Grades 3-5

Animal Adaptations

Students will get to meet and interact with a variety of animals in this exciting, hands-on program. We’ll compare the special functions of different animals that enable them to live in their natural habitats! (Meets Connecticut Science Curriculum Standards: 3.2.a., 4.2.a. and Next Generation Science Standards: LS1.A, LS3.B, LS2.C, LS4.C, LS4.D)

Owls

In this fascinating owl program, students will get to see live owls up close and personal. They will also learn what makes these birds so unique; program includes a viewing of a dissected owl pellet. (Meets Connecticut Science Curriculum Standards: 3.2.a., 4.2.a. and Next Generation Science Standards: LS1.A, LS3.B, LS2.C, LS4.C, LS4.D)

On the Wing

Students will meet feathered friends up close! How does a bird fly? What does a bird eat? Have you ever pet a bird? What makes birds of prey different from other birds? (Students may pet a domestic or nonnative bird in this program, but will not be able to touch the birds of prey.) (Meets Connecticut Science Curriculum Standards: 3.2.a., 4.2.a. and Next Generation Science Standards: LS1.A, LS3.B, LS2.C, LS4.C, LS4.D)

Pond Study

This outdoor program allows students the opportunity to explore the inhabitants of a Connecticut pond! Students will learn about what makes a pond healthy, and how this connects to the greater ecosystem surrounding us. (Meets Connecticut Science Curriculum Standards: 3.2.a., 4.2.a. and Next Generation Science Standards: LS1.A, LS3.B, LS2.C, LS4.C, LS4.D)

Forest Ecology

Students will discover the forest of the Connecticut outdoors! This program starts indoors with meeting some of our animal ambassadors and ends outside on a trail walk to examine the forest communities. (Meets Connecticut Science Curriculum Standards: 3.2.a., 4.2.a and Next Generation Science Standards: LS4.C, LS4.D, LS1.A, LS1.C)

Water Cycles and Watersheds

Only available onsite at Earthplace. 

Everyone lives in a watershed, and everyone is a part of the water cycle! In this hands-on program, students will learn about the long history of water, and how they play a role in a water droplet’s journey. (Meets Connecticut Science Curriculum Standards: 4.3.a. and Next Generation Science Standards: LS4.C, LS4.D, LS1.A, LS1.C)

Soils and You

Rocks and soils are the foundation of every ecosystem. This program has fun, hands-on activities for students. Learn how soil is made, and how it plays a significant role in our surroundings. (Meets Connecticut Science Curriculum, Standards: 3.2.a., 3.3.a., 3.4.a., 5.4.a., and Next Generation Science Standards: LS2.A, LS2.B)

Intertidal Ecology

This program takes place at Compo Beach where students can explore the harsh environment of a strip marsh. Students will collect plants and animals and discuss the adaptations that allow them withstand the extremes of their habitat. (Meets Connecticut Science Curriculum Standards: 3.1.a., 3.2.a, 4.1.a. and Next Generation Science Standards: LS4.D, LS1.A, LS1. C, LS2.A, LS2.B, LS2.C)