MIDDLE SCHOOL CLASSES
Grades 6 - 8
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INDOOR PROGRAMS
Adaptations for Winter
Grades 6-8
Brrrr, it’s cold out there! How can our native New Hampshire wildlife survive such harsh weather? Your students will learn about the amazing adaptations that animals possess through observing live animals and discussing other strategies of avoiding winter such as hibernation or migration.
Available at SLNSC or school site
Fall, winter, spring
Creatures of the Night
Grades 6-8
You don't have to stay up late to learn about elusive nocturnal animals. Students will see some creatures of the night and find out about specific adaptations that make these animals so well-suited for life at night.
Available at SLNSC or school site
Fall, winter, spring, summer
New Hampshire Mammals
Grades 6-8
Students will look at structural and behavioral traits that make mammals an important part of our state's valuable natural communities.
Available at SLNSC or school site
Fall, winter, spring, summer
Predator Connections
Grades 6-8
Predators play a vital and sometimes misunderstood role in the natural world. Using several live predators, we will investigate how predators hunt and where they fit in the wild picture.
Available at SLNSC or school site
Fall, winter, spring, summer
Questionable Creatures
Grades 6-8
The "public image" of some wild animals is often inaccurate and responsible for negative attitudes. A close look at the good qualities of these questionable creatures gives this program a positive focus.
Available at SLNSC or school site
Fall, winter, spring, summer
Raptors
Grades 6-8
Raptors are birds of prey, which use talons to capture food. Using live birds and mounted specimens, students will discover how some avian predators fill different ecological niches.
Available at SLNSC or school site
Fall, winter, spring, summer
Winter Bird Banding
Grades 6-8
Students will participate in a bird banding operation under the direction of a Master Bird Bander. Student teams will help to capture wild birds at a feeder, collect and record data, and release the birds again. Discussion topics focus on bird adaptations, migrations, and identification, using live birds and mounted specimens.
Maximum group size is 30. Program is 2 hours. Fee is $6/student.
Available at SLNSC only
Winter (until March 15)
OUTDOOR PROGRAMS
Animal CSI (Creature Scene Investigation)
Grades 5-8
Can you decipher the clues at the creature scene where a dead snowshoe hare was found? Cooperative student teams will work together to solve this mystery by searching for tracks, scat, and other animal signs. Using the investigative process, students will make observations, record measurements, and form and revise hypotheses. The program will conclude with a visit from a potential predatory suspect.
Maximum group size is 30. Program is 2 hours.
Available at SLNSC only
Fall, winter, spring, summer
Field & Forest Ecology
Grades 6-8
What makes fields and forests such different natural communities? Through hands-on scientific examination, teams will measure wind speed, temperature, soil pH, humidity, and more. Students will review data and then compare and contrast the measurements between the two communities.
Available at SLNSC only
Fall, spring, summer
Lake Exploration
Grades 7 and 8
Join us on our floating classroom to study Squam Lake! Using hands-on measurements of pH, dissolved oxygen, water hardness, clarity, and temperature, teams of students will be able to judge the lake’s health. Student teams will also collect lake sediment and a plankton sample to be observed under a bioscope in the lab. All data collected will be posted on our website so teachers can compare results with data from past years!
Limit of 14 students/boat, with a maximum of 42 students for three boats scheduled for one time. If your group exceeds 42, we suggest that one half explore the exhibit trail while the other half is on the boats, then exchange.
Program is 2 hours. Fee is $175.00/boat/program.
Available at SLNSC only
Fall, spring, summer
Mountain Adventure
Grades 5-8
Your students will explore outdoor New Hampshire while hiking Mt. Fayal. Along the way, we will make natural history and geology observations. Program is 2 hours.
Available at SLNSC only
Fall, spring, summer
Make learning come alive at Squam Lakes Natural Science Center. Plan a school trip now! Our school programs are designed to enhance your school’s curriculum by providing interactive learning experiences. We offer fun, hands-on exploration of the natural world where children share the joy of discovery.
Fall, Summer, and Spring Programs
Include a walk on the Gephart Exhibit Trail (open May 1 to November 1). You'll see native animals in natural enclosures and visit the trailside "hands-on" activity buildings. Allow 1.5 hours.
Indoor Live Animal Programs
One-hour sessions featuring live, native New Hampshire wildlife.
Outdoor Programs
Most are 1.5 hour sessions, including a short introduction inside, followed by outdoor activities, and ending with an indoor summary. See individual descriptions to verify program length.
Fees for ALL School Programs
Fees are as listed below unless otherwise noted in individual program descriptions. Payment is expected the day the services are provided. If payment is not received within 30 days, a $25 late fee will be applied.
Fees for Programs at the Science Center (per student)
|
Indoor Program |
Outdoor Program |
2nd Program |
Exhibit Trail Only |
Minimum Fee per Program |
Fall |
$7.00 |
$8.00 |
$5.00 |
$6.00 |
$90.00 |
Winter |
$5.00 |
$6.00 |
$4.00 |
CLOSED |
$90.00 |
Spring |
$7.00 |
$8.00 |
$5.00 |
$6.00 |
$90.00 |
Summer |
$7.00 |
$8.00 |
$5.00 |
$6.00 |
$90.00 |
Fall – September, October
Winter – November through April
Spring – May, June
Summer – July, August
One adult is free for every five students. Additional adults pay student fee. Paraeducators are free.
Indoor and Outdoor program fees include admission to the Gephart Exhibit Trail. There is no minimum fee for exhibit trail use only.
Lake Education Programs
Program is 2 hours. Fee is $175.00/boat/program. Limit of 14 students/boat, with a maximum of 42 students for three boats scheduled at one time. If your group exceeds 42, we suggest that half explore the exhibit trail while the other half is on the boats, then exchange. Three boats are available.
Fees for Programs at School Site
$6/student, minimum fee $125 per program, plus travel fee of 48 cents per mile round trip. Schools 25 miles or more from the Science Center must schedule a minimum of two programs per reservation or incur a minimum fee of $200. A maximum group size of 60 is recommended. May be subject to "out of state" fees. Programs at your site are generally not available in May and October due to a high volume of school programs at the Science Center.
Cancellation Policy
There is a charge of 25% of the estimated program cost for cancellations made within ONE MONTH of your scheduled program and a charge of 50% within TWO WEEKS of your reservation. Cancellations due to school closings will be accepted. Cancellations are not accepted due to weather, except thunder and lightning or severe snow or ice. A rescheduling fee of $25 applies to all other date changes within one month of your arrival date. "No Shows" will be charged full price.
For more information or to plan a SLNSC program, please contact:
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
PO Box 173
23 Science Center Road
Holderness, NH 03245
Phone: 603-968-7194 extension 18
Fax: 603-968-2229
Email: info@nhnature.org
