About
Bring the wonder of wildlife and ecosystems directly to your classroom or school! Our interactive, standards-aligned programs are designed to spark curiosity and deepen scientific understanding through hands-on experiences. Each session runs approximately 40 minutes and is tailored for the appropriate grade level. Programs may be scheduled as single or multiple presentations over one or several days to ensure all students have the opportunity to participate.
Barn Owls & Owl Pellet Dissection
Step into the nocturnal world of Barn Owls (Tyto alba) and uncover the secrets of this silent hunter. In this engaging and hands-on program, students will explore owl behavior, adaptations, habitat, and ecological roles. The highlight of the experience is a guided owl pellet dissection for each student, allowing students to investigate the diet and hunting habits of these fascinating birds of prey. A taxidermy Barn Owl is featured for close-up observation and scientific discussion.
- Duration: ~40 minutes
- Group Size: Up to 25 students per presentation
- Cost: $350/presentation (includes dissection materials for up to 25 students)
- Best for: Classrooms or spaces with tables for the dissection
Intro to Eastern Box Turtles
Get up close and personal with one of Massachusetts’ most captivating reptiles, the Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina). This program introduces students to the biology, life cycle, adaptations, and conservation status of this species. Through interactive discussion and observation of live turtles, students will develop a greater appreciation for native wildlife and the importance of habitat stewardship.
- Duration: ~40 minutes
- Group Size: Up to 50 students per presentation
- Cost: $350/presentation
- Best for: Open space where students can gather in front of the presenter(s)
From Sap to Syrup: New England Maple Sugaring
Students will explore the history and science behind the New England tradition of turning maple sap into syrup. They’ll learn how to identify sugar maple trees and discover the natural processes, like photosynthesis and freeze-thaw cycles, that make sap flow possible. From tree tapping to boiling, students will follow the full journey of how sap is transformed into syrup. The program features hands-on demonstrations, real sugaring tools, and engaging visual aids to bring the experience to life.
- Duration: ~40 minutes
- Offered January – March
- Group Size: Up to 50 students per presentation
- Cost: $350/presentation
- Best for: Open space where students can gather in front of the presenter(s)
Travel: A $1.00/mile travel fee may apply, based on round-trip distance from the Nature Center.
Booking: Please email skugel@ssymca.org for availability and booking.