Grades 6-8

All grade 6-8 programs focus on scientific inquiry and literacy. They are designed to bring science to life and encourage students to identify questions that can be answered through scientific exploration.

All grade 6-8 programs can also be conducted right in your own classroom as a Traveling Teacher Program.

THIS CLASS CAN TRAVEL TO YOU
THIS CLASS INCLUDES A LIVE INVERTEBRATE TOUCH AND LEARN
THIS CLASS INCLUDES A TOUCH AND LEARN WITH A LIVE REPILE

NEW! Amphibian Conservation
As the temperature rises, humidity drops and pollution continues to fill the air, amphibians such as frogs, toads and salamanders are among the first species to feel these harmful effects. Join us as we determine how the environment is changing, where human activity affects the environment and why amphibians make such great environmental indicators. Students participate in hands-on activities and lab tests — and learn the part they can play in conserving a healthy ecosystem.
CT State Science Standards Addressed: 6.2, 6.4, 7.2, 8.2

Echolocation- Land vs. Sea
What do beluga whales and bats have in common? Echolocation, the ability to “see” using sound. This class compares these two completely different species, revealing how each relies on echolocation for survival in its natural habitat. Students also learn about the animals’ respective anatomy in order to understand where the sound comes from and how it is made.

Lengthen your class! Register for a 90-minute lab experience for more beluga whale information and activities.
CT State Science Standard Addressed: 7.2

NEW!Environmental Extremes
From the arid deserts of Africa to deep-sea hydrothermal vents, organisms have adapted to cope with extreme environmental conditions. Throughout this program, students will discover the intense challenges that animals such as African spurred tortoises, deep sea tube worms and Antarctic leopard seals encounter every day. Participants will learn through lab activities that put students’ chemistry, math and biology skills to the test — and indicate their relevance (and importance!) to the animal world.
CT State Science Standards Addressed: 6.2, 6.4, 7.3, 8.2

Invertebrate Classification
What is a phylum, and how do scientists classify living things into groups? Students will use visual and tactile observations to examine live marine invertebrates and complete a taxonomy exercise to understand scientific classification. Lengthen your class! View a mollusk from the inside by adding a squid dissection class (see description below) to create a 90-minute immersive lab experience.
CT State Science Standard Addressed: 6.2

Squid Dissection
Kids may not enjoy squid on their dinner plates – but in the lab, they will! Discover the amazing adaptations of the fastest, largest and most intelligent invertebrate in the sea by participating in a detailed dissection of our local species.

Lengthen your class! Turn this dissection into a 90-minute immersive lab experience by adding the invertebrate lab (described above) to understand the common characteristics that squid share with other mollusks.
CT State Science Standards Addressed: 6.2, 7.2, 8.2

Long Island Sound Exploration
The Long Island Sound is an amazing and diverse ecosystem, but what makes this environment different from others? Students will learn the unique characteristics of an estuary, analyzing water samples from Aquarium exhibits to determine which best illustrates the qualities of the water found in the Sound. Students will also have the opportunity to interact with live Long Island Sound marine invertebrates — and to discover how human activity has impacted this delicate ecosystem.
CT State Science Standards Addressed: 6.2, 6.4

All programs require advanced registration. For details and reservation information see the Details & Reservation Information page, or call the reservations department at 860-572-5955 ext 520

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