Pre-School Programs

The World's a Zoo!
The World's a Zoo! is a 45 minute program that explores the world of animals and what makes them unique.  We will define what a mammal, bird, amphibian, and reptile are.  Children will get to experience these different animals in a hands-on way; active play will also be featured.  This program is ideal for seasonal lessons such as Animals in Winter, Spring or Fall.  This can be modified to meet the unique needs of each nursery or pre-school program.   The World's a Zoo! is offered as an in-school visit or a field trip to the Darien Nature Center which would feature a nature walk in the woods.

If you would like to book this program or others or have any questions, please contact the Darien Nature Center Naturalist at 203.655.7459.

Kindergarten

Nocturnal Animals
The fun begins after you’re tucked in. Fly by night bats; moony-eyed owls, and midnight mice come to life after dark. This program introduces students to animals who come alive when the sun goes down. 

Nature Strikes Back!
Feel the strength of Planet Earth as you explore tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes, volcanoes and other natural disasters.  Students will learn about geology and weather gone wild as they discover how these powerful forces work.
 

1st Grade

Insects
What’s got compound eyes, a skeleton on the outside, ears on its back or legs, no nose, or wings that can be played like a violin? The most successful group of animals on Earth – the insects! Students identify some local insects by sight and sound, discover insect anatomy, and examine their habits and habitats.

Leaves, Buds, Flowers – Field Trip
The Spring season is the reason. So get ready, get set, grow! Another episode in our seasonal series to help your students learn about how plants spend their days and nights in the spring. Explore a plant’s relationship to the sun and what work is left when the day is done.
 

2nd Grade

Long Island Sound Survey – In-School or Field Trip to Local Beach
Ever wanted to bring the beach to your classroom?  Well this is pretty close.  Students will learn the role glaciers played in forming the habitat of Long Island Sound. 

I Dig Dirt! – In-School or Field Trip
Dirt’s not all that bad, even if it makes the house-keeper mad.  The soil beneath your feet provides minerals and nutrients to growing plants and a place for small animals to live.  Students will explore the properties of several soil types and learn who relies and survives in each.
 

3rd Grade

Animal Behavior
Their behavior is just beastly - they hoot, spin, threaten and court. Children will learn how animals survive - they'll learn the tricks and traits that keep them alive.  Students will learn the difference between instinctive and learned behavior. 

Rocks & Minerals – Field Trip
Sticks and stones will break bones, but that isn’t very gneiss. Why not collect them instead? What rocks can you find down the block? Students will learn about the geology of New England and why it is one of the most complicated geological areas in the country.
 

4th Grade

Erosion Explosion!
Why do mountains look different?  What formed the Grand Canyon?  Students will learn about erosion through weather and how it affects the earth’s surfaces.

Teambuilding/Group Initiatives – Field Trip
Through a series of group initiatives, students will learn what it takes to work as a team.  Whole group activities will help build students’ sense of trust and self-confidence while they work on  cooperation and communication skills.
 

5th Grade

The Night Sky
Even wonder what you are looking at in the night sky? Stars, planets,  meteors, comets all come into view if you know when, where and how to look. We will talk about all the sky sights you can spy with the naked eye.

Ready, Focus, Shoot! – Field Trip
Nature photography is more than snapshots taken outdoors - it’s an art! Students won’t be lacking for beautiful natural subjects at Cherry Lawn Park but first they need to learn how a camera works and what each part of a camera does. In addition, students will practice observation skills and search for fresh perspectives by playing a human camera game and then using viewing windows to experiment with framing subjects. They will learn and carry out tips for good composition ~ zooming in, trying new angles, checking for a clean background and watching the light on their subjects. Finally, students go in search of the perfect photograph and take it with the camera and film we provide.

Teambuilding/Group Initiatives – Field Trip
Through a series of group initiatives, students will learn what it takes to work as a team.  Whole group activities will help build students’ sense of trust and self-confidence while they work on cooperation and communication skills. 

Field Trips
Bring your class to Cherry Lawn Park for outdoor fun and adventure!  We can custom design your class’s outing based on the following topics, or work with you to create your own.  Contact the Darien Nature Center to plan your trip today!

Don’t forget to spend some time touring our facility.  Students can explore the exhibits in the Changing Seasons Gallery and visit the animals and more!
 

Kindergarten - Grade 2

Discovery Hike  Explore the forest and field using eyes, ears, noses, fingers and tongues (yes, tongues!).  We’ll use our senses to investigate how other animals see, hear, smell and taste.

Micro-hike  We’ll get down and dirty as we explore the forest floor.  We’ll dig into dirt and study the critters found crawling beneath our feet.

Habitats field, forest, stream and pond — Cherry Lawn Park has it all!  We’ll explore animals’ homes and find out how they find food, water and shelter.
 

Grades 3 - 5

Fall Seed Hike  Tromp through the woods at Cherry Lawn Park to see what the squirrels are so  excited about.  We’ll hunt for seeds and maybe build seeds of our own. 

Geology Hike  Come explore what lies beneath the ground at Cherry Lawn Park.  We’ll look for rocks and minerals and we’ll dig into dirt to discover how soil is made.

Pond Exploration  What can the critters in the pond tell us?  By scooping for aquatic animals and doing some water quality tests, we’ll  determine how clean the water is.  

Forests  Explore local forests at Cherry Lawn or Woodland Park.  We’ll identify some common trees as well as learn why they grow where they do.  

Our Naturalist is available to discuss options or schedule a program.  This person can be reached at (203) 655-7459 or via email at naturalist@dariennaturecenter.org.

120 Brookside Road
Darien, CT 06820
Phone: (203) 655-7459
Fax: (203) 655-3185

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