Search for School Programs at Boston Nature Center

During this trip, Students will spend time focusing on each of their senses and learning how we use them to experience our world. Through wildlife exploration and hands-on observations, they will compare and contrast nature objects, search for colors, and taste some of the plants found at the BNC. Students will also get the chance to explore the ways animals use their senses to survive! This program is offered all year round.

Field trips are 2 hour guided programs led by Teacher Naturalists and are held outdoors. Schools are welcome to extend the field trip with an outdoor picnic lunch/snack and a visit to the nature play area. School groups are divided into groups of 15 students with 1 Teacher Naturalist.

Field Trip prices are a sliding scale:

First Group of 15 Students:

• Tier 1 $120

• Tier 2 $150
• Tier 3 $180

Each Additional Group of 15 Students:

• Tier 1 $90
• Tier 2 $120

• Tier 3 $150

Tier 1

• 50% or more students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Tier 2

• 20% to 50% of students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Tier 3

• Less than 20% of students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Students will investigate the varied and complex ways that local animals live in our environment throughout the four seasons. Through hands-on / minds-on exploration and shelter building, students will understand what it takes for animals to make a home in Boston. Additionally, students will make comparisons between the found homes of insects and the built homes of birds, bees, and even humans. This program is offered year-round!

Field trips are 2 hour guided programs led by Teacher Naturalists and are held outdoors. Schools are welcome to extend the field trip with an outdoor picnic lunch/snack and a visit to the nature play area. School groups are divided into groups of 15 students with 1 Teacher Naturalist.

Field Trip prices are a sliding scale:

First Group of 15 Students:

• Tier 1 $120
• Tier 2 $150
• Tier 3 $180

Each Additional Group of 15 Students:

• Tier 1 $90
• Tier 2 $120
• Tier 3 $150

Tier 1

• 50% or more students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Tier 2

• 20% to 50% of students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Tier 3

• Less than 20% of students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Students will learn how birds have adapted to survive in their habitat through pictures, models, and observing birds in nature. Following a group discussion about adaptations, small groups will explore meadow, forest and wetland habitats while looking and listening for birds. In each habitat, students will be asked to notice what birds look like (physical adaptations) and what they are doing (behavioral adaptations). Following a guided field experience, students will create bird artwork that displays what they have learned. This program is offered year-round!

Field trips are 2 hour guided programs led by Teacher Naturalists and are held outdoors. Schools are welcome to extend the field trip with an outdoor picnic lunch/snack and a visit to the nature play area. School groups are divided into groups of 15 students with 1 Teacher Naturalist.

Field Trip prices are a sliding scale:

First Group of 15 Students:

• Tier 1 $120
• Tier 2 $150
• Tier 3 $180

Each Additional Group of 15 Students:

• Tier 1 $90
• Tier 2 $120
• Tier 3 $150

Tier 1

• 50% or more students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Tier 2

• 20% to 50% of students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Tier 3

• Less than 20% of students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Humans are connected to the Earth in nearly every part of our lives. Our food, our water, our air all come from the world around us. To make sure those connections and those environments remain healthy, humans have learned to protect and care for the Earth. During this program students will explore composting, recycling, and sustainability with hands on observations and activities.

Field trips are 2 hour guided programs led by Teacher Naturalists and are held outdoors. Schools are welcome to extend the field trip with an outdoor picnic lunch/snack and a visit to the nature play area. School groups are divided into groups of 15 students with 1 Teacher Naturalist.

Field Trip prices are a sliding scale:

First Group of 15 Students:

• Tier 1 $120

• Tier 2 $150
• Tier 3 $180

Each Additional Group of 15 Students:

• Tier 1 $90
• Tier 2 $120

• Tier 3 $150

Tier 1

• 50% or more students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Tier 2

• 20% to 50% of students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Tier 3

• Less than 20% of students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

The Boston Nature Center is made up of 3 separate ecosystems: forest, meadow, and wetland. During this trip, students will use scientific practices to discover the intricacies of each of these ecosystems and how they function. Through hands-on experimentation, data collection, and exploration, students investigate the biotic and abiotic factors that make these areas unique. This program is offered year-round!

Field trips are 2 hour guided programs led by Teacher Naturalists and are held outdoors. Schools are welcome to extend the field trip with an outdoor picnic lunch/snack and a visit to the nature play area. School groups are divided into groups of 15 students with 1 Teacher Naturalist.

Field Trip prices are a sliding scale:

First Group of 15 Students:

• Tier 1 $120

• Tier 2 $150
• Tier 3 $180

Each Additional Group of 15 Students:

• Tier 1 $90
• Tier 2 $120

• Tier 3 $150

Tier 1

• 50% or more students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Tier 2

• 20% to 50% of students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Tier 3

• Less than 20% of students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Plants and animals in an environment interact in a number of different ways, some positive and some negative. These interactions or relationships are integral to the health and functioning of any habitat. By observing and understanding these interactions, we can further understand how an ecosystem functions and how our actions as humans are impacting the environment and altering these relationships. In this program, students will explore the complex relationships between plants and animals through hands-on, outdoor activities and lessons. Students will observe plants and animals in nature and discuss their interactions with each other and determine if these interactions are competitive, predatory, or parasitic. Additionally, students will observe plant and animal artifacts to further develop evidence to support their theories about plant and animal interactions. This program is offered year-round!

Field trips are 2 hour guided programs led by Teacher Naturalists and are held outdoors. Schools are welcome to extend the field trip with an outdoor picnic lunch/snack and a visit to the nature play area. School groups are divided into groups of 15 students with 1 Teacher Naturalist.

Field Trip prices are a sliding scale:

First Group of 15 Students:

• Tier 1 $120

• Tier 2 $150
• Tier 3 $180

Each Additional Group of 15 Students:

• Tier 1 $90
• Tier 2 $120

• Tier 3 $150

Tier 1

• 50% or more students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Tier 2

• 20% to 50% of students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Tier 3

• Less than 20% of students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Students will compare and collect different types of leaves on a fall walk through the woods. While describing and classifying leaves based on structure, color, and other properties, students will learn about common trees in New England, how trees use light to grow, and how they adapt to winter. Through hands-on activities and experiments, students will study the relationship between fall colors and the changing seasons. This program is only offered in the Fall.

Field trips are 2 hour guided programs led by Teacher Naturalists and are held outdoors. Schools are welcome to extend the field trip with an outdoor picnic lunch/snack and a visit to the nature play area. School groups are divided into groups of 15 students with 1 Teacher Naturalist.

Field Trip prices are a sliding scale:

First Group of 15 Students:

• Tier 1 $120
• Tier 2 $150
• Tier 3 $180

Each Additional Group of 15 Students:

• Tier 1 $90
• Tier 2 $120
• Tier 3 $150

Tier 1

• 50% or more students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Tier 2

• 20% to 50% of students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Tier 3

• Less than 20% of students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

In this program, students will explore the characteristics of forest and meadow ecosystems that are present at the Boston Nature Center. Students will visit a forest and a meadow to observe, collect, and study organisms in their natural environment in order to understand how these ecosystems function as well as to compare and contrast the characteristics of forest and meadow ecosystems. They will discover how the parts of an ecosystem are interconnected and will discuss the importance of each part including producers, consumers, decomposers, and nonliving parts. This program is offered year-round!

Field trips are 2 hour guided programs led by Teacher Naturalists and are held outdoors. Schools are welcome to extend the field trip with an outdoor picnic lunch/snack and a visit to the nature play area. School groups are divided into groups of 15 students with 1 Teacher Naturalist.

Field Trip prices are a sliding scale:

First Group of 15 Students:

• Tier 1 $120
• Tier 2 $150
• Tier 3 $180

Each Additional Group of 15 Students:

• Tier 1 $90
• Tier 2 $120
• Tier 3 $150

Tier 1

• 50% or more students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Tier 2

• 20% to 50% of students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Tier 3

• Less than 20% of students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

In the ongoing work to mitigate the impacts of Climate Change, scientists and engineers have come up with some innovative ways to lessen human impact on the world. This trip will focus on the ways green building and sustainable practices have been used for this purpose. Students will tour one of the first green buildings in Boston, learning how it minimizes its impact on the environment. They will also explore other ways to be sustainable in their everyday life. This program is offered year-round!

Field trips are 2 hour guided programs led by Teacher Naturalists and are held outdoors. Schools are welcome to extend the field trip with an outdoor picnic lunch/snack and a visit to the nature play area. School groups are divided into groups of 15 students with 1 Teacher Naturalist.

Field Trip prices are a sliding scale:

First Group of 15 Students:

• Tier 1 $120

• Tier 2 $150
• Tier 3 $180

Each Additional Group of 15 Students:

• Tier 1 $90
• Tier 2 $120

• Tier 3 $150

Tier 1

• 50% or more students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Tier 2

• 20% to 50% of students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Tier 3

• Less than 20% of students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

The health of our environment is constantly being affected by the actions of humans. Every day we utilize natural resources as fuel and building materials, however, we rarely consider the impacts that we have on the environment by utilizing these resources. These impacts are causing dramatic changes in our environment and if we do not change our habits soon, future generations will not have a clean environment to utilize. In this program, students will discuss the direct impacts that humans have on the environment and how those impacts are altering habitats, wildlife populations, and natural resource supplies. Through hands-on, outdoor activities and discussions, students will identify the negative actions of humans and how they are impacting our environment as well as discuss ways to minimize these impacts in order to protect our Earth. Students will discuss the differences between renewable and non-renewable resources, observe the impacts of human actions on our environment, and discuss solutions for altering our actions and minimizing the environmental impacts. This program is offered year-round!

Field trips are 2 hour guided programs led by Teacher Naturalists and are held outdoors. Schools are welcome to extend the field trip with an outdoor picnic lunch/snack and a visit to the nature play area. School groups are divided into groups of 15 students with 1 Teacher Naturalist.

Field Trip prices are a sliding scale:

First Group of 15 Students:

• Tier 1 $120

• Tier 2 $150
• Tier 3 $180

Each Additional Group of 15 Students:

• Tier 1 $90
• Tier 2 $120

• Tier 3 $150

Tier 1

• 50% or more students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Tier 2

• 20% to 50% of students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Tier 3

• Less than 20% of students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Using hand lenses, sweep nets, and magnifier boxes, students will explore local habitats to find insects and other invertebrates that live there. They will learn to identify the many segments of insects' bodies and the function of each part. Students will learn what all insects need to survive and discover through hands-on investigation how they meet those needs. This program is NOT offered in November, December, January, February, or March.

Field trips are 2 hour guided programs led by Teacher Naturalists and are held outdoors. Schools are welcome to extend the field trip with an outdoor picnic lunch/snack and a visit to the nature play area. School groups are divided into groups of 15 students with 1 Environmental Educator.

Field Trip prices are a sliding scale:

First Group of 15 Students:

• Tier 1 $120
• Tier 2 $150
• Tier 3 $180

Each Additional Group of 15 Students:

• Tier 1 $90
• Tier 2 $120
• Tier 3 $150

Tier 1

• 50% or more students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Tier 2

• 20% to 50% of students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Tier 3

• Less than 20% of students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Students will discuss the life cycle of insects, including birth, growth, reproduction, and death, through hands-on activities and habitat investigation. They will utilize hand lenses, sweep nets, and magnifier boxes to explore a meadow, collect samples, and investigate insects and their life cycles. Through outdoor, hands-on activities, students will explore the functions of insects in an ecosystem, how the physical structures of an insect benefit their survival, and how their life cycles allow them to survive in specific ecosystems. This program is NOT offered in November, December, January, February, or March.

Field trips are 2 hour guided programs led by Teacher Naturalists and are held outdoors. Schools are welcome to extend the field trip with an outdoor picnic lunch/snack and a visit to the nature play area. School groups are divided into groups of 15 students with 1 Teacher Naturalist.

Field Trip prices are a sliding scale:

First Group of 15 Students:

• Tier 1 $120
• Tier 2 $150
• Tier 3 $180

Each Additional Group of 15 Students:

• Tier 1 $90
• Tier 2 $120
• Tier 3 $150

Tier 1

• 50% or more students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Tier 2

• 20% to 50% of students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Tier 3

• Less than 20% of students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Schools are welcome to extend the field trip with an outdoor picnic lunch/snack and a visit to the nature play area. Also, for an additional fee of $3 per student the guided portion can be extended with an extra hour of team building and games.

Have you ever wondered how maple syrup is made from maple trees? Visit the Boston Nature Center's maple sugaring operation during this magical time as winter turns to spring and learn all about maple sugaring! Experience first-hand how trees make sap and the process needed to create syrup! Participants will learn how to tap a maple tree; learn how tree functions change through the seasons; observe tools used by Native Americans, Colonial farmers, and today's workers; and savor the different tastes of maple sap and syrup! This program is only offered in February and March.

Field trips are 2 hour guided programs led by Teacher Naturalists and are held outdoors. Schools are welcome to extend the field trip with an outdoor picnic lunch/snack and a visit to the nature play area. School groups are divided into groups of 15 students with 1 Teacher Naturalist.

Field Trip prices are a sliding scale:

First Group of 15 Students:

• Tier 1 $120
• Tier 2 $150
• Tier 3 $180

Each Additional Group of 15 Students:

• Tier 1 $90
• Tier 2 $120
• Tier 3 $150

Tier 1

• 50% or more students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Tier 2

• 20% to 50% of students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Tier 3

• Less than 20% of students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Students will explore the varied and wonderful world of Massachusetts wildlife. Through hands-on activities and trail exploration, they will learn to identify local plants and animals and the adaptations that allow them to survive. Students will also discover how the interaction between these species is a fundamental part of the Massachusetts environment. This program is offered year-round!

Field trips are 2 hour guided programs led by Teacher Naturalists and are held outdoors. Schools are welcome to extend the field trip with an outdoor picnic lunch/snack and a visit to the nature play area. School groups are divided into groups of 15 students with 1 Teacher Naturalist.

Field Trip prices are a sliding scale:

First Group of 15 Students:

• Tier 1 $120
• Tier 2 $150
• Tier 3 $180

Each Additional Group of 15 Students:

• Tier 1 $90
• Tier 2 $120
• Tier 3 $150

Tier 1

• 50% or more students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Tier 2

• 20% to 50% of students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Tier 3

• Less than 20% of students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Migratory birds that frequent Massachusetts are finding it harder to complete their arduous journey every winter due to the effects of climate change. In this program, students will explore how humans are contributing to climate change and the impacts of climate change on migratory bird populations in Massachusetts. Through outdoor, hands-on activities, students will discover how migration is related to reproduction and survival, how the actions of humans are altering annual temperatures, and how migratory birds are adapting to the changes in their habitats due to climate change. This program is offered year-round!

Field trips are 2 hour guided programs led by Teacher Naturalists and are held outdoors. Schools are welcome to extend the field trip with an outdoor picnic lunch/snack and a visit to the nature play area. School groups are divided into groups of 15 students with 1 Teacher Naturalist.

Field Trip prices are a sliding scale:

First Group of 15 Students:

• Tier 1 $120

• Tier 2 $150
• Tier 3 $180

Each Additional Group of 15 Students:

• Tier 1 $90
• Tier 2 $120

• Tier 3 $150

Tier 1

• 50% or more students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Tier 2

• 20% to 50% of students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Tier 3

• Less than 20% of students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

From bees and butterflies to bats, pollinators are an integral part of every ecosystem. Students will learn about the different types of pollinators found in Boston and the adaptations that allow them to survive. Using hand lenses and sweep nets, they will be able to make up-close, hands-on observations of some of these important local species and the plants they pollinate. This program is offered in the Spring and Fall.

Field trips are 2 hour guided programs led by Teacher Naturalists and are held outdoors. Schools are welcome to extend the field trip with an outdoor picnic lunch/snack and a visit to the nature play area. School groups are divided into groups of 15 students with 1 Teacher Naturalist.

Field Trip prices are a sliding scale:

First Group of 15 Students:

• Tier 1 $120
• Tier 2 $150
• Tier 3 $180

Each Additional Group of 15 Students:

• Tier 1 $90
• Tier 2 $120
• Tier 3 $150

Tier 1

• 50% or more students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Tier 2

• 20% to 50% of students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Tier 3

• Less than 20% of students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Pollinators and decomposers serve essential functions in ecosystems. They move matter from one system to another and allow other organisms to thrive and reproduce. In this program, students will explore nature in order to learn about the roles of pollinators and decomposers in several different habitats. Through outdoor, hands-on activities, students will discover what species of pollinators and decomposers exist in our local environment, how these unique organisms benefit all living things in our ecosystem, and how these organisms can compete or work together. This program is only offered in the Fall and the Spring.

Field trips are 2 hour guided programs led by Teacher Naturalists and are held outdoors. Schools are welcome to extend the field trip with an outdoor picnic lunch/snack and a visit to the nature play area. School groups are divided into groups of 15 students with 1 Teacher Naturalist.

Field Trip prices are a sliding scale:

First Group of 15 Students:

• Tier 1 $120
• Tier 2 $150
• Tier 3 $180

Each Additional Group of 15 Students:

• Tier 1 $90
• Tier 2 $120
• Tier 3 $150

Tier 1

• 50% or more students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Tier 2

• 20% to 50% of students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Tier 3

• Less than 20% of students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Students will learn about the dynamic relationships between predator and prey animals. They will discover how these relationships change from habitat to habitat and how animal structures, such as legs, wings, feathers, claws, etc., help them hunt or survive. Through hands-on investigations of nature artifacts and interactions with live animals, students will explore adaptations that help animals hunt, survive, and reproduce. This program is offered year-round!

Field trips are 2 hour guided programs led by Teacher Naturalists and are held outdoors. Schools are welcome to extend the field trip with an outdoor picnic lunch/snack and a visit to the nature play area. School groups are divided into groups of 15 students with 1 Teacher Naturalist.

Field Trip prices are a sliding scale:

First Group of 15 Students:

• Tier 1 $120
• Tier 2 $150
• Tier 3 $180

Each Additional Group of 15 Students:

• Tier 1 $90
• Tier 2 $120
• Tier 3 $150

Tier 1

• 50% or more students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Tier 2

• 20% to 50% of students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Tier 3

• Less than 20% of students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

In winter, cold weather and harsh conditions can make it hard for many animals to survive. During this trip, students will investigate the many ways animals have come up with to prepare for winter. Through trail exploration, active games and hands-on observations, they will discover the physical traits and behavioral adaptations that allow animals to make it through the Winter season. This program is offered only in the Fall and Winter.

Field trips are 2 hour guided programs led by Teacher Naturalists and are held outdoors. Schools are welcome to extend the field trip with an outdoor picnic lunch/snack and a visit to the nature play area. School groups are divided into groups of 15 students with 1 Teacher Naturalist.

Field Trip prices are a sliding scale:

First Group of 15 Students:

• Tier 1 $120
• Tier 2 $150
• Tier 3 $180

Each Additional Group of 15 Students:

• Tier 1 $90
• Tier 2 $120
• Tier 3 $150

Tier 1

• 50% or more students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Tier 2

• 20% to 50% of students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Tier 3

• Less than 20% of students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Soil is an essential factor in the growth of all plants. It provides stabilization and structure for roots as well as all the essential nutrients for a plant to grow. In this program, students will explore the wonderful world of soil and discover how important soil is for the growth of plants. Students will discuss what soil is, what plants need to grow, and how plants grow from a seed into a mature plant. They will participate in outdoor, hands-on activities investigating soil to determine what it is made of, exploring ecosystems to discover what plants require to grow, and learning how nutrients in soil benefit the growth of plants. This program is offered year-round!

Field trips are 2 hour guided programs led by Teacher Naturalists and are held outdoors. Schools are welcome to extend the field trip with an outdoor picnic lunch/snack and a visit to the nature play area. School groups are divided into groups of 15 students with 1 Teacher Naturalist.

Field Trip prices are a sliding scale:

First Group of 15 Students:

• Tier 1 $120
• Tier 2 $150
• Tier 3 $180

Each Additional Group of 15 Students:

• Tier 1 $90
• Tier 2 $120
• Tier 3 $150

Tier 1

• 50% or more students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Tier 2

• 20% to 50% of students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Tier 3

• Less than 20% of students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Throughout history, humans have found ways to survive in the wilds of our world. During this trip, students will learn skills for finding food and water and building shelters outdoors. They will explore the ways animals survive in the wild and discuss how humans have emulated those adaptations for generations. This program is offered year-round!

Field trips are 2 hour guided programs led by Teacher Naturalists and are held outdoors. Schools are welcome to extend the field trip with an outdoor picnic lunch/snack and a visit to the nature play area. School groups are divided into groups of 15 students with 1 Teacher Naturalist.

Field Trip prices are a sliding scale:

First Group of 15 Students:

• Tier 1 $120

• Tier 2 $150
• Tier 3 $180

Each Additional Group of 15 Students:

• Tier 1 $90
• Tier 2 $120

• Tier 3 $150

Tier 1

• 50% or more students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Tier 2

• 20% to 50% of students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Tier 3

• Less than 20% of students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Animals have evolved some amazing ways to hide in plain sight. These adaptations mean we can be surrounded by animals and not even know it. This program will focus on the methods scientists have learned to track and find animals in the wild. Using field guides, students will learn to identify the signs of local New England species. While exploring the trails, they will use their observational skills to look for evidence of life and discover what exists in the ecosystems around them.

Field trips are 2 hour guided programs led by Teacher Naturalists and are held outdoors. Schools are welcome to extend the field trip with an outdoor picnic lunch/snack and a visit to the nature play area. School groups are divided into groups of 15 students with 1 Teacher Naturalist.

Field Trip prices are a sliding scale:

First Group of 15 Students:

• Tier 1 $120

• Tier 2 $150
• Tier 3 $180

Each Additional Group of 15 Students:

• Tier 1 $90
• Tier 2 $120

• Tier 3 $150

Tier 1

• 50% or more students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Tier 2

• 20% to 50% of students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Tier 3

• Less than 20% of students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Students will learn about the different body parts of birds and how they use them to survive. Students will go on a wing walk through the meadow and around the wetland to learn about the birds found in Boston while learning about the benefits of feathers and wings for birds. During a guided observation experience, students will draw the bird beaks found on birds at the feeder station. In an interactive experience, students will experiment with design and materials as they build their own large bird nests using natural materials. This program is offered year-round!

Field trips are 2 hour guided programs led by Teacher Naturalists and are held outdoors. Schools are welcome to extend the field trip with an outdoor picnic lunch/snack and a visit to the nature play area. School groups are divided into groups of 15 students with 1 Teacher Naturalist.

Field Trip prices are a sliding scale:

First Group of 15 Students:

• Tier 1 $120
• Tier 2 $150
• Tier 3 $180

Each Additional Group of 15 Students:

• Tier 1 $90
• Tier 2 $120
• Tier 3 $150

Tier 1

• 50% or more students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Tier 2

• 20% to 50% of students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Tier 3

• Less than 20% of students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

To endure the cold weather and harsh conditions during winter, plants and animal species have evolved some ingenious methods of survival. During this trip, students will do hands-on investigation and observation of the physical traits and behavioral adaptations that have evolved in these species. Trail explorations in the midst of migration and hibernation season will also give the students an idea of how local animals get through the Massachusetts winter. This program is in the Fall and Winter.

Field trips are 2 hour guided programs led by Teacher Naturalists and are held outdoors. Schools are welcome to extend the field trip with an outdoor picnic lunch/snack and a visit to the nature play area. School groups are divided into groups of 15 students with 1 Teacher Naturalist.

Field Trip prices are a sliding scale:

First Group of 15 Students:

• Tier 1 $120

• Tier 2 $150
• Tier 3 $180

Each Additional Group of 15 Students:

• Tier 1 $90
• Tier 2 $120

• Tier 3 $150

Tier 1

• 50% or more students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Tier 2

• 20% to 50% of students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Tier 3

• Less than 20% of students are Economically Disadvantaged Students as reported on recent DESE School Report Cards.

Learn how energy from the sun powers life on Earth, both living processes and the technologies we use to power our communities. Each lesson explores one aspect of the energy cycle; including photosynthesis, consumers, decomposers, renewable, and non-renewable energies, and how we can use alternative forms of energy to power our society without contributing to climate change.

In this unit we will explore the habitats of different types of "minibeasts", or macroinvertebrates, like worms, pill bugs, insects, spiders, and more. Students will engage in outdoor investigations to find out where minibeast live. Students will document their observations in field journals as they explore different habitats in their schoolyard and use models to explain how these habitats may or may not support the needs of invertebrates. Finally, students will apply their understanding and engineer a minibeast habitat.

Trees provide much more than shade or pretty additions to city streets and neighborhood parks. In this unit, students will answer the question: How do trees and other living things depend on each other? Students will explore habitats, adaptations, and life cycles, with trees as a unifying theme. With accessibility to all learners as a priority, lessons highlight the diversity of trees across various Massachusetts habitats, including suburban, urban and rural areas.

Are trees the solution to climate change? Through place-based, inquiry driven investigation, students will study the role of trees in the carbon cycle, and expand their investigation to find out whether forest sequestration, or indeed any one nature-based solution, is enough to fight climate change. Finally, students will explore their own role as a changemaker by planning a collective, climate-positive action.

In this unit, students will get outside and investigate the ways stronger storms impact their communities, specifically through rain and snow. They will identify places of vulnerability and places of resilience in their schoolyard or neighborhood. As a culminating project, they will design solutions to help reduce the impacts of stronger storms in their area and communicate it with members of their community.

Students will discuss and observer the various ways animals use movement to survive the challenges they face in the environment. To deepen their understanding, Students will engage with scientific text utilizing active reading.

Virtual Field trips are 1 hour guided programs led by Teacher Naturalists and include animal encounters or close up looks at natural artifacts.

Students will learn about the different body parts of birds and how they use them to survive. During a guided observation experience, students will study structures of feathers and wings, discover the benefits of each. Students will discuss the difference between evidence and opinion by studying different structures of birds.

Virtual Field trips are 1 hour guided programs led by Teacher Naturalists and include animal encounters or close up looks at natural artifacts.

Students will learn about the organisms found in fresh water and what they indicate about the health of the ecosystem. Students will practice using a dichotomous key.

Virtual Field trips are 1 hour guided programs led by Teacher Naturalists and include animal encounters or close up looks at natural artifacts.

Students will practice scientific observation skills by studying different structures of insects. They will then use critical thinking skills to categorize groups of invertebrates by features and adaptations.

Virtual Field trips are 1 hour guided programs led by Teacher Naturalists and include animal encounters or close up looks at natural artifacts.

Students will up-close encounters with our favorite reptile friends: Sammy, Patty, and Finn. Students will learn about the characteristics of reptiles, what habitats they live in and the adaptations each have to survive. Learn all about these reptiles, and others that call Massachusetts home, and what you can do to help protect them. Students will practice scientific observation skills by studying the different structures of reptiles and amphibians.

Virtual Field trips are 1 hour guided programs led by Teacher Naturalists and include animal encounters or close up looks at natural artifacts.