Grades K-2
Programs for grades K-2 are 60 minutes in length and can be combined together for a full day field trip experience. Each program connects to multiple curriculum standards and emphasizes inquiry.

River Discovery: Discover the Connecticut River and the plants and animals that make their homes along its shores. Students participate in activities identifying parts of the River, learning about its varied ecosystems and habitats, animals and plants. This program can take place at the Museum and at your school.

Curriculum Connections: heredity/evolution, structure/function, geographical space/place, interactions of humans and the environment, gather information from multiple sources, interpret information, read/respond, producing texts, applying language.

Living with the River: “Meet” the people who have lived along the Connecticut River, from the White Mountains to Long Island Sound, farmers to fishermen, city to small town. How does the River affect people’s lives? Through hands-on activities, stories and gallery explorations, students will find evidence of different jobs, communities and experiences. This program takes place at the Museum.

Curriculum Connections: science & technology in society, structure/function, US history, humans & environment, local history, geography, human movement, economic systems, gather information, analyze & interpret information, read/respond, producing texts, applying language. For 2nd graders – add a second program to the day with a sail on the Onrust for an adventure on the River.

Big Birds of Winter: (Available February and March) Explore our Eagles of Essex exhibit as you learn about the biology and ecology of eagles, and other big birds along the River. Can you build an eagle’s nest? How big is an eagle egg? Students will find out about raptors, gulls and why the lower Con­necticut River Valley is the winter home for one of the largest groups of eagles on the East Coast. A spotting scope allows a close-up view of the most successful pair of eagles in the state! Can be a gallery program or combined with a boat tour on the River to observe eagles and other winter birds. This program can take place at the Museum or at your school.

Curriculum connections: heredity/evolution, earth’s systems, structure & function, humans & the environment, gather & interpret information, read/respond, producing texts.

Schedule a Program

We recommend scheduling your program at least 2 months in advance. You may call our Education Department at 860-767-8269, ext. 121 or email lbdionne@ctrivermuseum.org. Please have ready school name, grade level, number of students, best school contact number and email, requested program, requested date (please give 3 dates), requested start time and end time.