School Programs www.nhnature.org
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Make learning come alive at Squam Lakes Natural Science Center! Aligned to Next Generation Science Standards and New Hampshire Career and College-Ready Science Standards Relevant Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Performance Expectations are listed for each program. The materials and activities presented during programs and provided in follow-up lessons help students reach the Performance Expectations. Grades listed are guidelines based on NGSS connections. Teachers may select programs that meet their needs. Visit www.nhnature.org/teachers for specific connections to NGSS Disciplinary Core Ideas, Crosscutting Concepts, and Science and Engineering Practices. Extend the learning! Virtual pre- and post-visit experiences are available for some programs. Connect with a naturalist and a live animal to prepare your students for their upcoming program or continue to learn in the classroom. Visit www.nhnature.org/teachers for details. Why choose Squam Lakes Natural Science Center? • Animals! Nearly all indoor and outdoor programs feature a visit with one or more live animals. • A 200 acre outdoor classroom of forests, fields, ponds, and streams featuring the live animal exhibit trail with native New Hampshire animals and handson exhibits, plus three additional hiking trails. • Programs available at the Science Center or animals and naturalists can travel to your school. • A highly educated and professional staff of teacher naturalists experienced in working with children of all ages, abilities, and interests. • An extensive menu of programs to choose from or the option to create your own to meet the specific needs of your curriculum and students. • The only Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Accredited institution in northern New England.
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How to Use This Guide • Use the tabs on the edge of the pages for quick access to grade levels. • These symbols show when programs are offered: = Fall (September 1-November 1) = Winter (November 2-April 30) = Spring (May 1-June 30) = Summer (July 1-August 31)
• Use these symbols to determine if a program is available at the Science Center as well as at your school site: = at Squam Lakes Natural Science Center = at your location
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At the Science Center
PROGRAMS
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Indoor Live Animal Programs: These one-hour sessions in the Science Center’s amphitheater-style classrooms feature live, native New Hampshire wildlife like porcupine, coyote, skunk, woodchuck, peregrine falcon, great horned owl, and many more. Outdoor Programs: Most are one and a half hour sessions, including a short introduction inside, followed by outdoor activities, and ending with an indoor summary, usually with a live animal. Lake Education Programs: All lake education programs are two hours and limited to a maximum of 42 students per group. If your class size exceeds 42, you can split the group with part enjoying the exhibit trail while the other half participates in the lake program, and then switch. Live Animal Exhibit Trail: See native New Hampshire animals in natural enclosures and interact with and learn from the hands-on exhibits along the self-guided three-quarter mile live animal exhibit trail. Allow a minimum of one and a half hours for the loop walk (open May 1 through November 1). Hiking Trails: Enjoy three hiking trails on the Science Center’s 200 acres. Explore the Ecotone Trail where field meets forest or hike the Forest Trail to learn about the forest history and animals in the forest. For a bit more exercise, hike Mt. Fayal for a bird’s eye view of Squam Lake.
At your School Indoor Live Animal Programs and Outdoor Programs: Let the Science Center bring live animal programs to you! These programs are taught by expert teacher naturalists. Select from the programs in this catalog with a symbol or customize a program for your specific interests.
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Grades K-2 Programs
Preschool
INDOOR PROGRAMS (1 hour):
INDOOR PROGRAMS (30-40 minutes): Fur, Feathers and Scales Mammals, birds, and reptiles - what do they have in common and what makes them different? Students will meet a live animal from each group as they address these questions and learn skills such as sorting and classification. Stories on the Wild Side Reading and science come together in this fun program blending storytelling with up close encounters with live animals. We will read aloud a short story featuring animals and the natural world, followed by a visit from one or two of the story’s wild characters. OUTDOOR PROGRAMS (1 hour): Exploring Our Five Senses Awaken your students’ senses to the incredible natural world around them as they explore the outdoors. Students learn about their senses through a special activity for each sense. Visit with a live animal to observe its senses in action.
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Fur, Feathers and Scales Grades K, 1 Mammals, birds, and reptiles - what do they have in common and what makes them different? Students will meet a live animal from each group as they address these questions and learn skills such as observation and comparison. K-LS1-1, 1-LS3-1 Have to Have a Habitat Grades K,2 Animals live everywhere around us, but no matter where they live they all have basic needs of food, water, shelter, air, space, and sun. See three different live animals and learn how each meets its habitat needs. K-LS1-1, K-ESS3-1, 2-LS4-1 Marvelous Mammals Grades K,2 From herbivores and insectivores, to carnivores and omnivores, mammals have a range of functions in the natural world. Live mammals and hands-on props help students gain insight into the marvelous lives of mammals and the diverse habitats where they live. K-LS1-1, K-ESS3-1, 2-LS4-1
“This is our favorite field trip a great educational experience!” Moharimet Elementary School Teacher
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OUTDOOR PROGRAMS (1.5 hours): Animals and Their Five Senses Grade K Animals rely on their senses for survival. Through outdoor exploration and active games, students discover how different animals use hearing, smell, sight, touch, and even taste to help them survive. Visit with a live animal to observe its senses in action. K-LS1-1 Discover Winter Grades K, 1 Learn what animals do in winter and how they cope with cold. Through outdoor exploration, active games, and an engineering design challenge, students learn how animals meet their needs during this difficult time of year. K-LS1-1, 1-LS1-1
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Everything Has a Place Grades K, 2 Students learn about habitat through hands-on outdoor activities. They investigate a variety of natural communities and discover how animals and plants fulfill their habitat needs for water, food, shelter, air, and sun. K-LS1-1, K-ESS3-1, 2-LS4-1 Insect Adventure Grades 1, 2 Creep, crawl, hop, and jump! Investigate one of the largest groups of animals on Earth - insects. Students become junior entomologists as they collect and identify these sixlegged creatures from fields or ponds. 1-LS3-1, 2-LS4-1 Shaping the Granite State Grade 2 In our Granite State, geologic forces shaped the New Hampshire we know today. Through hands-on activities students identify landforms and water bodies on a map, build a landscape model, and test the effects of erosion and weathering on that model landscape. Meet a live animal influenced by the region’s geology. *Maximum of 24 students per program 2-ESS1-1, 2-ESS2-1, 2-ESS2-2, 2-ESS2-3, K-2-ETS1-3
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5 Grades K-2
Stories on the Wild Side Grades K-2 Reading and science come together in this fun program blending storytelling with up close live animal encounters. Animal characters in stories are often different from real animals, but students can still learn important truths about animals through stories. Visits with live animals featured in the tales will challenge students to separate fact from fiction. Post visit activities will help students continue to blend literacy and science back in the classroom. K-LS1-1, K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1, 1-LS1-1, 1-LS1-2, 2-LS4-1
Grades 3-5
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INDOOR PROGRAMS (1 hour): Animals in Winter Grades 3, 4 Winter means cold, ice, snow, and shorter days. How do New Hampshire animals survive these conditions? See three live animals up close and find out about various successful adaptations they use to cope with the stresses of winter. 3-LS4-3, 4-LS1-1
Good, Bad, or Ugly? Grade 4 What makes us like some animals, but not others? Learn the truth about misunderstood animals as we explore the physical and behavioral adaptations that make these animals act the way they do, often giving them a bad reputation unfairly. 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2
Creatures of the Night Grade 4 You don’t have to stay up late to learn about elusive nocturnal animals. Students see some creatures of the night and learn about specific adaptations that make these animals so well-suited for life at night. 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2
Have to Have a Habitat Grade 3 Animals live everywhere around us, but no matter where they live they all require the basic needs of food, water, shelter, air, space, and sun. See three different live animals and learn how each meets its habitat needs. 3-LS4-3
Eyes of the Wild: Hawks and Owls Grades 3-5 Peer into the raptor world through an up close experience with live hawks and owls that call New Hampshire home. Compare the fascinating similarities and differences between hawks and owls to discover how they are perfectly suited to the habitat niche they each fill. 3-LS4-3, 4-LS1-1, 4-LS1-2, 5-PS3-1
Predators Grades 3, 4 From small to large, all predators live by catching other animals. Students explore adaptations that make these animals successful by studying several live predators. 3-LS3-1, 3-LS4-3, 4-LS1-1
“All of the students, no matter what the age, were enthralled by all the animals and learned so much. I can safely say that all of us came away with a renewed respect for the wildlife that coexist with us in this state, and an appreciation of our impact on their environment and what we may be able to do to help.” - Currier Museum Art Center
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Wildlife Webs Grade 5 Carnivores, herbivores, omnivores, and insectivores! Meet three live animals that represent these different groups as we build a food web that models the interrelationships and flow of energy through the ecosystem. 5-PS3-1, 5-LS2-1
OUTDOOR PROGRAMS (1.5 hours): Discovering Geology at Work Grade 4 New Hampshire is a state of rocks, stones, and “mountain bones” shaped by geologic forces. Students discover the geologic processes that formed Squam Lake. They explore the effects of ice and water on the current landscape and create their own map showing local land features. Conclude by meeting a live animal influenced by the region’s geology. 4-ESS1-1, 4-ESS2-1, 4-ESS2-2 Ecosystems Scavenger Hunt Grade 5 In small exploratory teams, students collect and analyze data. These data help them learn how matter moves among producers, consumers, decomposers, and the environment. Students will develop a model to describe these relationships. 5-LS2-1, 5-PS3-1 Energy and the Web of Life Grade 5 Students examine the energy-rich components of a natural community and, through hands-on activities, gain an understanding of the flow of the sun’s energy through forest, field, and pond. Students experience how living things are connected in a web of life. 5-PS3-1, 5-LS2-1
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Grades 3-5
Stories on the Wild Side Grades 3, 4 Reading and science come together in this fun program that blends storytelling with up close live animal encounters. Animal characters in stories are often very different from real animals, but students can still learn important truths about animals through stories. Visits with live animals featured in the tales will challenge students to separate fact from fiction. Post visit activities will help students continue to blend literacy and science back in the classroom. 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3, 4-LS1-1
Grades 3-5
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Geology Lake Cruise: Shaping Squam Grade 4 Cruise Squam Lake to discover how geology shaped the lake and its surrounding watershed, which influences the animals living there too. During this hands-on, minds-on cruise aboard pontoon boats, students will analyze and interpret data from maps and take depth measurements to locate themselves and surrounding landmarks on a lake chart. They will also learn how the lake basins influence loons. 4-ESS1-1, 4-ESS2-1, 4-ESS2-2 Habitats Grades 3-5 Through outdoor activities, students learn about the complex interrelationships among living things that are the essence of all natural communities. Students will model these interrelationships by developing a food web, and exploring how animals are particularly well-suited for the habitats where they live. 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3, 4-LS1-1, 5-PS3-1, 5-LS2-1
Living Wild: Plant and Animal Adaptations Grades 3, 4 Students learn how animals survive in the wild with a variety of learn-by-doing activities. Students role-play and investigate plant and animal adaptations in outdoor natural communities. 3-LS4-3, 4-LS1-1 Predator Survival Grades 3-5 Predators are a crucial part of any ecosystem. Explore the role predators play through food web models and active outdoor simulations of the interrelationships between predator and prey. Meet a live predator to observe its adaptations up close. 3-LS2-1, 4-LS1-1, 5-LS2-1, 5-PS3-1
Interactions of the Spheres Grade 5 Earth’s major systems are the geosphere (solid and molten rock, soil, and sediments), the hydrosphere (water and ice), the atmosphere (air), and the biosphere (living things, including humans). These systems interact in multiple ways to affect Earth’s surface materials and processes. Through hands-on activities and visits with live animals, students develop models to demonstrate three different examples of interactions between the spheres. 5-ESS2-1, 3-5-ETS1-2
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Winter Birds Grades 3-5 Students learn how and why birds are banded. They help capture and release wild birds and collect measurements for banding records under the direction of a Master Bird Bander. Students explore bird adaptations, migration, and identification using live birds and mounted specimens. Discussion covers the reasons scientists engage in this research and the questions that can and can’t be answered by the data. 4-LS1-1
Tree-mendous Trees Grades 3-5 Through hands-on activities students learn about the structure of trees and how forest communities are important to wildlife. The reliance of humans on trees and forests is also emphasized.
Winter Exploration Grades 3, 4 How do New Hampshire animals survive winter with cold, ice, snow, and shorter days? This outdoor experience combines natural history and active games to demonstrate how animals adapt to the rigors of winter. 3-LS4-3, 4-LS1-1
3-LS3-2, 4-LS1-1, 5-PS3-1, 5-LS1-1, 5-LS2-1 Wet and Wild: Water and Wetlands Grades 3,5 Water is vital to life. Wetlands perform essential functions, from controlling floods, to purifying water, to providing wildlife habitat. They are also amazing places to explore. Using indoor and outdoor activities and live animals, students learn why water and wetlands are important to both humans and wildlife. 3-LS4-4, 5-ESS2-1, 5-ESS2-2, 5-ESS3-1
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Grades 3-5
Squam Lake’s Microscopic Mysteries Grade 5 Rotifers, copepods, and phantom midges share our lakes. Take a trip on a 28-foot pontoon boat to study these and other zooplankton and discover their place in the lake’s food web. Student teams collect plankton samples and look at them under magnification back on land with a high definition projection microscope. All data are posted on the Science Center’s website for teachers to compare with results from past years. 5-PS3-1, 5-LS2-1, 5-ESS2-1
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INDOOR PROGRAMS (1 hour): Human Impacts on Wildlife Grades 6-8 Human behavior can have positive or adverse effects on wildlife populations. Through up close encounters with three live animals, students explore examples of negative human impacts and some working and potential solutions to reverse those negative influences. Through a follow-up activity, students design solutions to minimize environmental problems caused by human behavior. Species may include peregrine falcon, bats, or coyote.
Raptors and Food Webs Grades 6-8 Raptors are birds of prey that use talons to capture food. Using live birds and mounted specimens, we will model the role of raptors in the food web and discuss the adaptations that make them successful predators. Being at the top of the food chain can have its downsides in some cases. We will discuss the concept of bioaccumulation in the food chain and how it negatively affected some species. MS-LS1-4, MS-LS2-2, MS-LS2-3
Grades 6-8
MS-LS1-4, MS-LS1-5, MS-LS2-4, MS-LS4-4 Questionable Creatures Grades 6-8 The public image of some wild animals is often inaccurate and causes negative attitudes. A review of the good qualities of these questionable creatures gives this program a positive focus. Students will learn the biological advantages that give these animals bad reputations and how they aid in animal survival. MS-LS1-4, MS-LS1-8
“The students loved seeing the animals up close! Thank you! We had a great time.� Strafford School teacher
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OUTDOOR PROGRAMS (1.5 hours): Ecosystem Scavenger Hunt Grades 6-8 Divided into small exploratory teams, students collect and analyze data. These data help students discover how all living and non-living parts of an ecosystem are connected. Students will build a model to represent the flow of energy among these connections. MS-LS2-3
Geology Rocks! Grades 6-8 New Hampshire is a state of rocks, stones, and “mountain bones,” shaped by geologic forces. Through hands-on activities and exploration, students learn about different rock types, the geologic cycles and timeline that formed them, and the effects of ice and water on the current landscape. Meet a live animal influenced by the region’s geology. MS-ESS1-4, MS-ESS2-1, MS-ESS2-2
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Project OspreyTrack Grades 6-8 Learn about the Science Center’s research to track ospreys using satellite transmitters. Students gain an understanding of why these once threatened fish-eating raptors are important environmental indicators and how scientists are able to learn more about these amazing birds. The program includes an indoor overview of osprey biology, two outdoor activities, and the opportunity to meet a live animal. MS-LS1-6, MS-LS2-3, MS-LS2-4
“The field trip is the perfect combination of physical exercise, hands-on learning, expert teaching, and lots of learning.” Barnet School Teacher
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Grades 6-8
Field and Forest Ecology Grades 6-8 What characteristics make fields and forests such different natural communities? Through hands-on scientific examination, teams of students measure wind speed, temperature, soil pH, humidity, and other characteristics. Students review data and then compare and contrast the results between the two communities. MS-LS2-1, MS-LS2-3, MS-LS2-4
Lake Exploration Grades 6-8 Study Squam Lake aboard a floating classroom. Using hands-on measurements of pH, dissolved oxygen, water hardness, clarity, and temperature, student teams assess the lake’s health. Students also examine lake sediment and collect plankton to observe with a high definition projection microscope. All data are posted on the Science Center’s website for teachers to compare with results from past years. MS-ESS3-3, MS-LS1-6, MS-LS2-1, MS-LS2-3
Grades 6-8
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Understanding Climate Change Grades 6-8 What is the difference between climate and weather? What evidence do we have that our climate is changing? What is the greenhouse effect? What is the carbon cycle and how is it affected by human activity? Through hands-on activities students will answer these questions and others as we learn about the science of climate change. MS-ESS3-5, MS-ESS3-4
Winter Bird Banding Grades 6-8 Students participate in a bird banding operation under the direction of a Master Bird Bander. Student teams help to capture wild birds at a feeder, collect and record data, and release the birds again. Discussion topics focus on bird adaptations, migration, and identification, using live birds and mounted specimens. MS-LS1-4, MS-LS1-5, MS-LS2-4
Taking Action on Climate Change Grades 6-8 As a follow up to Understanding Climate Change, students will explore solutions to climate change. Students will develop an action plan they can implement at home or at school to help reduce their impact on the environment and to help others understand climate change. MS-ESS3-3
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INDOOR PROGRAMS (1 hour): Animals with Bad Reputations Grades 9-12 The public image of some animals is often inaccurate, based on rumors and misinformation, which leads to attitudes detrimental to wildlife and the environment. Take a close look at the good qualities of some animals with unfair bad reputations as we reconsider our opinions of these animals and consider how to apply this thinking to our human relationships too. Indoor Live Animal Programs Grades 9-12 Give your students the opportunity to have an up close encounter with native New Hampshire wildlife in these one-hour programs featuring three live animals. You select the focus of the program. Choose from a variety of themes such as New Hampshire Wildlife, Birds of Prey, Owls of New Hampshire, Predators, or New Hampshire Mammals. Have a different topic in mind? Call us to customize a program for your students.
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Field and Forest Ecology Grades 9-12 What are the stresses and benefits of living in different places? How do plants and animals adapt? Students investigate the differences between the natural communities of fields and forests. Through hands-on scientific studies, teams measure wind speed, temperature, soil pH, humidity, and other factors. Discussion compares and contrasts the measurements. Lake Ecology Grades 9-12 (2 hours) Study Squam Lake on a floating classroom. Using hands-on measurements of pH, dissolved oxygen, water hardness, clarity, temperature, and other parameters, student teams can assess the lake’s health. Students also examine lake sediment and collect plankton to observe with a high definition projection microscope. All data are posted on the Science Center’s website for teachers to compare with results from past years.
603-968-7194
Grades 9-12
“We had such an enjoyable time that we have already started talking about planning another visit in the spring once the trails reopen.” Spaulding Youth Center
OUTDOOR PROGRAMS (1.5 hours): The following programs will engage your students with data collection to bring the NGSS Science and Engineering Practices to life while helping students increase their understanding of the Nature of Science.
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Project OspreyTrack Grades 9-12 Find out about the Science Center’s research to track ospreys through using satellite transmitters. Students gain an understanding of why these once threatened fish-eating raptors are important environmental indicators and how scientists are able to learn more about these amazing birds. The program includes an indoor overview of osprey biology, two outdoor activities, and the opportunity to meet a live animal.
“It was a wonderful visit - one student shared that it was the best day of school in his whole life. Thank you.” Croydon Village School teacher
Grades 9-12
Winter Bird Banding Grades 9-12 Birds have been banded and monitored at the Science Center’s winter feeders for more than 30 years. Student teams contribute to this long-term study by making observations at a feeding station and participating in bird banding under the guidance of a Master Bird Bander. Discussion focuses on bird adaptations, migrations, and identification, using live birds and mounted specimens.
“You did a wonderful job engaging the audience and sharing your knowledge about the animals.” Weare Historical Society
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603-968-7194
Homeschool Programs Homeschool groups qualify for school rates and custom programs. Please call for information and reservations. Squam Lakes Natural Science Center also offers a series at the Science Center especially for homeschooled students, ages 4 to 6 and 7 to 10. The series runs once a month from November through April. Complimentary Visit for Teachers Get to know the Science Center before you bring your class. Call 603-968-7194 x18 to arrange your complimentary visit. Teacher Happenings Sign up at schools@nhnature.org to receive Teacher Happenings via email. Teacher Happenings contain useful information about programs, grant opportunities, and special offers.
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Tips for Your Trip Time: In addition to driving time, allow for registration and a restroom visit before your program. Consider using some of the educational activities from nhnature.org/teachers on your way to the Science Center. Weather: Plan ahead and be prepared for the weather and the season with appropriate clothing, footwear, insect repellent, sunscreen, and rain gear. Lunch: Your group may bring a picnic lunch. Picnic tables are available outside and under a covered pavilion. Trash: The Science Center is a carry-in, carry-out facility. Please bring your own trash bags. Gift Shop: The Howling Coyote Gift Shop features nature-related merchandise including many items for teachers. Teachers receive 10% off purchases in the gift shop (open May 1 through November 1 or by request).
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Bring Your Students Nearer to Nature Visit www.nhnature.org for the latest information about program fees. You will also find helpful tips and resources to prepare for your field trip. Make your reservation today.
Call: 603-968-7194 x18
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center Centrally located in New Hampshire’s beautiful Lakes Region.
Email: schools@nhnature.org Web: www.nhnature.org/teachers Our mission is to advance understanding of ecology by exploring New Hampshire’s natural world. “Your staff is knowledgeable and works well with all levels of students. Thank you for providing a great experience to us every year. We are able to show many students parts of New Hampshire they have not experienced.” Jaffrey Grade School Teacher
Holderness
Route 113, Holderness (just 10 minutes from Exit 24 off I-93) Rev. 1/18
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center • 23 Science Center Road • PO Box 173 • Holderness, NH 03245 Schools@nhnature.org • www.nhnature.org • 603-968-7194 www.nhnature.org 603-968-7194