Animal Adaptations

How do animals survive in the wild? They have special adaptations! Meet and interact with a variety of animals in this exciting, hands-on program. We’ll compare how different animals move, what they eat, and how they grow! (Meets Next Generation Science Standards: LS1.A, LS3.B, LS2.C, LS4.C, LS4.D.)

Mammal Matters

What makes an animal a mammal? Meet some of the furriest, cutest animals living at Earthplace. We’ll also talk about predators and prey, see taxidermied mounts of common mammals in Connecticut, and touch live animals. (Meets Next Generation Science Standards: LS1.A, LS3.B, LS2.C, LS4.C, LS4.D.)

Slither and Swim: Reptiles and Amphibians

This program is all about animals that slither and animals that swim! Meet, touch, and learn about snakes, lizards, turtles, salamanders, and frogs in this program, and how these animals survive extremes in the wild. (Meets Next Generation Science Standards: LS1.A, LS1.B, LS1.D, LS3.A, LS3.B, ESS3.A.)

To Bee or Not to Bee

Imagine getting up close and personal with crawly critters such as beetles, hissing cockroaches, and tarantulas! We’ll explore the differences between insects and other invertebrates, and get to engage in fun, hands-on activities that teach kids all about the exciting world of invertes. (Meets Next Generation Science Standards: LS1.A, LS3.B, LS2.C, LS4.C, LS4.D.)

Pond Study

Only available onsite at Earthplace. 

Frog Hollow Pond awaits you! This outdoor program gives kids a chance to explore life in the pond and determine whether or not this body of water is healthy. We might find tadpoles, dragonfly nymphs, and maybe even leeches! It’s a wild world under the water’s surface, and this is a fantastic way to safely learn all about it. (Meets 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? 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 Next Generation Science Standards: LS1.A, LS3.B, LS2.C, LS4.C, LS4.D.)

The Significance of Seeds

Seeds are amazing, tiny packets of information and energy that become a plant! Learn how seeds can travel, what they need for germination and growth, and how to identify parts of a seed. Students will each dissect a seed of their own, and get to handle many varieties of seeds, including the largest seed found in the world! (Meets Next Generation Science Standards: LS1.A, LS1.B, LS1.C, LS1.D, LS2.A, LS3.A, LS3.B, LS4.D, ESS2.E, and ESS3.A)