Pre-school and Kindergarten Outreach Programs
(45 min.-1 hour)
We can design programs to reinforce your curriculum. If a subject of interest to you does not appear below, please contact the Education Director for more information

  1. Bird is the Word: Students learn what makes a bird unlike any other animal. Through activities, hands-on artifacts, and games, classes will learn what attributes birds share with other animals and which adaptations set them apart from the various avian species. The program concludes with an up-close visit with a live bird.  Extended programs include an in-depth look at various species adaptations.

  2. Creature Double Feature: Students use their senses to meet live animals. They will discover how they are different and similar to these creatures. Focusing on how each species adapts to survive in its environment (what it eats, what covers its body, etc.), helps children gain a respect for and decrease their fears of several animal species.

  3. Incredible Invertebrates: Students meet several live specimens as they learn what makes an insect different from other invertebrates  By observing life stages and adaptations, students will learn how unique each creature is and why they are important to the environment and people alike.

  4. Rapp’n with Raptors: Students will observe several live raptors up close and learn about their behavior, physiology, adaptations, ecological importance and natural history. Hands-on artifacts and demonstrations will capture the imagination of young and old.

  5. Sensible Senses: The call of a bird, the scent of a tree, and the texture of bark are all ways to identify plants and animals. Students learn  these and other techniques to improve their sensory observation skills and to use them to identify natural organisms. After learning how our fellow animals use their senses to survive, we’ll investigate how we can apply their sensual adaptations to enrich our own lives.

  6. Sleep, Stay, Run Away: Students learn how animals know winter is on the way and how they prepare for it, Students will investigate winter strategies with hands-on activities, artifacts, and live animal observations. Discussions include adaptations, hibernation, migration and animal behavior. Extended programs include a look at animal tracking.

  7. What is a Tree? Through role-playing, songs, games and a journey into our woods, your class will discover the inner workings of a tree and the physical characteristics that define some of the common species found here in NJ. Students learn how animals and humans alike use the different parts of a tree, and who here in New Jersey call a tree home.