Mass Audubon school programs bring science concepts and practices to life, helping students understand local species and habitats, ecological concepts, and the connections between people and nature. With topics ranging from insects to shorebirds, there is something to inspire curiosity in budding naturalists of all ages.
During the 2024-2025 school year, Mass Audubon worked with 28 Cape Cod schools, contributing to the education of 2,700 students. Here’s an inside look at the ways we’re connecting with students across the Cape.
Hands-On Learning for Elementary and Middle School Students
Nature is a laboratory for students and Mass Audubon's educators inspire fun and curiosity as these young naturalists build their understanding of environmental science. By engaging directly with nature, students think like scientists, engage in meaningful discussion, and reflect on their connection to the environment. Our multi-session science series meets students in their own classrooms as well as at the wildlife sanctuaries.
Bursting with energy and excitement, students frequently declare their field trip to be the "best ever" while teachers celebrate the opportunity to bring their curriculum to life with memorable moments that they’ll refer to all year long.
Bringing STEM to Life for Burgeoning Scientists
For the past decade, students at Monomoy Regional High School contribute to sea turtle research efforts by assisting Mass Audubon staff in performing necropsies (animal autopsies) on sea turtles that are found washed up on Cape Cod Bay beaches. Mass Audubon is permitted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to act as first responders for stranded sea turtles and to complete research on those that do not survive.
Mass Audubon staff teach students how to carefully assess the animal’s organs, noting any abnormalities, check the content of the stomach for information on their diet or signs of marine plastics, identify the turtle’s sex, and more. The data collected is shared with scientists across the globe, fueling research and guiding international efforts to preserve them.
"Very few scientists ever get their hands on a juvenile Kemp’s ridley sea turtle. This is a very special opportunity for our local students and contributes to our understanding of these federally protected species," explains Karen Dourdeville, Mass Audubon Sea Turtle Research Coordinator.
For sophomore A’Olani, the experience was unforgettable. "It meant a lot to me. Seeing how they live, how they survive in their wild habitat, and how they adapt is really interesting. I was heading toward studying biology in college, and then I did the necropsy and now I’m leaning toward marine forensics."
Her mother, Christy, was equally enthusiastic. "This is different than anything I’ve seen. The kids are working with real scientists! We’re lucky that Mass Audubon is so hands-on. When these kids get older, they’ll look back and realize just how meaningful it was."
Youth Climate Leadership Program
Mass Audubon’s Youth Climate Leadership Program connects students who are ready to take action with mentors and local experts that will help them turn their ideas into action. These incredible students work hard to deepen their understanding of climate science, strengthen their leadership skills, and work alongside passionate changemakers to make a tangible difference right here on Cape Cod.
This year, our Youth Climate Leaders on the Cape welcomed 70 students from five schools for the annual Youth Climate Action Summit. The summit began with a rousing keynote address from Massachusetts State Senator Cyr on the importance of youth engagement in climate policy, followed by a full day of activities on coastal resilience, sustainable housing, and community-based climate solutions, including a mock town hall.
Attendees developed their own Climate Action Plans, outlining specific issues they want to tackle in their communities and how they’ll drive change. It was an inspiring event filled with young leaders and big ideas, but the action didn’t stop there.
YCLP students from across Massachusetts came together for a Statewide Lobby Day, calling on policymakers to take meaningful steps toward protecting the natural world. Morgan Peck, Cape Cod’s Climate Change Education Coordinator, reflected, "It was truly a day of incredible youth power, determination, and some renewed hope."
Professional Development for Teachers
In addition to working directly with students, Mass Audubon provides a host of learning opportunities for teachers and education professionals. We work with districts and schools across the state, offering meaningful professional development experiences that immerse teachers in the science of nature and provide practical resources for teaching engaging, inquiry-based science lessons in the schoolyard or classroom.
Here at Mass Audubon, we know that it will take all of us working together to make learning fun and shape solutions for a healthier planet—one workshop, project, and conversation at a time.
Connect with Mass Audubon About Programs for Your School
Would you like to explore opportunities for bringing Mass Audubon to your school district? Learn more about school programs at Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary and Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary.
Thank You to Our Donors and Sponsors
Portions of Cape Cod’s educational programming is made possible by dedicated Mass Audubon Leadership Friends, and the following institutional and corporate funders:
Chapel of St. James the Fisherman
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church
The Ellen Abbott Gilman Trust
The Mary-Louise Eddy and Ruth N. Eddy Foundation
The Wellfleet Oyster Alliance
To learn more about supporting Access to Nature please contact [email protected].