Natural History Outreach Programs

A Maine Audubon Natural History Outreach Program makes a wonderful addition to any classroom, day care center, library or community group curriculum.

Maine Audubon naturalist-educators supply all materials and guide the activities for an engaging and fun time of hands-on learning about nature. Choose from various programs or create your own.

The content of these programs is adaptable to include topics of special interest or specific MSLR content standards.

View the 2007-08 Outreach Program Brochure

Program Descriptions

WATER

Lakes and Loons
Listen to the cry of the loon, touch a loon wing, and see a taxidermy mount up close. Learn why loons nest only on lakes, what makes a healthy lake, and how we can help to take care of lakes and loons. Portland Water District grants are available to help pay for this program. Grades 1-8

Marine Science of Maine
We can travel as a wild Atlantic salmon from river to ocean, and learn about adaptations of marine animals or we can explore a variety of marine habitats. You choose which hands-on, interactive program is best for your group. Grades 3-6

Snow Science
Create a recipe for snow! Learn how a snowflake forms, about the important insulating capacity of snow, and how animals have adapted to survive cold and snowy winters. Grades K-4

Stream Science
Build a stream to investigate what lives there, how the inhabitants survive, and why clean water is important for life. Portland Water District grants are available to help pay for this program. Please
inquire. Grades 3-8

ANIMALS

Backyard Birds
Birds are the most visible wildlife in Maine and ideal for developing observation skills and learning science concepts. We will get to know our bird “neighbors” and what they can teach us about adaptations, habitat and flight. Grades 1-10

Beaks and Eats
Through hands-on learning stations, students learn to notice and look for birds’ bill characteristics as a means to explain how and where birds forage for food. Exploring bird adaptations allows students to apply their new knowledge in understanding other animals. Grades 1-4

Hibernators and Migrators
Thought-provoking games and hands-on activities will introduce children to the four strategies Maine animals use to survive the winter. Grades K-2

Animal Adaptations
How do animals survive and thrive? We will learn about Maine animals’ adaptations. Students will also compare an animal they create to an actual taxidermy mount. Grades 1-5

ECOLOGY

Behind the Scenes at the Beach
Students will discover how sand dunes are formed, which plants and animals call the dunes “home,” and why these sand dunes are so important to the health of the Maine coastline. Grades 4-8

Schoolyard Explorations
Students explore nature in the schoolyard and discover the importance of diversity while collecting and mapping data. Grades 3-8

Rock On!
By having an opportunity to model geologic time, students will begin to grasp this seemingly inconceivable concept. Through hands-on and mind-on activities students will gain an understanding about the geologic history of Maine. Grades 4-8

Habitats
What is a “habitat” and how do plants and animals end up in the “right” place? We’ll enjoy activities that help us understand local ecosystems and their inhabitants.
Grades 4-12

CUSTOM PROGRAMS

Maine Audubon educators are able to conduct a variety of programs. We work with you to create a program that fits your curriculum and your group. Service learning and interdisciplinary projects are all welcome. ($100/hour)

Registration Information

Registration is required for all outreach programs. Stop by the Gilsland Farm Audubon Center or call (207) 781-2330, ext. 209 to register.

• Programs are offered September - May, Mondays - Fridays

• Program Minimums
  Schools 25 miles from Falmouth must schedule a minimum of 3 programs on the same day.

• Fees
  $85 - 1 one-hour program - Discounts for each additional program.
  (plus round-trip travel from Falmouth)

• Portland Water District Grants
  Available to help pay for “Stream Science” and “Lakes & Loons.” Visit the PWD Web site for application information.

• Group Size
  Group size is limited to 25 participants or the legal classroom limit.

• Cancellation Policy
  Payment is due in full on the day of your program. Schools / organizations that cancel less than 30 days prior to the program will be billed for 50 percent of the cost unless the program is rescheduled within the current school year. For cancellations made by Maine Audubon, no payment will be required.