Programs for Middle a& High School Students (Grades 6-12)

Innovative Environmental Science

Our multidisciplinary courses for grades 6 through 12 are designed to engage advanced learners and introduce principles in ecology, wildlife biology, and species conservation.  Choose from a variety of traditional and informal classes, research projects, and service learning opportunities - or let us tailor a program to meet your class’ needs.

Exploring Ecosystems – This program introduces students to the field, forest and pond ecosystems at the Norman Bird Sanctuary. They will discover the truth about animal adaptations, forest layers, pond life and more through games and hands-on activities. (F)

Freshwater Ecology – Students will learn about the ecology of ponds, streams, and vernal pools. They will have the opportunity to use nets and other collecting tools.  We’ll sample for macroinvertebrates, amphibians, and other species, and will also test the physical and chemical properties of these critical habitats.  (F)

Geology and the Changing Landscape - Explore the geologic history of Aquidneck Island as we take a challenging hike along the ridge to Hanging Rock.  This interactive program discusses the rock cycle, glaciation, erosion, and soil formation. (F)

Beach Ecology – Using a variety of collecting tools such as seine and hand nets, your class will compare and contrast the sandy and rocky shorelines at Third Beach.  Animal adaptations, habitat conservation, and coastal geology are all investigated in this field program. Offered June - Mid-October (B)

Meet the Animals – Meet a variety of the Sanctuary’s education animals, with an emphasis on the animals’ natural history, behavior, and adaptations.  Wildlife conservation issues are also discussed. (O,F)

Go Wild for Herptiles! – We'll go wild for snakes, turtles, frogs and other reptiles and amphibians in this fun-filled herpetology course. The class also features active games and live animal presentations that explore the fascinating natural history of these often misundertood critters.  (O,F)

Hunters of the Sky – Meet a live bird of prey up close, as we examine their unique natural history and the adaptations that make raptors such powerful and successful predators.  Students will dissect owl pellets to examine, observe and classify the bones of the owl's prey. This program has an additional charge of $2 per owl pellet. (O,F)

Native American Culture and History – Join us as we study the history of Native Americans throughout New England.  We’ll learn how they used the land and natural resources and will play traditional games, learn legends about local wildlife, use their tools and weapons, and discuss their connections with nature and respect for the earth.  (O,F)

Bird Brains - We'll discuss all things flighted and feathery as we learn about bird behavior, natural history, and conservation. A live bird of prey, skulls and biofacts are featured in this fascinating class. (O,F)

Physics of Flight - Students will examine the general principles behind the physics of flight! We will discuss the anatomyand phisiology of a variety of flying animals, with a focus on birds, Through hands-on experiments, discussion and an animal presentation, students will discover the different formsof aerial locomotion. (O,F)

Into the Woods - Study Rhode Island's forests from the soil to the canopy in this interactive field program. Students will use dichotomous keys to identify several species of trees, study invasive and native plant species, and conduct experiments to determine the health of the forest ecosystem. (F)

From Land to Sea - This program will focus on what is important about the uplands beyond the beach. Students will learn more about conservation efforts to reestablish habitat for the protected New England Cottontail. In addition, they will understand how our actions on land affect the closely connected habitat on the shore. (F,B)  

Pricing and Scheduling Options

Double Program Field Trip (at NBS):Pick TWO 1.5 hour programs for $12 per student.  One teacher or chaperone will be admitted free for every eight students.  This includes a picnic lunch period in the NBS apple orchard. Book multiple double program field trips and save: $11 per student for 2nd field trip, and $10 per student for each additional field trip. 
Single Program Field Trip (at NBS): One 1.5 hour program for $7 per student. One teacher or chaperone will be admitted free for every eight students. Book multiple single program field trips and save: $6 per student for 2nd field trip, and $5 per student for each additional field trip.

In-School Outreach Programs: One hour program for a flat rate of $100 for up to 25 kids.  For multiple sessions of the same program during the same visit, it is $75 for each additional.  An additional travel fee of $35 is charged for outreach visits outside of Newport County. In recognition of our participation in the Ocean State Environmental Education Collaborative (OSEEC), the travel fee will be waived for all schools in the following cities: Providence, Central Falls, Pawtucket, Woonsocket and West Warwick. 

Scholarships may be available for qualified schools; please call for more information.

Please click here for more information about scheduling a fieldtrip or outreach program with NBS.

Service Learning Opportunities for Middle School and High School Students

In order to help students fulfill their community service requirements and to encourage them to become stewards of their communities, NBS is now offering the opportunity for schools to schedule service projects during and related to their field trip program.

Projects Include:

• Invasive Plant Removal
• Repairing Historical Stone Walls
• Gardening in The Good Gardens (winterizing, spring preparation, planting, weeding, etc)
• Beach clean-ups
• Installation and removal of tree swallow next boxes

Please ask about this option when booking your field trip.