For
Teachers
 Using
the Connecticut State Science Curriculum as our guide, we
have developed hands-on science programs designed to
complement and enhance your science lessons. We offer
hour-long, naturalist-led programs consisting of live animal
demonstrations, games and interactive activities. Each
of the programs can be modified to your class’s specific
unit or learning needs.
We also offer a field trip component for all grade levels. A
trip to the Nature Center has much to offer -- our pond,
forests, fields, animal habitat room, natural science
library and theatre can all be a part of your experience.
A classroom membership, for an annual fee of $75, entitles
each class to a naturalist-led program as well as three
seasonal issues of Nature Matters, a newsletter for
students. A one-hour program for non-members is $80 per
in-school program.
We look forward to hearing from you soon and hope you’ll
consider making the Darien Nature Center part of your
students’ learning experience.
Click
here for
a printable version of this page (PDF)
Below is a sampling of some of the programs we offer for
each grade level:
Kindergarten
Animals in Winter
Where do animals go when the cold winds blow? Who sleeps and
who hunts? Students will meet animals who know how to keep
warm in the coldest of seasons and find food under layers of
snow.
Nocturnal Animals
The fun begins after you’re tucked in. Soaring bats,
moony-eyed owls and midnight mice come to life after dark.
This program introduces animals who are active when the sun
goes down.
1st Grade
Animal Movement
Animals move in different ways based on how they are built
and what they weigh. See how the animals use motion to
escape predators and find food. Students will observe live
demonstrations of the principles of motion.
Habitats
Students will explore life in the forest, desert, mountains,
ocean, pond and grasslands. They will learn about the
adaptations that allow animals to survive in different
habitats and climates.
2nd Grade
Insects
What’s got compound eyes, a skeleton on the outside ears or
ears on its back? The most successful animals on earth —
insects. Students identify local insects by sight and
sound, learn about insect anatomy and examine their habits
and habitats.
I Dig Dirt
The soil beneath our feet provides minerals and nutrients
for growing things and a home for small animals. Students
will explore the properties of several soil types and learn
about the creatures that rely on them for life.
3rd Grade
Rocks and Minerals
What do the rocks we find in our backyards tell us?
Students will use mineral tests to identify several local
minerals and learn to make a scientific collection.
Animal Behavior
Some animals hoot...others spin….and some play possum.
Learn what animals do to survive ~ learn the tricks and
traits that keep them alive. Students will learn the
difference between instinctive and learned behavior.
4th Grade
Skulls and Bones
We’ll play the anatomy game and find out that all skeletons
are not the same. Students will compare mammal, bird,
reptile, amphibian and fish skeletons.
The Night Sky
Stars, planets, meteors and comets all come into view if you
know where and how to look for them. We will talk about
all the sky sights you can spy with the naked eye.
5th Grade
Watersheds
Water is constantly on the move. It evaporates, percolates
and travels through the air and underground. Follow the
journey of a drop of water through a watershed and learn
basic hydrology along the way.
Tree ID
Did you know that leaves have teeth? Which tree has the
shaggy bark? Learn the names of the most common trees in
Darien’s forests. Students will examine bark, twigs,
leaves and silhouettes to discover the identity of trees.
Program Information
Program Length:
One hour
Program Cost:
Classroom Member: $75
Non-Member: $80
Discounts:
$20.00 discount for scheduling back-to-back programs or for
one teacher scheduling three or more programs for the
year.
Cancellation Policy:
The Darien Nature Center reserves the right to send a
substitute instructor or reschedule programs in the event
that the naturalist is unavailable due to illness.
Class Membership:
$75
Membership benefits include:
One in-class visit by our Naturalist
Our student newsletter, Nature Matters
Didn’t find what you’re looking for?
If you’re looking for something special, whether it’s
rainforest critters or desert adaptations, our naturalist
will work with you to custom-design a program to fit your
students’ needs.
To register:
For class memberships, in-school programs and field trips,
please contact our Naturalist at 655-7459
Field Trips:
We also invite you to consider making a field trip to the
Nature Center. We will design a program of your choice,
using our on-site resources including our animals, trails
and pond.
Our Naturalist is available to discuss options or schedule a
program. This person can be reached at (203) 655-7459 or via email
at
naturalist@dariennaturecenter.org.
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