Student Programs

Where learning happens....naturally

Living Lab Field Studies (K-12) 

Students participate in meaningful and authentic scientific experiences that emphasize inquiry, exploration and problem-solving through concrete and motivating learning experiences.  Emphasis is placed on collecting evidence to develop explanations and build inquiry skills.  Programs are specifically geared to each grade level.  Choose from Vernal Pools, Forest Ecology, Energy Sleuths or Forest Forensics.

Vernal Pools (K-12) A Living Lab Field Study. Use this unique, seasonal habitat to investigate habitats, animal and plant life and watersheds.  Activities include measuring, sampling and organism identification.

Forest Ecology (K-12) A Living Lab Field Study. Examine forest systems, diversity, ecological interrelationships and historical aspects of the land to help understand the interdependencies of forest life and the importance of forests in daily lives. Survey rotting logs, forest layers and the creatures that inhabit the forest.

Energy Sleuths (4-8) A Living Lab Field Study. Turn students' "potential" energy into "kinetic" energy.  An integration of science, music, dance and hands-on activities help students investigate energy concepts in creative ways.  States and forms of energy, fossil fuels, renewable energy, transportation and conservation measures may be explored. 

Forest Forensics (6-8) A Living Lab Field Study. In honor of Arbor Day and Earth Day, students are invited to a day-long event filled with scientific discoveries about the forest.  Learning stations are facilitated by guest presenters in the scientific field and students use critical thinking skills to make predictions, investigate clues, collect evidence and apply conclusions.  Call for dates; this is a partnership program with the CT Department of Environmental Protection.

Seasonal Explorations (PreK-12)

Discover the myriad natural events occurring in Connecticut's forests, trails and vernal pools.  Using prediction, observation and problem-solving skills, students detect the variations of animal behavior and plant production throughout the changing seasons.  Programs are specifically geared to each grade level.

Connecting Arts and the Environment

Through participation in written, musical or visual arts rooted in the environment, students gain an understanding of the value of observation, communication, interpretation, artistry and community. Students are encouraged to begin their journey of lifelong learning by connecting the arts to the world around them. Programs are specifically geared to each grade level.  Choose from Literature and the Land or Natural Artistry.

Literature and the Land (PreK-12) Connecting Arts and the Environment.  Relate the works of natural history authors and poets such as Jean Craighead George, Aldo Leopold, Lynne Cherry, Robert Frost, Eric Carle and others to the local landscape and improve students' joy of reading.  Through engaging activities students connect their readings to the habitats, plants and animals of Connecticut and the region.

Natural Artistry (PreK-2) Connecting Arts and the Environment.
Music and visual arts are often inspired by the fascinating sounds and sights of nature:  the seasonal color change of leaves, warble of songbirds and babble of streams, scenes of breathtaking vistas and buzz and hum of insects.  Hands-on, forest-related activities foster creativity, design and invention through observations and studies of plants, animals and landscapes.

 Registration information and Program fees