Programs for Schools & Libraries

For over 35 years, we've been a natural science resource in the Connecticut River Valley, connecting learners of all ages to the wonders of nature.

We work with schools, afterschool series, field trips, homeschools, families, libraries, and more. Our programs are experiential, rich in nature play, and curricula-informed.

Our school programming is inspired by our successful day camp structure. These prolonged and diverse experiences immersed in nature are proven to be more impactful for student learning outcomes as well as improve physical, mental, and social-emotional wellbeing.

Our day-long experiences include a variety of hands-on activities and exploration that blend standards-aligned teaching practices with team building and play to cultivate meaningful memories where students see themselves as creative problem solvers, change-makers, and a part of the natural world. We encourage educator/teacher input and collaboration to improve our experiences and empower teachers to integrate these practices into their own learning environments.

Location 

The Nature Museum is an ideal learning environment for natural science programs.  Our outdoor teaching pavilion, pollinator gardens, native wetland, pond, meadow, and forest playscape provide a diversity of habitats for learning.  We can schedule programs on-site at the museum, off-site at regional natural areas, or at your own location.

Program Options

• Immersive Programs by grade 

• Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) & Expeditional Learning (EL) compatible

• Homeschool and mixed age/grade groups welcome

• Field Trips

• Visit the nature museum with your school with access to our grounds, indoor exploration of the museum, and the option to include an educational program. 

• Off-site or nearby hike with a naturalist.

• Special requests and custom programs.

  Families, libraries, and private groups

We welcome all members of our community to engage with these educational programming options, as well as other special requests such as birthday parties or rental of our Teaching Pavilion for your private event.

Pre-K and Kindergarten Programs

Amazing Powers of Amphibians

30 minute 45 minute program w/out habitat exploration. 1 hour and 1.5 hour program available w/ habitat exploration. 

Amphibians have remarkable adaptations for hibernation, escaping predators & catching food. We will explore the amphibian life cycle while learning about native New England species and their ecology. Educators come prepared with hands-on items, activities, and active games to engage participants! 

Animals in Winter

30 minute, 45 minute program available; 1 hour or 1.5 hour if combined with The Secret Lives of Winter Animals. 

How do animals survive and thrive in the cold? This interactive program will explore animal hibernation, migration & winter adaptations using lots of hands-on items such as furs, feathers & pelts. 

1st and 2nd Grade Programs

Inside A Bat’s World

30 minutes, 45 minutes, and 1 hour program available 

We love bats and hope you will too! This program dispels myths and teaches about this amazing mammal. We will learn about our Vermont bats through hands-on items, activities, story readings, and more.

Beaver Pond Exploration

1.5 hour program only 

Visit and explore a real beaver pond. Students will learn about what makes the beaver a keystone species in their ecosystem while exploring the pond habitat and searching for other aquatic critters. 

3rd and 4th Grade Programs

Fort Building

1 ½ hour program 

Get your students outdoors with an engineering challenge! Building forts helps students make observations, process possible solutions and develop team-building skills. Students will determine the best materials, site and method for building a safe and effective structure. This lesson combines creative innovation and nature!  

Fur, Feathers & Bones

1 hour program 

The Nature Museum has an amazing collection of natural specimens. This wonderful hands-on program will inspire everyone to learn more about our animal friends. 

5th Grade and Above Programs

Tremendous Trees

1 hour program

Did you know there are 110 different species of trees and shrubs in Vermont? Local trees and shrubs have some amazing secrets and can tell great stories about Vermont’s natural history.  One of The Nature Museum’s naturalists will help you unlock the mysteries of our woods and practice tree ID skills. A hike through the forest, taking a close look at different tree species, and games will engage all learners!

Wonderful Wetlands

1 1/2 hour program: perfect for Spring, Summer, Early Fall

 Visit and explore a real wetland, beaver pond and vernal pool. Wetlands offer animals a space to rest, live, and raise their young. This program will highlight the importance of wetlands in the ecosystem while students search for aquatic species, insects, turtles, frogs and other wetland dwellers.