Hello and Welcome to Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary School Programs for Grades PreK-6! As both a wildlife sanctuary and working farm, Drumlin Farm strives to promote awareness of the interdependence of people, land and wildlife through environmental education, stewardship of regionally significant habitat, and sustainable agricultural practices. Our goal is to integrate your classroom curricula with our educational programs and offer opportunities to investigate the ecology of diverse habitats and the adaptations of the plants and animals that live there. Our education staff is committed to an inquirybased integrated teaching approach where students participate in hands-on investigations and practicing science in the field. We design our programs to support the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Science and Technology/Engineering frameworks. Students ask questions, plan and carry out investigations, analyze and interpret data, and communicate their learning through discussion and presentation. Whether your program takes place at your site or ours, we offer curricular consultation before and after every visit to ensure our programs meet your learning goals and expectations. Enjoy looking through our program catalog and let us know how we can help to provide you and your students with a memorable learning experience. We look forward to working with you! Warmest Regards, The Drumlin Farm Education Team On-Site Programs at Drumlin You come to us! For visiting schools, Drumlin Farm is your outdoor classroom. We offer many opportunities to investigate the ecology of diverse habitats as well as the adaptations of the animals and plants that live here. The sanctuary features an array of natural habitats, including fields, shrublands, woodlands and wetlands. At the heart of the sanctuary is a working farm with a variety of livestock and crops. A well maintained trail system, displays of native wildlife and interactive features allow you and your students to experience and learn in a dynamic field-based setting. We design our programs to support the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Science and Technology/Engineering frameworks. Please call us if you need more information on how our individual programs support specific learning outcomes and practices for your students or to design an individualized program of your own. PreK-K (2 Hours) Life on the Farm (Self-Guided) Explore fields, garden barns and trails at your own pace as you experience life on a local farm. Interact with our Teacher Naturalists at a variety of learning stations as they engage in daily chores and other farm activities. Observe and learn about the wild animals that live in Massachusetts, enjoy a scenic hayride and taste some farm fresh treats! Homes and Habitats Explore field, forest and wetland habitats in small groups with our Teacher Naturalists as you look for tracks and signs of the native wildlife and their life cycles. Discover how each habitat supports the basic needs of various plants and animals. Grades 1-3 (2-4 Hours) The Ecology of Seeds and Plants Investigate the life cycle of plants and trees through a field study of wild and domestic plants. Study the relationship between structure and function in an investigation of seeds and how they travel. Observe how the roots, leaves, stems and flowers function together to help the plant grow and reproduce.
Animal Investigations Explore field, forest and wetland habitats to create an in-depth study of life cycles, adaptations, food webs and habitat of one of the following focus groups: mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, or insects. Soil Investigations Explore habitats at Drumlin Farm to investigate different soil types. Compare their components, properties and characteristics using the tools of a soil scientist. Learn what soil is made of, where it comes from and lifecycles of the organisms that live there. Pond Communities Investigate aquatic environments using dip nets and other scientific equipment to collect data and study the organisms that live and depend on wetland habitats. Discover their unique life cycles as you explore the water and surrounding upland habitat. From Farm to Market Use real farm equipment as you work in our fields and barns to learn about growing crops and raising animals on a farm. Explore how and why we grow and raise what we do and how food gets from the farm to your table. Depending on the season, students will participate in planting, weeding, harvesting or caring for our livestock. Wild and Domestic Through observing our farm animals and captive wildlife, compare and contrast the characteristics, adaptations and habitat requirements of native wildlife as well as those of traditional New England farm animals. Native Pathways (September-December) Explore our fields and forests as if it were 1000 years ago. Where would you live? What would you eat? What tools would you use? How has our use of the land changed? Through a variety of hands-on activities, investigate the relationships among plants, animals, people and the natural resources we share. Winter Detectives (December-March) Investigate the adaptations of plants, animals and humans for survival in winter. Learn about survival strategies hibernation, migration, brumation, staying active and dormancy, as we explore the sanctuary for tracks and signs in different habitats. Maple Sugaring (February-March) Explore the history and process of creating this sweet and tasty traditional New England crop. Learn the structure and function of trees and their seasonal adaptations as you follow the process of transforming sap to syrup. Examine maple trees and buds, collect sap and learn about sugaring equipment past and present. Don t see what you are looking for? Call us for a curriculum consultation so that we can customize a program just for your students! 781-259-2220 *On-Site Programs continued Grades 4-6 (2-4 Hours) Pond Ecology Use aquatic sampling equipment to collect, identify and compare the physical, chemical and biological aspects of pond and vernal pool ecosystems. Study the unique adaptations of organisms that require these habitats to complete their life cycle. Develop observational and critical thinking skills by learning to use keys and field guides and collecting and analyzing data. The Science of Seeds and Plants Investigate the life cycles of wild flora and domestic crops from seed to plant. Study photosynthesis, seed dispersal, plant structure and function, and plant adaptations as you engage in field investigations in our forests and fields. Animal Adaptations Explore sanctuary habitats as you observe tracks and signs of our local wildlife. Investigate unique adaptations which enable animals to survive and thrive in Massachusetts changing seasons and their role in local ecosystems. Learn about the classification, adaptations, and lifecycles of one of the following: mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians or insects. Habitats of New England Learn how landscape, geology, and climate determine the interdependent structure of our local ecosystems. Investigate sanctuary habitats (including forest, field, wetland and farmland) to collect data as you compare and contrast the different flora and fauna you document. Learn about how our local habitats are changing over time and the importance of biodiversity. Soil Science Investigate soils and compost found in various habitats including field, forest, farm and wetland. As you collect and analyze samples, identify the components and properties of soil and learn about erosion, decomposition, absorption and other key elements of this habitat and the organisms that are part of this unique and critical ecosystem. The Science of Farming and Where Our Food Comes From As you work in our fields and with our livestock, learn the process of growing, raising, and harvesting food. What are the challenges involved in getting food from farm to table? What are the energy, quality of life and ecological issues surrounding the food industry? As you participate in the day-to-day workings of our farm, investigate the issues surrounding the production of food and its relationship to preserving wildlife habitat. Depending on the season, you might muck, feed, water, plant, weed and/or harvest.
*On-Site Programs continued Ecological Issues Humans need places to live, food to eat and materials to use for comfort and survival. What is the balance between the earth s limited space and resources and the basic needs of plants, animals and humans? While studying our captive wildlife and working farm, investigate and discuss the connections and interrelationships between humans and the natural world. Native Pathways: People and the Land (September-December) Investigate the interdependence of people, land and wildlife as you engage in a variety of hands-on activities. What is our relationship to the first people who lived here? Compare and contrast our current way of life and how it has changed over the centuries regarding our use of land, resources and technological developments. Winter Ecology (December-March) Investigate how winter conditions affect the survival and habits of different species of both plants and animals hibernation, dormancy, migration, brumation and staying active. Observe the unique adaptations of native plants, animals and people to a colder climate as you examine the relationship between temperature, humidity and snowfall. Maple Science (February-March) Study the production of this traditional New England crop by exploring the history of sugaring and the tools needed to go from sap to syrup. Learn tree identification, anatomy and physiology as you visit our sugar bush and the evaporator. Investigate the physical and chemical changes that occur as you compare sap in all its stages as it is transformed into syrup. Outreach Programs We Come to You! Our outreach programs bring our Teacher-Naturalists to your school. Programs may include bringing native wildlife into the classroom or guided investigations of outdoor areas in your schoolyard or an open space near your school. Program animals offer insight into unique adaptations and habitat needs of many species of Massachusetts fauna. Our programs enrich natural history and science lessons and help build connections to the local environment. Customized, comprehensive programs including but not limited to both a classroom visit and an on-site program at Drumlin Farm are also available, ask for more details. We design our programs to support the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Science and Technology/Engineering frameworks. Please call us if you need more information on how our individual programs support specific learning outcomes and practices for your students or to design an individualized program of your own. Classroom Discovery: A Teacher-Naturalist visits your classroom with native wildlife/farm animals. Field Science: A Teacher-Naturalist takes you and your students further afield to discover ecology in your schoolyard OR at a local habitat. Depending on the program, outdoor explorations may also include meeting native wildlife in your classroom. For programs that can take place as a Classroom Discovery or Field Science Experience or a combination of both, LOOK for this symbol!
PreK-K (2.9 years-k) Note: Preschool programs are for a maximum of 15 participants per program. Which Came First? Chickens & Eggs Investigate bird life cycles as you observe and explore chickens and their eggs and behaviors. Hatching Out Birds aren t the only animals that lay eggs! Observe and compare other egg layers as you explore the wonderful world of eggs. Magnificent Mice Observe mouse families to learn about mouse behaviors, adaptations and their habitats. Discover how these fascinating animals use their senses to interact with their habitat and each other. Wild & Domestic Explore the differences between wild and domestic animals by observing and comparing native wildlife and farm animals. Farm Friends Discover life on a farm as you observe farm animals and learn about their different roles at the farm. Soil Recyclers People aren t the only ones who recycle. Study worms and native wildlife to find out how animals recycle too! Wild Tales Hear a favorite childhood story and then meet a wild character from the story! Learn where it lives and what it eats. We have our favorites; however, feel free to ask us to create a custom Wild Tales program for your students. Animal Senses Observe native wildlife and discover the similar and different ways that they use their 5 senses. Some of them are even just like us! Seasonal Discovery Explore the seasons as you observe native wildlife and learn about the adaptations that help them to survive. Depending on the time of year, your students can join our naturalists for: Autumn Crawly Critters, Winter Warm and Fuzzies, or Springtime New Babies. Book all 3 and save 10%. *Outreach Programs continued Grades 1-3 Food Webs All living things are connected. Observe native animals, learn about their adaptations, habitats and their interrelationships to each other, humans and the world around them. Birds of Prey Observe native birds of prey and learn how their specialized adaptations help them see, hear, fly and catch their food. Investigate the role that birds of prey play in their ecosystems. Adaptable Animals Many animals learn to make the city or suburban backyards their habitat. Learn how their unique adaptations help them to thrive in these ever-changing environments. Wild Animals of the Farm Farms provide critical habitat for wild animals as well as raising livestock and growing crops. Observe native wildlife and discover the adaptations that allow them to thrive in our farm fields, forests and barns. Egg Layers Learn about this unique adaptation as you investigate egg development and compare and contrast the various animals that lay eggs. Miraculous Mice Study mouse families and learn how they interact with each other and their habitat. Observe mice at different life stages as they investigate their surroundings, eat, care for their young and create shelter for themselves. Soil Cyclers Investigate the important role worms and other invertebrates play in a soil ecosystem and observe native wildlife that depend on them for food and survival. Habitats: Living Things and their Environment Study a variety native wildlife and learn where they live and why. Investigate through observation and inquiry our New England habitats and how different animals adapt to different ecosystems. Wetland Habitats We can take you to your local wetland (pond, vernal pool or river) or bring the wetland to you! Discover these important habitats by observing native wildlife and investigating water samples gathered from a local wetland. Collect and record data as you explore the plants, insects and animals that make wetlands their home and the important role these habitats play in local biodiversity. Kathy Santos
*Outreach Programs continued Soil Investigations Observe native wildlife that directly depend on soil habitats for food and shelter. Investigate your schoolyard or nearby habitat to find different soil types and compare their properties and characteristics. Learn what soil is made of, where it comes from and the organisms that are part of this unique and critical habitat. Winter Survivors How do wild animals cope with the changing seasons? They migrate, hibernate, brumate or stay active! Observe native wildlife as you learn about the unique adaptations that allow New England animals to survive our cold winters. Native New England: Connecting People, Land and Wildlife People and animals interact with the land in many ways and continue to adapt to a changing environment. Through a variety of hands-on activities and artifacts, native stories and observation of native wildlife, discover the relationships among plants, animals, people and the land. Grades 4-6 Web of Life By observing live animals, discover how all living things are connected to one another and the world around them. Find relationships between plants, animals, people and the flow of energy within an ecosystem. Birds of Prey Observe native birds of prey as you learn about the behavioral and physical adaptations they use to hunt and catch their prey. Investigate the role that they play in their ecosystems. Backyard Wildlife As humans continue to expand where we live, work and play, many animals have had to adapt to making backyards and city parks their habitat. Investigate how these amazingly adaptable creatures interact with a constantly changing ecosystem. Soil Science Observe native wildlife who directly depend on soil habitats for food and shelter. Sample and study diverse soils and compost found around your schoolyard or a habitat nearby. Identify the components and properties of soil and learn about erosion, decomposition, water retention and other key elements of this ecosystem and the organisms that live there. Wetlands and Watersheds We can take you to your local wetland (pond, vernal pool or river) or bring the wetland to you! Discover these critical habitats through observing native wildlife and investigating water samples gathered from your local wetland. Collect and record data as you identify and compare the physical, chemical and biological aspects of this critical ecosystem and its inhabitants. Winter Survival Winter is a challenging time for New England wildlife and requires both physical and behavioral adaptations for survival. Observe native wildlife as you learn about migration, hibernation, brumation, dormancy and staying active. Habitats and Adaptations What s the connection between adaptations and habitats? Compare the physical and behavioral adaptations of different Massachusetts wildlife and how these relate to their role within an ecosystem. Don t see what you are looking for? Call us for a curriculum consultation so that we can customize a program just for your students! 781-259-2220
Expanding Your Drumlin Farm Experience Customized Programs If you don t see exactly what you are looking for, call us! We offer personalized curricular consultation and customized programming. Whether you would like a customized field investigation or an on-going series program, here at Drumlin Farm, at your school or in your community, our education team can help you develop a program that suits your learning outcomes and goals. Please contact Robin Stuart our School and Groups Program Coordinator at 781-259-2217 or rstuart@massaudubon.org for more information. Afterschool Programs Our goal is to provide students with a dynamic and inquirybased afterschool experience, exposing them to field science, local wildlife and the wonder of the natural world. The visits will vary and may include crafts, games, children s literature, storytelling, journaling and other hands-on, nature-based activities. Afterschool programs run throughout the academic year and typically meet weekly for one hour for 4-8 weeks. We also offer single visit programs, please ask for details. Naturalist in Residence Program: A year long opportunity to have a Drumlin Farm naturalist facilitate seasonal explorations of schoolyard habitats and the plants and animals that can be found there. Explorations are integrated into classroom curricula as they increase knowledge and appreciation for native habitats, plants and animals, and their place within the natural world. Naturalists will work with classroom teachers to develop explorations that are age appropriate and vary in structure throughout the seasons. They may include field studies of schoolyard habitats, planting or harvesting in schoolyard gardens, meeting native wildlife in the classroom and naturebased literature, art, journaling and other hands-on activities. Throughout the school year students deepen their understanding of and connection to nature as we introduce them to field science, native wildlife and the joy and wonders of the natural world. As children gain confidence through inquiry-based teaching and learning they will begin to develop their sense of place and interconnectedness to the natural world and a lifelong commitment to its stewardship. *Program fees are dependent on program length and number of visits throughout the school year.
LEAF at Drumlin Farm is environmental programming for people with accessibility and/or special needs. We offer high quality, accessible, curriculum based environmental programming for people of all abilities. Our comprehensive adapted educational programming is taught by our trained Teacher Naturalists, who ensure that our programming is inclusive for a broad range of abilities. We strive to increase the participation of children and adults with disabilities in environmental programming.
Our staff will work with your specific needs to meet curriculum goals and complement classroom learning at all grade levels. Sensory Farm Explorations Using all of our senses we will explore and experience life on a local farm. Students will have the opportunity to participate in adapted daily chores and other adapted farm activities. 1.5 hour program /$8.50 per child Sensory Nature Explorations Using all of our senses, we will explore fields, trails, forests and wetlands. Through a variety of hands-on activities, investigate the relationships among plants, animals, people, and the natural resources we share. 1.5 hour program /$8.50 per child Custom Outreach Programming Our outreach programs bring our teacher-naturalists to your school. Programs may include bringing native wildlife into the classroom, or guided investigations of outdoor areas at or near your school. Our programs enrich natural history and science lessons and help build connections to the local environment. Length and pricing based on specific program design Accessible Curriculum Supplemental Materials: Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary strives to ensure that every student is given the tools they need to fully participate in our curriculum based environmental programs. Chaperone Lesson Packet (Packets offer a chaperone, aide, or teacher working with an independent learner or student in an inclusive setting; a variety of program specific, curriculum based lesson options.) Curriculum Social Stories (Program specific and can be sent before your visit or presented the day of.) Accessible Terrain and Curriculum Locations (Throughout Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary there are a variety of accessible programing location options.) If you have any questions about the above curriculum options or you do not see what you need, please contact us with other curriculum considerations. VOCATIONAL Program Opportunities: Vocational programs are for students working on transitional goals. Through vocational programming at Drumlin Farm, students have the opportunity to learn and practice skills important to future employment and education. Our teacher naturalist will work with your program s individual needs to help incorporate specific vocational and transitional goals (e.g., job descriptions, task lists, resume submittal, application, interview, and intern hand book). (Please note: Space is limited and students must be chaperoned appropriately. Drumlin Farm does not provide job coach services.) Farm Hand Intern (groups of 2 or more) Drumlin Farm Teacher Naturalists facilitate this well-rounded program allows students to work a variety of positions around the farm. Through hands-on experience, this program will help provide knowledge of farming and animal care practices. 8 week program, 2 hr per week / $295 per student Ecological Studies Intern (groups of 3 or more) Students will monitor changes in the climate through data collection, record keeping, and data analysis of a variety of environmental conditions throughout the sanctuary. After initial training by Drumlin Farm Teacher Naturalists students and their teachers will work independently. 16 week semester 1-2 hr per week / $95 per student Wildlife Care Intern (1 Student; application, & interview) This is a wonderful opportunity for students interested in animal care to work hands on with our wildlife, while at the same time developing valuable job skills. After initial training by Drumlin Farm Teacher Naturalists students and their teachers will work independently. 16 week semester 1-2 hr per week / $295 per student *Be sure to ask how other program offerings can be adapted for learners of all abilities.
School- and District-Wide Professional Development Opportunities Workshops are designed to give teachers the tools they need in the classroom or schoolyard to develop and implement engaging field investigations focused on science core ideas and practices found in the Massachusetts Science Standards. In our workshops, we utilize local habitats to learn about ecological principles, scientific inquiry, and species identification as well as how to teach these lessons in the classroom or schoolyard through a hands-on and practice-based approach at Drumlin Farm and at your school. We are a DESEapproved PDP provider and offer year-round science education courses to classroom teachers. Sample Professional Development Offerings: Teaching to the new Massachusetts Science Standards: how to integrate scientific inquiry and practice into existing science curricula and cross disciplinary studies. Schoolyard habitat investigations: developing outdoor, field science based curriculum using available schoolyard natural resources. Content workshops on ecological principles and scientific inquiry as it relates to local habitats. Development of schoolyard citizen science curriculum linked to statewide and/or national programs and data bases. Such as Monarch Watch, Changing Forests, and E-Bird. For more information or to design a workshop specific to your curricular needs, please contact Robin Stuart our School and Groups Program Coordinator at 781-259-2217 or rstuart@massaudubon.org
Program Fees On-Site Programs at Drumlin Farm All programs run rain or shine and there is a ten student minimum. Program fees are based upon the length of the program and the number of participants, as follows: Environmental Field Studies and Farm Based Programs: Students work with a Drumlin Farm Teacher-Naturalist in groups of 12-15 students. One teacher or chaperone is included at no charge for every 12 students; additional adults are charged the program price. 2 hours: $9.50/student 3 hours: $12.00/student 4 hours: $14.00/student Life on the Farm: This is a 2 hour, self-guided program. One teacher or chaperone for every 6 students is included at no charge; additional adults are charged the program price. $8.50/student Outreach Programs at Your School Classroom Discovery a Teacher Naturalist visits your classroom with native wildlife and/or farm animals. Pre-school programs have a maximum of 15 students. All other programs have a maximum of 30 students. Weekdays (2 program minimum) $ 110.00/30 minutes (2 program minimum) $ 150.00/45 minutes $ 180.00/hour Evenings and Weekends $ 225.00/hour Field Science With our Teacher-Naturalists, discover the natural world in your schoolyard or in your community. Depending on the program, outdoor explorations may include meeting native wildlife. Prices based on program length, materials and number of Teacher-Naturalists required. Call us to develop your own individualized field experience for your students today! Comprehensive Programming Book a combination of On-Site Programs at Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary and Outreach Programs together or book an Outreach Classroom Discovery and Field Science Experience and save 10% on each program!. Large Group Demonstrations and Assembly Programs Informal and interactive learning stations designed for large groups, functions or events. Please call for program details and pricing. To register for any of our school and group programs, please contact us at: 781-259-2220 or dfeducation@massaudubon.org *A travel fee applies to all Outreach Programs.
208 South Great Road Lincoln, Massachusetts 01773 Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Boston, MA PERMIT NO. 56881