For Teachers
Flanders’ talented educators will bring the wonders of nature to your classroom. All programs are designed to meet Connecticut Framework K-5 Curricular Goals and Standards. All programs include vocabulary building, opportunity for journal entries and hands-on experiences with natural materials and are adapted specifically to the appropriate grade level.
Nature and Environmental Programs – Available year-round
Mammal Mania
Why don’t mammals need a raincoat? And, where do they live? Students will learn about the common characteristics, understand the differences between an herbivore and a carnivore, and describe various types of fur. They will learn about the habits and habitats of the mammals native to Connecticut. Through the use of educational games and hands-on activities about predator-prey relationships, students will learn about the challenges to mammals to raise their young, survive New England winters and more!
Connecticut Science Framework Standards: K.2, 1.2, 3.2, 4.2, 5.2
Curriculum
Feathered Friends
An introduction to the world of birds, their habitats, distinguishing characteristics and migratory habits. Vocabulary expands as students learn to identify the various parts of a bird through feathers, beaks and feet. Nesting behaviors and flight patterns will be discussed. Discover how resourceful birds are through investigating their nests.
Connecticut Science Framework Standards: K, 1.2, 1.3, 3.2, 4.2, 5.2, 6.2
Incredible Insects
Insects of Connecticut are our specialty. Through scavenger hunts and educational games, students will become familiar with insect anatomy and the function of each body part. They will compare insect anatomy with their own as they learn to respect these fascinating critters!
Connecticut Science Framework Standards: 1.3, 3.2, 4.2
Curriculum
The Five Senses
Imagine seeing with compound eyes, hearing with rabbit ears, or smelling as a fly! What a difference antennae make when you’re small, and noses make when you’re tall! Understand eye and ear placement as an indicator for herbivores or carnivores and begin to realize that all critters depend on their senses to survive!
Connecticut Science Framework Standards: K.1, K.2, 1.2, 1.3, 2.3
Curriculum
Habitat Hunt
What does it take to support different types of animal life… food, water, shelter, space and sun? How do animals’ needs compare to ours? Students learn about the important relationship between animals and their habitats through food-web games and other fun activities.
Connecticut Science Framework Standards: K.2, 1.2, 1.3, 2.2, 3.2, 4.2, 5.2, 6.2
Curriculum
Winter Survival
Brrr! The question is whether to eat or sleep, to stay where it’s cold or migrate. Do animals plan ahead? How do critters decide? Find out through hands-on, minds-on survival tactics and educational games.
Connecticut Science Framework Standards: K.2, K.3, 1.2, 2.2, 2.4, 3.2, 4.2, 5.2
Curriculum
Understanding Beavers
Do you know the huge impact beavers have on our environment? How do they know when to move? What happens to the environment when a beaver moves out and to the environment when they move in? Discover the fascinating interdependence of wildlife on this ancient engineer of the wild.
Connecticut Science Framework Standards: K.2, 1.2, 1.3, 3.2, 4.2, 5.2
Curriculum
Animal Classification
The adaptations of animals help young scientists to classify. Learn the basics of identifying different types of vertebrates native to New England, how they find food, and escape from predators. Vocabulary reinforces for classification included.
Connecticut Science Framework Standards: K.2, 1.2, 3.2, 4.2, 5.2
Farm and Agriculture – Programs are seasonal
Worms For Lunch!
Available: September to November and April to June
By studying a bin of worms at work, students will learn about soil composting and composition. The life cycles of plants will be discussed as students learn about gardens and gardening while planting their own rye seed plant, which ties in the understanding of soil erosion. There will also be a story and hands-on participation.
Connecticut Science Framework Standards: 1.3, 2.2, 3.2, 3.4, 4.2
From Eggs to Legs
Available: April to June
What’s inside the egg? Students will see what the inside of an egg looks like while learning the parts of the egg. There will be live chicks, amphibians and reptiles for students to see and touch, along with hens and a rooster. A story relating to egg bearing animals will be shared, as children learn that chickens aren’t the only ones that lay and hatch from eggs.
Connecticut Science Framework Standards: K, 1.2, 1.3, 3.2, 4.2, 5.2, 6.2
Curriculum
Maple Sugaring
Available: March
Combines science, language arts, social studies and art, in the warmth of your classroom. When followed by our one-hour field trip program at Flanders, students get the full flavor of Flanders Maple Sugaring, as they identify sugar maples, tap trees, watch the drip, smell the evaporating sap and taste the final syrup.
Connecticut Science Framework Standards: K.2, 1.2, 1.3, 2.2, 2.3, 3.2, 3.3
Cost: $65 each program plus mileage fee
Discount for 2 consecutive programs: $120 plus mileage fee
To schedule a program in your classroom, contact us
After School Enrichment
From bird feeders to farm animals, Flanders’ talented naturalists and educators will provide educational—and fun—after-school activities. Space is limited to 20 students. 10 student minimum. Volunteers are welcome!
January and February | “Bird Feeder Building”
Learn about winter survival for our feathered friends, from migration to staying in the neighborhood. Construct a backyard bird feeder out of wood with hammer and nails. Bring it home to watch local winter birds.
Cost: $15 per student, including materials
March and April | “Maple Syrup”
Students will get the entire sensory experience of the sweet season. Learn the history and folklore of maple sugaring identify sugar maples, use the tools involved and taste the yummy final product.
Cost: $15 per student
April and May | “Farm to Ewe”
Flanders will bring the farm to your school for students to learn about farm animals. Enjoy the baby lambs while learning the history of wool and yarn while making their own creations. See and touch live chicks and learn about planting gardens in the spring.
Cost: $20 per student
To set up an after-school program, contact us
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