Programs for Schools at Stony Brook
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Through field studies and classroom explorations, Mass Audubon school programs provide hands-on, inquiry based experiences with science content and practices. Our educators enhance students’ scientific understanding of species and habitats; ecological concepts such as food webs, cycles, systems, adaptation, and evolution; climate change; and interrelationships between people and nature.
The wildlife sanctuaries of Mass Audubon Metro South offer a diversity of resources that make our school programs unique and versatile, including a working farm, an innovative art workshop, native wildlife ambassadors, and a variety of unique habitats and wildlife. Our programs use these resources to provide fun, engaging, hands-on experiences that connect students with nature, build observation and literacy skills, and help teachers meet state education standards.
Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary is home to an incredible series of wetlands, an extensive boardwalk system, 244 acres of natural habitat, and over 2 miles of trails. The boardwalk system will take students through forests, fields, and wetlands for up-close views of wildlife, including wood ducks, great blue herons, beavers, and more.
Program Types
In-School and at the Sanctuary
Whether you want to bring nature into the classroom or take lessons outside, our programs for schools offer insight into New England habitats and native species and enrich natural history and science lessons while strengthening students’ connections to the environment.
Stony Brook offers field trips programs for schools at the wildlife sanctuary, in-school programs led by a Mass Audubon teacher naturalist, and hybrid programs that incorporate both an in-class and in-the-field experience. Download the Metro South School Programs Brochure to learn more about our offerings and contact us to design the right program for your needs.
Teacher Professional Development
Mass Audubon’s Professional Development programs are designed to increase content knowledge, provide teachers with hands-on, STEM-focused learning experiences, and offer resources for teaching engaging, inquiry-based science lessons in the schoolyard or classroom. In-person and virtual workshops are available, along with consulting and site visits.
Mass Audubon works with districts and schools to engage Pre-K–Grade 12 teachers in meaningful professional development experiences that immerse teachers in the science of nature and the nature of science, furthering teacher expertise in nature-based learning, climate change, environmental literacy, environmental justice, and inquiry-based science. Our instructors are experienced educators, deeply interested in the experiences of teachers, and able to relate to the challenges of classroom teaching.
Mass Audubon offers both school-based PD programs to engage an entire grade level team or department in a deep dive on a particular topic or unit, as well as virtual and in-person public workshops throughout the year that are open to any educator. For an immersive experience, try one of our professional development Summer Institutes!