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. Soda and water are available from vending machines, but we do not sell food.

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 with many items for students $5 or less. Open May 1 through November 1. The Howling Coyote Gift Shop has limited availability in winter; arrangements must be made prior to your visit. 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).

Bus Drivers Can Make A Difference: Reduce School Bus Idling. Turning your bus off…

Helps protect the health of drivers and students from the harmful effects of diesel exhaust fumes.
Reduces air pollutants that contribute to smog, airborne particle formation, and global warming.
Reduces fuel consumption and saves money.A typical diesel vehicle burns approximately one gallon of fuel for each hour it idles. If each bus reduces its idling time by 30 minutes per day, a company operating 16 buses could save over $2,500 per school year in reduced fuel costs.
Reduces wear and tear on the engine – saving on maintenance costs and increasing the life of the engine!

For more information consult the New Hampshire School Transportation Association and the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services.

Trail Q&A

See what your students learned on the trail.

Did you enjoy your visit to the Science Center? See what your students learned with a trail quiz.

Trail Questions for Grades 1-3
Trail Answers for Grades 1-3

Trail Questions for Grades 4-6
Trail Answers for Grade 4-6

Trail Questions for Grades 6-8
Trail Answers for Grades 6-8

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.

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

View episodes online.

Discover 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

Bus Bingo Trail Scavengar Hunt

Jenny Brooks, 02/08/19
Something to do in every season for everyone who has an interest in Wildlife and Nature. We've been to the Raptor Spectacular day in September and the Winter Walk in January. Both were excellent value for money.
Cherie Binns, 12/19/18
I just love this place! It is slightly off the beaten path but easy to locate. Plan on spending a couple of hours here to learn about the local wildlife habits , habitat, and food. And , best of all, meet that local wild life in its natural setting.! This business is part of the membership chain of regional zoos and science museums so honors your membership to others around the country for free admission or reduced cost admission to here. I would plan on at least 2-3 hours here although it could be covered (without small children in a bit over an hour). Walk ways are generally paved and handicapped accessible as are the buildings that are dedicated to species or habitat education.
Howard Nash, 10/08/18
Very well presented exhibit on the wildlife of New Hampshire. Coming from the UK, we had some concerns about the moral question of keeping wild animals in cages. This was set against the very obvious great condition of the animals on display and the effort taken to educate on the natural world - a video or even holograph would not have the same impact. The reason we give it only 4 stars is that not enough effort is made to explain why the animals, particularly the large animals, are kept in relatively small enclosures. Looking at the negative reviews that focus on the moral question, your responses are very encouraging. Perhaps you should cut out the middleman and make more effort at the Centre to explain why the animals are maintained in captivity from a conservation perspective.
Eben Gannett, 03/26/19
This is by far one the best not so hidden gems of Central New Hampshire! While it functions similarly to a zoo the goal of the facility is to rehabilitate and care for local animals found in the white mountains fo NH. The animals who stay are there for medical or other legitimate reasons to keep them from living in the wild and are given wonderful care. The staff that works there is knowledgable and kind, eager to answer any questions about the animals you may have. The path to see all the animals is fun and equivalent to many easy day hikes with spots to picnic, and a wonderful play/learning area for the young and young at heart. It is a place my family loves to visit time and time again, never getting board of the wonderful animals, new things to learn, and great day that always ensues.
Jason Plant, 12/21/18
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is a wonderful place for kids and adults alike. The animals are amazing and they are all rehabilitated from either injuries or abandonment at a young age. The atmosphere of this place is great and I highly recommend going and becoming a member to support all of their community efforts and animals!