Center for Environmental Education

School Site Programs

Birds (1 hour/1 class)

Discover why birds are so unique and important as students are introduced to the sights and sounds of birds native to our area! Through slides, they will examine bird adaptations such as beaks and feet and through audio tapes, have a chance to hear bird songs. The program can be concluded with either a hands-on feather study, a migration game, or a bird watching hike and I.D. (binoculars provided).

Birdhouse Network (90 min/2 classes) AVAILABLE MARCH - JUNE ONLY

A science based research program from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, students will place and monitor birdhouses to observe the species and number of birds that use them. The data that is collected will become part of the Lab of Ornithology database used by bird biologists throughout the country. This program not only creates habitats for our resident birds, but also involves hands-on research, while incorporating other educational opportunities.

Birdwatching With a Purpose: Project Feedwatcher (90 min/2 classes)
AVAILABLE NOVEMBER - MARCH ONLY

Become part of a worldwide research project just by watching the birds at your feeder! This program, created by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, allows anyone to compile their own observation data and send it to the lab! This program combines a love of science and a fascination with birds!

Cemetery Study (2 hours/1 class)

This program invites students to travel back to the early 1800's to learn what life was like for the settlers of the Madden property. After a brief introduction, students will hike to our cemetery and collect data from the gravestones. This data will then be used to launch a discussion about nutrition, food preservation, lifestyle, human physiology, family trees, disease and family responsibilities. Finally, each student will do a gravestone rubbing to take home!
Sci 21 4/2, 3, 4

Classroom Pond Study (1 hour/1 class) (spring only)

This program is for groups which cannot travel to Madden. Through the use of samples from the pond at Madden, students will identify the animals, learn about their role in the pond, food chains, adaptations, and conditions needed for a healthy pond.

Climate Change and Personal Actions (90 minutes to 2 hours/2 classes)

This program explores climate and climate change and gives students the tools to prevent future environmental degradation. Using greenhouse models, tree rings, a powerpoint presentation, and computer models, students will come to understand how climate change works. An environmental impact worksheet lets students evaluate their own impact on the environment and understand how their choices will affect the whole planet. Finally, there will be a demonstration of solar power & alternative energy, a short video, and a problem solving session! This program can be adapted for grades 4 - 12. Requirements: Dark room, large screen, power, TV/VCR, and a calculator and pencil for each student! Sci 21 5/24, 6/4

Compass Skill Building Game (2 hours/1 class)

Learning to use a compass is a valuable and exciting experience for all students! In this program, students will learn all the parts of a compass and how to use one. Then, they will practice their newfound skills as they navigate around an outside area set up for them. Finding and following North, South, East, and West will be easy to understand after playing this game!

Coral Reefs (2 hours/2 classes)

Coral Reefs are one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet and are often compared to the tropical rainforests! This program is taught by Dorna Schroeter, Outdoor Education Program Coordinator who has spent 10 years diving, exploring, and studying the coral reefs of the Florida Keys. It begins with a demonstration of the equipment needed to explore the reef. Then, through video, the group will descend to a coral reef to examine its abundance and beauty. Next, using slides, video, transparencies, samples, and models, the group will explore such questions as, where reefs are located and why, who lives there, the health of today’s reefs, humankind’s impact on this incredible ecosystem, the coral polyp and how it functions, including its role, adaptations, and interactions among the reef creatures. Incorporated throughout the program will be stories from Dorna’s over 200 dives that will engage, excite, and motivate students! Sci 21 5/4 6/4

Creatures of the Sea (Gr. 3– 90 minutes/2 classes: Gr. 4 & up 2 hours/2 classes)

Everyone knows about whales, dolphins, and sea turtles but how many people know that pinnipeds are former land mammals that returned to the sea? Not many know that sea otters use tools to open their food or that octopus are considered the most intelligent invertebrate in the ocean! Students will learn how creatures that live in the murky depths produce their own light, and that the vampire squid from hell gets its name from the way it looks when it turns inside out! Following an introduction to the three major layers of the ocean, and some of the lesser known animals that inhabit them, students will work in groups to create their own imaginary creatures adapted to life in one these three ocean zones.

Forest Ecology (1 hour/1 class)

The Forest Ecology program is focused around a guided hike through the Madden property or a local nature trail. Using interpretive stops, games, and 'hands-on' activities, the students will be introduced to the temperate forest and the relationships between the habitat and its inhabitants. This program can be adapted to any grade level and many focus areas including: food chains, human impact, sustainable management, problem solving, maple sugaring (spring only), living and non-living things, and wildlife. A forest ecology program can also include a plot study, forest measurements, and tree identification. Sci 21 K/1

Forest Measurements/Plot Study (90 minutes/1 class)

Trees come in all shapes and sizes and are an excellent tool for a mathematical exercise! Students will measure trees to become familiar with the tree structure as they learn the importance of measuring techniques and standard units of measurement. Activities will vary based on the grade level. Tools and skills include: Biltmore stick, ruler, diameter tape, and pacing.
Sci 21 2/4, 1

Hibernation /Winter Adaptations (1 hour/1 class)

Students will learn how and why New York State wildlife adapts for the winter months! This program can have up to 3 components determined by weather conditions, time, and teacher preferences: hands-on furs and skulls, The Bear Adaptation Game, and/or the Jell-O Activity. For higher levels, this program can incorporate problem solving, ecological sciences, physical adaptations, and climatology. Please indicate if you would like to hold program indoors or outdoors. Sci 21 2/3,

Hudson River (2 hours/2 classes)

The Hudson River has played a dominant role in the history of New York State. Through discussion and slides, this program will explore the history and ecology of the Hudson River. Special emphasis is placed on the river’s ecological problems, the condition of the river today, current events, and the future of the Hudson. Through hands-on activities and demonstrations, students will actualize their role as caretakers of the Hudson River Watershed and understand the effects of pollution on the aquatic and terrestrial life in and around the Hudson. Sci 21 6/4

Human Impact: People and Nature (90 minutes/2 classes)

Human interact with the environment in many ways! Some interactions have such far-reaching implications as the greenhouse effect; others, such as local hunting seasons or the planning of city park are more close to home. Either way, our impact is felt. This discussion-based program takes a look at these interactions from a wildlife-specific point of view. Using various plant and animal examples, we will look at such topics as endangered and invasive species, persecution and conservation, pollution, and biodiversity. A selection of activities and community projects are available to custom-tailor your program to your area and grade-level. Where appropriate, a tour of your school grounds, a local park or forest can be an interesting addition to this program. Sci 21 6/4

I’m Only One Person, What Can I Do? (2 hours/2 classes)

This program takes an in-depth look at the pressing issues of consumerism and solid waste. Through discussion and demonstration, participants will learn about simple changes they can make in their homes and lives that will have a positive impact on our planet. The goal of this program is to empower students, giving them strategies for educating their families, and to show them how individual action does make a difference. Sci 21 5/3 6/4

Insects: Incredible Creatures (1 hour/1 class)

Did you know that there are more than a million different kinds of insects on our planet!? Through slides and hands-on activities, students will learn the specific characteristics that entomologists use to identify insects, and their relative, the spider. Every student will become an “amateur entomologist” as they learn about simple and complete metamorphosis, the difference between pests and helpful insects, and what role these insects play in our environment! Sci 21 3/4

Mammals of New York State (90 minutes/1 classes)

Students will connect to nature more closely as they discover the native mammals of New York State. Through hands-on furs and skulls students will come to understand basic needs and characteristics of a mammal as well as predator/prey relationships, food chains and animal adaptations. This program can take place indoors or outdoors.
Sci 21 4/4, 6/4

Marine Ecosystems (2 hours/2 classes)

75% of the earth’s surface is covered in water! Learn with your students about the different marine ecosystems that inhabit these waters. This program investigates a variety of salt-water habitats, including rocky and sandy shores, salt marshes, kelp forests, the open ocean, and hydrothermal vent communities. During a colorful slide presentation, the ecological roles of plants, and animals will be discussed along with physical characteristics of each habitat. Emphasis is also placed on the effects of pollution on marine ecosystems. In a hands-on activity, samples of shells, plants and preserved specimens will be classified into their respective ecosystems. Sci 21 5/4 6/4

Marine Life (1 hour/1 class)

Introduce your students to some of the animals they might meet
at the shore. This program will discuss roles of different animals in various marine ecosystem as students learn to see the beach as a habitat for animals and how this delicate ecosystem is affected by the tides, human impact and much more. . At the end of the program, specimens such as sea stars, sand dollars, sea urchins, crabs, and shells will be passed around.

Native American (1 hour or can be a full day program/1 class)

This program will show students what life was like for the Native Americans that lived in this region. Students learn about pre-European lifestyles and philosophy as hands-on activities compare Native American times and way of life to present day. A NATIVE AMERICAN ENCAMPMENT CAN BE VISITED. If time permits, students will participate in games played by Native American children. If a group wishes to do a full-day program, shelter building and story telling activities will be included.

Nature Activities (60 minutes/1 class)

Students will learn as they are having fun playing nature games! This program can compliment almost any area of focus from predator/prey relationships, camouflage, trees, or animals. Just let us know what you are studying! Sci 21 4/4

Nature Scavenger Hunt (1 hour/1 class)

Students will become detectives, use their five senses and special detective skills to search for a number of items. Following the search, a discussion will focus on the role of these items and how they fit into our ecosystem. Sci 21 K/1, 3 1/2, 4 2/4

Nature Story Telling (45 min/1 class)

Children of all ages love to listen to stories! Using puppets, children will learn environmental lessons through the telling of the Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein or The Lorax by Dr. Suess. Other stories may include Stelleluna and Verdi, or a variety of Native American tales. This program can be tailored for specific items, shapes, smells, and numbers for primary students and may be adapted to include local history and folklore for older students.

Nocturnal World of New York (1 hour/1 class)

In this unique program, students will learn all about nocturnal animals of New York State. The program will use sounds to help students identify birds, amphibians, and mammals that live in the wild areas of New York and in their own backyards! Games will help them experience the varied senses used by nocturnal creatures. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to enhance their auditory learning skills.

Owl Pellet Study (2 hours/1 class) *Please note special program fee.

Owls are very unique birds that inhabit the nocturnal world. In this fascinating study of owls, students are introduced to the sights and sounds of all the different owls that live in New York State. They will also study the special adaptations owls have for hunting at night and their unique digestive system. Finally, students will have the opportunity to dissect and owl pellet and discover what their owl had for dinner! The material fee for this program is $2.00 per student. Sci 21 4/4

Pond Ecology (spring only) (1 hour/1 class)

Students will begin by examining the differences between a pond and a lake, before going outside to visit the Madden pond! Here, they will use scoop nets to catch samples of the animals and insects living there. Following the collection period, the group will identify and observe their catch, learn about food chains, and the conditions necessary for a healthy pond. Students in grades 5 and up can participate in activities that analyze the chemical composition of the pond.
Sci 21 1/2, 4 2/3, 4 3/4 5/4 6/4

Raptors Around Us (90 minutes/2 classes) *Please note special program fee.

Throughout history, eagles, hawks, falcons and owls have been among the most loved and hated animals. This program takes an exciting and entertaining look at the adaptations of birds of prey found in New York State as well as the history of raptors, people, and the land. It will include a slide show, hands-on activities, many touchable artifacts and a live bird of prey that will get up close and personal with your class! This program is ideal for students who already have an understanding of birds and predator/prey relationships, but can easily be honed to satisfy your group’s specific needs and knowledge base. Special focus topics can include individual raptor species, DDT/pesticides, habitat requirements, endangered species, and more! Sci 21 4/4

*The cost for this program will be $175/program or $475 for a full day (3 programs).

Sea Turtles & Sea Turtles –Youth (90 min /2 classes)

Students will gain an in depth knowledge of sea turtles in this hands-on interactive class! Students will be introduced to sea turtles through slides, pictures, and models of a sea turtle and its nest before viewing a video of a research crew on turtle patrol. Filmed by a former member of the Outdoor Education Staff, this footage will include patrol members marking nests and releasing baby turtles into the ocean. Students will then explore the life cycle of the sea turtle as they come to understand the reasons they are endangered and the importance of saving them. In conclusion, students will participate in either an experiment regarding data collection and its importance, or a sea turtle game! This program can be adapted for grade levels 4-12.

Seed Study (1 hour/1 class)

Through seed sorting and critical thinking, students will learn the differences between a seed and a non-seed in this fun, interactive program! The lesson will also include the parts of a seed and all of the different ways seeds travel. After investigating many different types of seeds, students will play a game where they find out how hard it is for seeds to grow, and why they are so valuable and special for the natural world. Sci 21 2/3 3/1

Sharks: Misunderstood Monsters (90 minutes/2 classes)

Many of us think of sharks as killers that attack without provocation. Are sharks really, as some believe, the monsters of the sea? Through discussion, slides and activities, this program will explore the myths associated with sharks by examining what is known about sharks today. This will include their unique anatomy and physiology, and well as their importance in the marine ecosystem.

Survival/Primitive Skills (90 minutes1 class)

Learn the basics of outdoor skills! Topics in this program may include how to safely build a fire, how to build a shelter, and how to be prepared in the woods. This active and hands-on class will require students to work as a team in order to complete all activities.

Team Building Activities (90 minutes-2 hours/1 class)

Can’t come to our challenge course? This alternative team building experience takes place at your school! It includes activities which focus on team building, effective communication, problem solving, acceptance of others, risk taking, physical and emotional support, and working with people of different styles. This program supports the objectives of the NYS Character Education Initiative.

Tropical Rainforests & Tropical Rainforests -Youth (Grade 3: 90 minutes/2 classes; Grades 4 and up: 2 hours/2 classes)

Tropical Rainforests are the oldest and most diverse ecosystems on our planet today! They are home to more than half of our plant and animal species in the World, yet tropical deforestation is occurring at a rate of over 20 million acres of forests each year. Through discussion, slides, and visuals students will visit the rainforest and discover some of the plants and animals that live in each layer of this diverse habitat. Then, students will become biologists and discover their own unknown species from the rainforest. They will learn about the threats of poaching and loss of habitat to animal species and be empowered to become active in saving what is left of this precious ecosystem. Sci 21 3/3 5/4

Turtles, Frogs, Toads, Snakes, What's the Difference? (90 minutes/1 class)

Turtles, frogs, toads, snakes, what's the difference!? This class will answer the question as it examines the major differences between amphibians and reptiles. The characteristics of the two classes as well as the various biological adaptations of several species will be discussed. Students will also be introduced to the various snakes of the region, learn about their physical characteristics, and the difference between venomous vs. non-venomous snakes in our area before they have an up-close encounter with some live animals! Sci 21 1/4 2/3

We All Live in a Watershed (2 hours/2 classes)

This program will help students understand the importance of watersheds in their community. Hands-on activities, such as creating a watershed in a bowl, “Who Dirtied the Watershed”, and using a watershed model and an erosion model, will help to demonstrate the properties of water, the components of the hydrologic cycle, and the impact of pollution. The program will end with a discussion of human impact on aquatic environments and what each individual can do to make a difference!

Weather (90 minutes/1 class)

Rain, sleet, snow, humid, hot, muggy, what does it all mean!? This program will introduce the concepts and tools necessary to understand the weather. Students will learn how to understand the weather forecast, to use simple predicting devices, how the water cycle works, and different cloud types. They will leave the program feeling like amateur meteorologists! Program starts indoors and culminates outdoors . Sci 21 3/3 5/4

Wildlife & Wildlife-Youth (Grades K – 3: 1 hour/2 classes; Grades 4-6: 2 hours/2 classes)

All children enjoy learning about animals! This class will explore what beavers eat and how they keep dry, why the fox uses camouflage for protection, and more, as students discover animals that are born free and wild. The classification system of animals, animal habitats, and animal adaptations are among the topics that will be discussed. Through demonstrations and activities using pelts, skulls, and a cold-blooded friend, students will become wildlife experts! For older grades, slides will illustrate a larger range of wildlife, including threatened and endangered species.

Wolves (90 minutes/2 classes)

Throughout history, wolves have been misunderstood and feared by humans. This program explores the myths associated with these magnificent, yet, endangered creatures. Through the use of slides, audio, and video tape presentations, students will learn about the mistreatment of wolves by humans, past and present range, and distribution of wolves, the hierarchy of the wolf pack, family life, and the anatomy of the wolf. Discussions will include world reintroduction into Yellowstone National Park and current efforts to reintroduce wolves into the Northeast.