PROGRAMS FOR GRADES 3-6

River Dwellers – Museum & In-School Lesson

Role-playing, research, and hands-on activities help students discover how the Connecticut River Valley developed, how communities were established, and how the human relationship with the River is ever-evolving. This program uses a 6 x 20-foot floor map of the River and tactile tools to chart the course of human communities over the course of 12,000 years.

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Connecticut River in a Jar – Museum & In-School Lesson

Students track the water cycle to learn where pollution comes from and how to clean it up. After creating a polluted “river in a jar,” they use the scientific method and various simple tools to develop and test strategies to clean their “river.” This program tracks the polluted history of the Connecticut River while demonstrating the importance of water quality and the challenges in protecting our watersheds.

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Valley Shipyard – Museum Lesson

Communities along the lower Connecticut River were driven by shipbuilding and maritime trades for almost 300 years. Students will explore this industrial past by experiencing a series of traditional shipyard jobs in this hands-on lesson. As students make rope, carve trunnels, use an auger, and caulk a hull, they will see first-hand the simple machines used in the shipyard and learn the steps required to build a sailing ship. Combine the shipyard workshop with a sail on the Onrust to see what life was like for coastal communities!

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David Bushnell’s Turtle: Innovation & Revolution – Museum Lesson

How did a one-person submarine change the course of American history? Dive into David Bushnell’s ideas and challenges in building the Turtle—the first submersible vessel to be used in combat—by using primary documents, reproduction objects, and a hands-on sink-and-float experience. This program is a great connection if you are reading Attack of the Turtle in your classroom.

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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.

On-Land Educational Program Fees at CRM:

Includes regular museum admission plus your choice of a 90-minute program.

Up to 25 students; $15 per student

25-49 students; $12 per student

50-75 students; $10 per student

On-Water Boat Program Fees at CRM:

One hour boat excursion on Onrust or RiverQuest; must accompany at least one 90-minute program.

Up to 25 students; $25 per student

25-49 students; $20 per student

50-75 students; $18 per student

All Birding on Board & River Science programs are $26 per student – maximum capacity is 30 students