Programs for Elementary Students (Grades 1-5)
The Norman Bird Sanctuary’s engaging field trips and in-school outreach programs are designed to introduce learners to the natural world through a variety of instructional methods. Our innovative classes feature live animals, role play, experiments, and hands-on discovery and exploration. Your students will see the pages of their science textbooks come to life as they participate in a variety of multidisciplinary and age-appropriate activities!
O - Outreach option. This class can take place in your classroom.
F – Fieldtrip option. This class can take place at the Norman Bird Sanctuary. (max 75 students)
B - Fieldtrip at Third Beach Education Center
Program Choices
Schoolyard Habitats- Your group will investigate the hidden ecology of your own schoolyard through observation, data collection, and exciting activities. You’ll never look at your school the same way again! This program is offered September-November and April-June (O)
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)
Rotten to the Core - Join us as we journey into the forest in search of nature’s garbage collectors- decomposers! We’ll investigate fungi, lichens, insects, and other plants and animals who take on nature’s real-life “Dirty Jobs!” (O,F)
The Pond and Beyond – Dive into the life aquatic as we study pond ecology! Students will use dip nets, magnifying glasses, and charts to identify a variety of plants and animals in the pond. (F)
Geology Rocks! – Your class will become amateur geologists as they investigate the fascinating sedimentary, volcanic, and metamorphic rocks of Aquidneck Island. During an exciting hike along the beautiful Sanctuary ridges, students use magnets, compasses, and magnifying lenses to explore the changing landscape. (F)
The Balancing Act – In this class, students examine the interrelationships among plants, animals, and their environment. Games and activities help to illustrate the delicate balance between predator and prey, the elements of a food web, and the many connections that hold each ecosystem together. (O,F)
Meet the Animals - Meet a variety of our “animal ambassadors” and identify the characteristics of the different animal groups. This hands-on class features student favorites such as our snakes, turtles, and hissing cockroaches! (F,0)
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. Thie program has an additional charge of $2 per owl pellet (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 adn biofacts are features in this fascinating class. (O,F)
What’s Bugging You? – An introduction to insects, spiders, and other invertebrates. Students will look under logs and explore a variety of field habitats in search of these spineless wonders! A visit from a live invertebrate will also highlight the group’s many adaptations for survival. (F)
Native Ways – Join us on a cultural journey back in time as we examine what life was like for the Native Americans that inhabited Aquidneck Island and coastal Rhode Island. We’ll learn how they used natural resources and will play traditional games, learn their legends about local wildlife, use their tools and weapons, and discuss their connections with nature and respect for the earth. (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-misuderstood critters. (O,F)
Sea Life Safari - Discover the wonders of Narragansett Bay with this age-appropriate introduction to beach ecology. We'll sweep the shore for interesting discoveries, meet some of the animals that live in the ocean, and even learn about the sand beneath our feet. Join us for this fun-filled beach adventure. (B)
Seining the Sakonnet - Students will learn about the basics of estuarine ecology and how to use a seine net to sample Narragansett Bay's rich abundance of life. We'll identify and discuss each species that we catch. Students will get wet, so extra water shoes are a must and a change of clothes is recommended. Grades 3 and up, June - Mid-October only (B)
What in the World is a Watershed? - This program is designed to engage people of all ages in the concepts of watersheds. Participants will have the opportunity to take part in several watershed activities and build their own watershed model. (F,B)
Pricing and Scheduling Options
Single Program Field Trip (at NBS)
One 1.5 hour program for $7 per student. One teacher or chaperone will be admitted 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.
Double Program Field Trips (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 option includes a picnic lunch period in the NBS apple orchard. Book multiple double program field trips and save: $11 per student for the 2nd field trip, and $10 per student for each additional field trip.
In-School Outreach Programs:
One hour programs are available for a flat rate of $100 for up to 25 students. For multiple sessions of the same program during the same visit, the cost of each additional program will be $75. An additional travel fee of $35 is charged for outreach visits outside of Newport County. In recognition of our partnership 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 Rachel Holbert at 401-846-2577 ext. 33 for more information.
Please click here for more information about scheduling a fieldtrip or outreach program with NBS.
Best of Newport County 2012
