School Programs

The Watershed Institute offers programs aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards as well as traditional inquiry and nature discovery programs. Embrace scientific inquiry and discovery on our 950-acre Watershed Reserve and in the LEED Platinum-certified Watershed Center.

Full-Day and Multi-Day NGSS Programs

The Watershed Institute educational provides curricula based on the science and climate change standards adopted in New Jersey and other states. The Next Generation Science Standards are designed to improve science education for all students. Students work and think like scientists and engage in the three dimensions of science learning – science and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts and disciplinary core ideas.

Many of our NGSS school programs were developed and piloted in partnership with the Hopewell Valley School District. Our programs promote critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills. The topics range from examining human impacts on the environment and constructing scientific models, to finding and engineering solutions to real-world problems. We are available for consultation, with years of experience teaching these and other programs to elementary, middle and high school classes.

Our Climate Change education programs will help teachers meet the NJ climate standards. New Jersey became the first state in the nation to include climate change across content areas. These standards are designed to prepare students to understand how and why climate change happens, the impact it has on our local and global communities and to act in informed and sustainable ways. Our innovative programs use best practices to include authentic learning experiences and promote action.

NGSS and Climate Change programs are available immediately, with additional course selections being developed. We also offer our traditional, nature-based favorites for schools. We invite your inquiries about partnerships.

For pricing information or to book your school trip to the Watershed Reserve complete the form below, or contact Anna Hill, Education Manager:
[email protected] or 609.737.3735 ext. 42.

Natural Connections

Grade K

1/2 Day Program

K-ESS3-1. Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants or animals (including humans) and the places they live.

Nature’s Copycats

Grade 1

Full Day Program

1-LS1-1. Use materials to design a solution to a human problem by mimicking how plants and/or animals use their external parts to help them survive, grow, and meet their needs.

Erosion Erasers

Grade 2

Full Day Program

2-ESS2-1. Compare multiple solutions designed to slow or prevent wind or water from changing the shape of the land.

Habitat Survivors

Grade 3

Full Day Program

3-LS4-3. Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular habitat some organisms can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot survive at all.

Stormwater Solutions

Grade 4

Full Day Program

4-ESS3-2. Generate and compare multiple solutions to reduce the impacts of natural Earth processes on humans.

Eco Spheres

Grade 5

Full Day Program

5-ESS2-1. Develop a model using an example to describe ways the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and/or atmosphere interact.

Build A Better School

Middle School Grades

Long-Term Project

MS-LS2-5 Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics

MS-ESS3-3 Earth and Human Activity

MS-ETS1-1 Engineering Design

Dam Engineers

Middle School Grades

Full Day Program

MS-LS-2.4 Construct an argument supported by empirical evidence that changes to physical or biological components of an ecosystem affect populations.

MS-ESS3.3 Apply scientific principles to design a method for monitoring and minimizing a human impact on the environment

MS-LS2.5 Evaluate competing design solutions for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services.

MS-ETS1.1 Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relative scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.

MS-ETS1.2 Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

Monarchs and Migration

Grades 1-8

1/2 Day Program

Why do some animals migrate? Can a butterfly really fly all the way to Mexico? Learn about monarch migration and conservation efforts. Available in September only.

Butterfly Magic

PreK-K

1/2 Day Program

Enjoy a butterfly story, song and craft as we learn about these amazing creatures! Step into the Kate Gorrie Butterfly House for a peek at butterfly magic. Available May-September.

Animals and Habitats

PreK-Grade 12

1/2 Day Program

Students discover different habitats and evidence of a variety of animals at the Watershed Reserve. They will investigate how animals meet their basic needs, including where they live and what they eat. Students will learn how to identify animal tracks, feathers, fur, scat and other signs left by local wildlife. Available year-round.

Insect Safari

Grades K-12

1/2 Day Program

During our safari we will explore some of the myths, mysteries and crucial importance of our insect neighbors. The program includes games, a hike and an insect search. Secondary students will learn about human attempts to control insect populations and the effects of those efforts upon the environment. Available mid-May through early October.

Maple Sugaring

Grades K-12

1/2 Day Program

Discover the magic and science of one of nature’s most tasty treats – maple syrup! Learn how the trees are tapped and take part in a maple syrup taste test. Available only in February and March.

Meet the Critters

Grades PreK-1

1/2 Day Program

Children will meet the animals in our Discovery Room and use their senses to learn more about nature before they venture out on a short hike.

Climate, Health and Justice

Suitable for grades 9 and up

Will the next big public health crisis result from climate change? Climate Change affects the health of everyone, and some populations suffer more than others. Learn how our changing climate is increasing vector borne and water borne disease, heat related illnesses, and adding to the mental health crisis.

The Climate Challenge

Suitable for grades 5-12

The Climate Challenge, an active, experiential learning game, teaches students to navigate our changing world. The game can be set up indoors or outdoors, with the field of play ranging from a classroom to a giant field or woodland trail.

Nature’s Winter World

PreK-Grade 1

1 Hour

Learn about the lives of animals in winter through stories and puppets. Discover how different animals survive the challenges of winter by meeting a variety of creatures, including a groundhog, a skunk, a bird, and an insect (all puppets) as well as a live turtle. Available December – February.

Reptiles Are Fun

PreK-Grade 2

1 Hour

Children are introduced to reptiles through a story and a lesson about how they live and survive in the wild. This includes a visit by some live reptiles. Available December-February.

Insects All Around

Grades 2-6

1 Hour

Are there really bugs in my candy? Discover the uses of insect products in our everyday lives. Explore some of the myths, mysteries, and importance of our insect neighbors.

Native American Animal Tales

Grades K-4

1 Hour

Why does a vulture have a bald head and why is a possum’s tail like a rope? Students will become involved in the story of turtle, fox, and spider and will discover some fun facts about animals in this creative-theater program. The story, based on a legend from the Muskogee Creek tribe (original residents of the American southeast, particularly Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and North Carolina) will be followed by an animal slideshow.

Downstream: A Watershed Game

Grades 5-12

1 Hour

Bring our Teacher-Naturalists to your school! This play-oriented, outdoor activity shows various factors that affect water quality as a stream moves through the landscape. After an introduction, the students will roll a giant die and then imagine their travels downstream on one of three waterways (rural, suburban, and urban). As they flow through the landscape, they will encounter natural and human elements that alter their water quality. The action concludes with all participants flowing into the same lake. Students will examine how the landscape influences water quality and will also discuss and explore strategies for maintaining and improving water quality. Available year round, requires a large, open area (inside or outside).

School Programs

Full-Day and Multi-Day NGSS Programs

Natural Connections

Nature’s Copycats

Erosion Erasers

Habitat Survivors

Stormwater Solutions

Eco Spheres

Build A Better School

Dam Engineers

Monarchs and Migration

Butterfly Magic

Animals and Habitats

Insect Safari

Maple Sugaring

Meet the Critters

Climate, Health and Justice

The Climate Challenge

Nature’s Winter World

Reptiles Are Fun

Insects All Around

Native American Animal Tales

Downstream: A Watershed Game

Contact Us: [email protected]

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