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

Lynne Kraskouskas, 09/18/18
Great educational facility. Fun and educational for all ages. Very much enjoyed the sub-canopy boardwalk peppered with stations featuring different animals and ecosystems of the surrounding area. There are educational presentations with live animals as well as an otter exhibit. A few times a week, the otters are fed a "fishsicle" and it is amusing to watch them try and get their snacks. Didn't visit gift shop or go for a cruise. That's the great thing about this place, one can come back again and again and have a different experience. Locals or regular visitors to the region can purchase a membership and come and go. There is a nice picnic area and food during the summer season. It was not busy the day we visited, but I could see it being a lot busier. Educational, interesting AND shady.
Julie Abati, 11/06/19
Fun, family friendly zoo. This facility is built and maintained to be a very natural setting for the animals. They have native species to New Hampshire like fox, fishers, deer and black bears. You get to enjoy a beautiful walk in the woods while learning about the local wildlife. They also recently built a wooden kids play area that my 13 yr old and 5 yr old love. Beautiful facility, animals areas well maintained, friendly staff. We are annual visitors.
Eric Jewart, 08/17/19
Had a fun visit there with my kids. We saw a presentation with a live porcupine which was cool. The presenter was very engaging. We spent about two hours total, just drifting and the main loop looking at everything there. The mountain lion and bobcat were pretty neat to see.
Spookymumma Baker, 08/06/19
Favorite place to go with the kids! We get a membership every year and it’s extremely worth it!!! Love all the animals and play areas for kids, let’s them be independent enough that moms and dads still feel good about it. I remember going here as a child and I am so thankful my kids get to as well! The trail takes about an hour ish or more depending on how long you spend at each exhibit. The dinosaurs that they have short term are some of the coolest things I’ve ever seen. Over all: go here, is amazing!
Sarah Lindahl, 04/19/19
Such a beautiful place. Awesome for all ages - great place for learning, exercise, and fun. Variety of animals, plants, and things to do! Love coming here.