investigations; CC: Systems, Structure & Function
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
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
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