All trails are currently CLOSED (live animal exhibit trail and hiking trails).
Visitors walking down the path at the Science Center

Resources for Teachers

Please use these resources before and after programs to benefit your students.


Tips for Your Trip

Learn how to make the most of your trip to the Science Center.

Program Length: In addition to driving time, allow time for registration and a restroom visit.
Indoor - One-hour sessions featuring live, native New Hampshire wildlife.
Outdoor - Most are 1.5 hour sessions depending on the program, including a short introduction inside, followed by outdoor activities, and ending with an indoor summary. See individual descriptions to verify program length. Dress appropriately for the season, activity, and weather.
Directions to the Science Center

Arrival and Registration: Please plan to arrive at least 20 minutes before the start of your first class. Upon arrival, students should stay on the bus while one teacher registers the group at the Welcome Center office. Payment may be made by check or cash. The teacher registering should know the total number of children and the total number of adults attending. One adult will be admitted free for every five students. All others will be charged the student rate regardless of age or membership status. Paraeducators are admitted free.

Trails: Open from May 1 through November 1.

Lunch: Your group may bring a picnic lunch. Picnic tables are available outside and under a covered pavilion. In wet weather, indoor space is available.

Trash: The Science Center is a carry-in, carry-out facility. Please bring your own trash bags.

Gift Shop: The Howling Coyote Gift Shop is located in the Welcome Center. Items for sale include nature-related books, t-shirts, cards, and toys. Open May 1 through November 1. All revenues support our educational programs.

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.

Rain or Shine: Plan ahead and be prepared. Dress appropriately for the season, activity, and weather. (Remember sturdy shoes and insect repellent).

Trail Q&A

See what your students learned on the trail.

Lake Ecology Data

View Squam Lake data going back to 1993 and see how the lake has changed.

Rotifers, copepods, and phantom midges share our lakes! Since 1993, students have studied the Squam Lakes up-close, collecting plankton samples and measuring pH, dissolved oxygen, water hardness, clarity, and temperature.

2016
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1993-1997


NatureWorks

View our award-winning environmental education instructional television series for elementary school children.

NatureWorksNatureWorks was developed and produced by New Hampshire Public Television and Squam Lakes Natural Science Center.

View episodes online.

NatureWorksDiscover the natural world and the connections that make nature work in this 16-part series for students in grades 3-6. Student host Patrice Forrester and Senior Naturalist Dave Erler of Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, explore the ways living things interact with the world around them. NatureWorks is designed to align with state and national science frameworks and standards and is a great way to introduce young people to the natural sciences.

Awards for NatureWorks:

  • NatureWorks Awards 2002 Notable Children's Video "Using an entertaining and informative style, sixteen 15-minute programs explore concepts for understanding ecology and environmental issues. Snappy photography, exciting natural footage, animation, and a lively soundtrack make this an engaging experience for children."
  • Winner of the 2001 International Film and Video Festival Silver Screen Award
  • Winner of the 2001 Parents' Choice Home Video Group Recommended Winner
  • Winner of the 2001 Gold International CINDY Award
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