For over 25 years, we have supported the natural science needs of educators in the Southern Connecticut River Valley as a part of our community outreach programs.

We connect students and adults to the wonders of nature and spark interests that last a lifetime. Our programs are fun, educational, and get participants outdoors whenever possible. 

  • Are you looking for creative ways to bring nature into your classroom or to the community you serve?

  • Would your students benefit from a hands-on program in the great outdoors?

  • Do you see an interest in nature programming among adults in the community you serve?

Field Trips and Outreach Program Options

  • Our programs are customizable for your school or group's needs. Some possible formats include:

  • A multi-session series of 2-7 programs for grades 1-6 at your school, library or the Museum. You choose the number of sessions.

  • A customized program at The Nature Museum or at your location. We will work with you to design a program that fits your curriculum, your needs, and your budget. 

Scheduling Your Program or Field Trip

Our goal is to bring high-quality, in-depth science and environmental education into local schools and demonstrate to students that we all can have a sustainable relationship with the natural world. If cost is a barrier for your school, please contact us to talk about funding assistance options. We are committed to making our programs available to everyone.

Get it touch with us at info@nature-museum.org to schedule a program or to find out more about what The Nature Museum offers to students, teachers, and administrators.

Sample of Available Programs for K - 6

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.