Hitchcock Center for the Environment, Amherst, MA

 

SCHOOL OUTREACH PROGRAMS

The Hitchcock Center for the Environment is now in its 39th year of offering an array of quality programs for school groups and teachers. All of our school programs are designed to encourage children to explore by actively engaging them in the learning process. Students are encouraged to question, make discoveries and to work collectively during investigations. 

All school programs can be adapted for any grade, pre-K to 8. Programs are designed to meet the requirements of the Massachusetts State Curriculum Frameworks. A lesson plan with matching Frameworks is available upon request.

School Programs
Field Trip (2 hrs) = $160.00 per class
Classroom Presentation (1 hr) = $110 per class
Classroom Presentation and Field Trip = $265
Fun with Science Night = $325 per event


Life in a Pond
FrogA pond has much more than frogs and fish.  Ponds demonstrate a beautiful web of life from algae and microscopic organisms to insect larva and amphibians.  
We will use our limnology lab to practice techniques for observing small aquatic creatures and learning about their unique adaptations.  At the pond, we will collect and observe several varieties of creatures that depend on this habitat.

Program Length: 2 hours
Time of Year: September, October, May, June
Maximum Group Size: 60
Appropriate Grades: K, 1,2,3,4,5,6
Science and Technology Standards Applicable:   Earth Science (K-2) #1,4; Life Science (K-2)#1,2,3,6,8; (Gr.3-5)#3,4, 5,8,10,11; Technology/Engineering (PreK-5)#1

Wooly Bear Catapillar Incredible Insects
With over 60,000 different species of insects in North America, we are sure to have at least a few play a part in our daily lives. We will discuss the science of entomology and discover what scientists have learned from insects. Using tools to observe live insects in the lab, students will get hands-on experience as an entomologist. Through the collection of insects from various habitats, students will learn about the adaptations of insects and why they are important to people.

Program Length: 2 hours
Time of Year: September, October, April, May, June
Maximum Group Size: 60
Appropriate Grades: K,1,2,3,4,5,6
Science and Technology Standards Applicable:   Earth Science (K-2)#1; Life Science (K-2)#1,2,3,6,8; (Gr.3-5)#3,4,5, 8,10; Technology/Engineering (PreK-5)#1


Animals in Winter
The world is very alive in winter. We can learn about that life by following the tracks and signs of the creatures around us. We will explore animal homes, food, signs and various adaptations that animals use for winter survival. We will learn to recognize tracks and signs that tell a story about an animal's life during this challenging season.

Program Length: 2 hours
Time of Year: December, January, February
Maximum Group Size: 60
Appropriate Grades: K,1,2,3,4
Science & Technology Standards Applicable:   Earth Science (K-2) #1,3,4;(Gr.3-5)#6,7,12; Life Science (K-2) #1,2,3,6,7;(Gr.3-5)#3,5,8,9; Technology/Engineering (PreK-5)#1


Forest Ecology
Students will study the natural history of trees, the role of forests in our local environment, and the importance of plants in human life. Discover the dynamic processes going on inside of living and dead trees while visiting different forest communities. Students will develop a deeper empathy for trees as we build connections between ourselves and forests. Seasonal changes allow for variations in themes (i.e. foliage, buds, photosynthesis, etc.).

Program Length: 2 hours
Time of Year: September - June
Maximum Group Size: 60
Appropriate Grades: K,1,2
Science & Technology Standards Applicable: Earth Science (K-2)#1,2,3,4; Life Science (K-2)#1,2,7; Technology/Engineering (PreK-5)#1

Seasonal Discovery
 Discover the natural world with indoor and outdoor activities during any season. New England weather is in a state of constant change bringing us wonderful seasons. We will investigate a variety of habitats to increase our understanding of the uniqueness of each season, animal adaptations and behavior, and the changes taking place.
- Fall Colors- Sept. & Oct.
- Winter Excitement - Jan. & Feb.
- Spring Awakening - April & May

Program Length: flexible
Maximum Group Size: 60
Appropriate Grades: K,1,2,3,4,5,6
Science & Technology Standards Applicable: This program can be tailored to meet your specific curriculum needs.

Schoolyard Discovery
Many schools are realizing what a resource they have by utilizing nature trails, "weedy" patches, and forgotten areas in their own school yards. We can help you make connections between your in-class curriculum and the great outdoors of your school yard. No bus is needed or a whole lot of extra planning to expand the learning for your students. Call for more information.

Habitat Studies
 Every living thing needs a home or a habitat to survive. The Hitchcock Center has a variety of local habitats on site to experience first hand. There is a forest, a field, a pond and a wetland just waiting to be discovered for their uniqueness and importance. Just as each neighborhood has its own needs and inhabitants, each habitat has its own animals and interactions. We will focus on the components of a habitat and adaptations that animals have to live in certain habitats.

Program Length: 2 hours
Maximum Group Size: 60
Time of Year: Sept., Oct., Nov., March - June
Appropriate Grades: 1,2,3,4
Science & Technology Standards Applicable: Earth Science (K-2)#1,2,3,4; Life Science (K-2)#1,2,3,8; (Gr.3-5)#5, 10,11; Technology/Engineering (PreK-5)#1

Mountains and Valleys
 The Holyoke Range can tell us much about how the Earth's crust was shaped, melted by volcanoes, carved by glaciers, and worn by weather. This fieldtrip is based at the Summit House and helps students learn how fascinating geology can be and how the everyday landscape provides intriguing clues to the past. Discover the stories in the stones around us.

Program Length: 2 hours
Maximum Group Size: 60
Time of Year: Sept., Oct., May, June
Appropriate Grades: 4,5,6,7,8
Science & Technology Standards Applicable: Earth Science (Gr.3-5)#1,2,3,4,5,12

Salmon Survival and River Habitats
 The story of the Atlantic Salmon in the Connecticut River is a story of environmental success, where people have worked together to restore a once extinct species to local streams and rivers. On this field trip, students will learn about the history of this remarkable fish, negotiate a salmon migration obstacle course, and survey a stream to determine its potential as a habitat for salmon. Teachers will learn how they can participate in the Connecticut River Salmon restoration program in their own classroom.

Program Length: 2 hours
Maximum Group Size: 60
Time of Year: Sept., Oct., March, April, May, June
Appropriate Grades: 3,4,5,6
Science & Technology Standards Applicable: Earth Science (Gr.3-5)#10; Life Science (Gr.3-5) #3,5,8,10,11; Technology/Engineering (PreK-5)#1

The Technology of Winter
 It is amazing to find plants and animals alive in the harsh cold of winter. How do they survive? What adaptations do they have to cope with the cold? This program will highlight some of the cool animal and plant adaptations. Given some background information and materials, the students will design their own insulation for a make-believe animal, and then test it out. We will also go on a winter walk to observe first-hand some natural wonders.

Program Length: 2 hours
Maximum Group Size: 30
Time of Year: December, January, February, March
Appropriate Grades: 2,3,4,5,6
Science & Technology Standards Applicable: Earth Science (K-2)#3,4;(Gr.3-5)#6,7; Life Science (K-2)#1,2,3,6,7; (Gr.3-5)#3,5,8,9,11; Technology/Engineering (PreK-5)#1,2

Stream Life
 Come find out what lives in a stream! We'll learn the scientific techniques for collecting some of the animals that live in a stream, using special nets and tubs. We'll identify some of the creatures and learn how they are adapted to survive in their unique, flowing water habitat. Be prepared to "get your feet wet" and learn about some pretty weird invertebrates. Please note: This program meets off-site away from the Hitchcock Center, often at Mount Holyoke College.

Program Length: 2 hours
Maximum Group Size: 60
Time of Year: Sept., Oct., May, June
Appropriate Grades: 3,4,5,6
Science & Technology Standards Applicable: Life Science (Gr. 3-5)#3,4,5,8,10,11; (Gr. 6-8)#1,10,11,13,14,15,17,18; Technology/Engineering (Gr. 3-5)#1,2; (Gr.6-8)#1,2

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NOTE:  All the above school programs can be conducted as a Field Trip to the Hitchcock Center, a Classroom Presentation at your school, or both. See above for cost.

NEW!

Great Falls Discovery Center Field Trips
Through a special grant from the Community Foundation of Western MA, the Hitchcock Center has created two new field trip opportunities. The Great Falls Discovery Center is a museum that consists of new interpretive exhibits focusing on the Connecticut River watershed from its source near the Canadian border to the Long Island Sound. Conveniently located in Turners Falls near Interstate 91, the Discovery Center's exhibits all highlight various habitats found in the watershed, the threats that face them, and what we can do to safeguard them. Cost for these new field trips is the same at $150 per class and we can accommodate 2 classes at a time for a 2-hour block of time. These field trip experiences can be enhanced and deepened with a classroom visit beforehand.

  • Wildlife of the Connecticut River Valley (grades K-2)

    • Our valley is full of interesting animals. Come see mounted animals placed in beautiful dioramas of their habitats. These exhibits will be the starting point for a hands-on exploration of local animals. Students will learn how to read tracks and signs of animals and discover the diversity of animal adaptations including seasonal changes. Best of all, students will come away with an appreciation for and understanding of the many animals that share our part of the Connecticut River Watershed.
  • The Connecticut River: Use & Misuse (grades 3-6)

    • Students will use the exhibits to launch their study of many aspects of the river: history, geology, ecology, or technology. The river is not only home to many species of animals, but it is a working river providing hydropower electricity and receiving the effluent of waste water treatment plants, road chemicals, and manufacturing. Students will experiment with ways to measure and test the health of water and think critically about how its health can be improved. They will come away with an understanding of the importance of the Connecticut River in our lives.

NEW!

 New Classroom Presentations (still $105 per hour/per class)

  • Small Animals in the Classroom
    Let us bring the joy and amazement of live animals to your classroom. Children are naturally drawn to animals and our programs foster this curiosity and wonder while teaching respect for all living things. When children get a chance to watch a box turtle crawl on their classroom floor and eat worms, or hold a hissing cockroach in the palm of their hand, they are inspired to ask questions. We have activities that enrich and expand these questions into inquiry investigations. Our selection of live animals does change periodically, but we currently have Speedy the Box Turtle, Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches, Thai Walking Sticks, giant millipedes, and various other arthropods.

    •           Program Length: 1 hour
              Time of Year:  September - June
              Maximum Group Size: 1 class at a time
              Appropriate Grades:  K, 1, 2, 3, 4
              Standards Applicable:  Science & Technology-Grades K-5

  • Water Conservation
    Where does all that water go, and how much energy does it take to bring us clean water? Why does every drop count when we live on the "Water Planet?" How can we be wise with the water we do use? These questions are addressed through hands-on activities, discussion, small group work and worksheets.

              Program Length:  1 hour
              Time of Year: September - June
              Maximum Group Size: 1 class at a time
              Appropriate Grades: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
              Standards Applicable: History & Social Science-Grades 5-8;
                        Science & Technology-Grades 3-5

  • Ground Water Education
    Using a ground water model, we will show where the water table is, how ground water is connected to the surface water, and how pollution moves underground. Depending on the grade level, we will either perform a science experiment to test the ability of soil to filter three different substances; or students will work in teams to solve a ground water mystery. We will discover why it is important to keep ground water clean, what is involved with cleaning up contaminated ground water, and the importance of working together to solve environmental problems.

              Program Length:  1 hour
              Time of Year: September - June
              Maximum Group Size: 1 class at a time
              Appropriate Grades: 4, 5, 6, 7
              Standards Applicable: History & Social Science-Grades 5-8;
                   Science & Technology-Grades 3-5


Fun with Science Programs
Fun With Science takes place at your school.
The cost is #325.00 per event (up to 30 families or 100 people.

Fun with Science is a physical or life science enrichment opportunity for your community at which adults and children spend time together, involved in and enjoying science. This community event covers topics found in the school science curriculum with the focus on the problem solving skills used in the process of science. During the event, families visit various science stations where they manipulate objects that explore the concepts found in pendulums, magnets, water, life cycles, classifications, observations, structures and electricity. In a culminating activity, families collaborate with each other during a final problem solving challenge. 

Life Science
Activities about meal worms, patterns in nature, seeds, classification, observations, animal tracks, and camouflage.
(Two separate events are available for grades K - 6).

Physical Science
Activities about pendulums, electricity, structures and light
(One event is available for grades 4 - 6).

General Science
Activities about sound, water, symmetry, flight, balance, gravity, electricity and physics.
(Two separate events are available for grades 4 - 6).

All school programs are designed to meet the requirements of the Massachusetts State Curriculum Frameworks. A lesson plan with matching Frameworks is available upon request. 

*Please note that a cancellation of less than one week will result in the school being billed for the program. Programs can take place at your site or at the Hitchcock Center.


ECOBUS

The ECOBUS is a decommissioned 65-passenger Bluebird International school bus that has been transformed into a mobile classroom, resource center and laboratory for  environmental studies. The ECOBUS was renovated by the Amherst school district with recycled and donated materials. The seats were removed, carpeting and tables installed and elementary students created murals on canvas for the interior of the bus.

Teachers and staff have designed pre-trips and field trips based on themes of AIR, LAND, and WATER. Our goal is to provide concrete experiences for the students to learn about local natural resources, how they impact these resources and how to conserve and protect them.  The ECOBUS is a collaborative effort among the Hitchcock Center, Amherst public schools, town solid waste/recycling coordinator, local businesses and community volunteers.

 

Questions or comments?  E-mail us at hcenter@crocker.com