Animal Adaptations

How do animals survive in the wild? They have special adaptations! Students will get to meet and interact with a variety of animals in this exciting, hands-on program. We’ll contrast and compare the physical and behavioral adaptations of the live animals we meet, and we’ll discuss their roles (decomposers, predators, etc.) within their environment. (Meets Next Generation Science Standards: LS1.A, LS3.B, LS2.C, LS4.C, LS4.D)

Owls

Wow your students with live owls in the classroom!  Owls have unique adaptations that make them efficient predators. This program also includes dissection of an owl pellet! (Meets Next Generation Science Standards: LS1.A, LS3.B, LS2.C, LS4.C, LS4.D)

On the Wing

Meet amazing birds of prey up close! Whether diurnal or nocturnal, learn how these fascinating hunters find and capture prey. Students may pet a domestic or nonnative bird in this program, but will not be able to touch the birds of prey. (Meets Next Generation Science Standards: LS1.A, LS3.B, LS2.C, LS4.C, LS4.D)

Pond Study

Only available onsite at Earthplace. 

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 Next Generation Science Standards: LS1.A, LS3.B, LS2.C, LS4.C, LS4.D)

Forest Ecology

Only available onsite at Earthplace. 

Discover the forest of the Connecticut outdoors! Start with meeting some of our animal ambassadors from the forest, and end on a trail walk to examine and identify elements of a forest. Learn how forests evolve over time, what happens when there’s a break in the canopy, and how forest layers are so significant for the organisms living within them. (Meets 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. Students will also explore valuable wetlands on the Earthplace property, and learn how they play a role in flood control. (Meets 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 to help them learn how soil is made, and how it plays a significant role in our surroundings. (Meets Next Generation Science Standards: LS2.A, LS2.B)

Intertidal Ecology

Take your class to the beach! 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 to withstand the extremes of their habitat. (Meets Next Generation Science Standards: LS4.D, LS1.A, LS1.C, LS2.A, LS2.B, LS2.C)