Winter School Programs: Environmental Education

Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center's winter programs offer unique opportunities for hands-on environmental education and recreation. Our experienced educators allow learners the opportunity to explore subjects and habitats through focused, inquiry-based programs, taking advantage of the magic of the winter season.

The school programs listed below were offered in the winter of 2008/2009. Many of these programs will be offered again in the winter of 2009/2010. Please check back in late fall for the official Winter 2009/2010 program listing.

Please see the Fall 2009 Newsletter for a list of all school and public programs being currently offered or visit the Newsletters page. Click here to get your own free e-mail news letter e-mailed directly to you. Newsletter e-mail lists are not shared with others.

All environmental school programs support the Massachusetts Science Frameworks. For more information contact Kim Noyes, School Environmental Programs Coordinator: (413) 659-4462.

Environmental Education Programs

Winter World

Games, puppets and a variety of activities are used to explore the world of winter. Using their senses, students will develop an awareness of winter and the challenges that this season poses to animal survival. A special focus of this program is on shelter and the challenge of staying warm. This program takes place both indoors and outdoors. Pre- and post-visit materials are provided.

Pre-school to Grade 1
Time Allowance: 1 - 1 1/2 hours (depending on grade)
Group Size: 22 (groups up to 33 available on limited days)
(10/1 student/adult ratio)
Fee: $6/student; minimum $60/group

Science and Technology Standards Applicable:
Earth Science (Grades PreK-1) #3,
Life Science (PreK-1) #1, #3, #6, #7, #8

Pine Cones and Pizza

Finding food in winter is a challenging task, and it is often the key to survival. Games such as Eat and Run, Pizza Bingo and Hurry Up and Hunt introduce students to the difficulty of finding food during the coldest season. This program takes place both indoors and outdoors and is a great followup to Winter World. The pre- and post-visit curriculum for Winter World serves this program as well.

Grades 2 and 3
Time Allowance: 1 1/2 hours
Group Size: 24 (groups up to 36 available on limited days)
(10/1 student/adult ratio)
Fee: $6/student; minimum $60/group

Science and Technology Standards Applicable:
Earth Science (Grade 2) #3,
Life Science (Grade 2) #1, #3, #6, #7, #8
(Grade 3) #1, #3, #7

The Hunter and the Hunted

This program focuses on predator-prey adaptations. What makes a predator a successful hunter and prey able to avoid capture? Through games, role playing and outdoor exploration we will study the ecological relationship between predator and prey. Using detective skills, we will learn how to interpret skulls and read the signs these creatures leave behind. This program takes place both indoors and outdoors. Weather permitting, snowshoes will be used. The pre- and post-visit material for Twigs and Tracks serve this program as well.

	Grades 4 and above Time Allowance: 2 hours Group Size: 25 (groups up to 36 available on limited days) (10/1 student/adult ratio) Fee: $7/student; minimum $70/group Science and Technology Standards Applicable: Life Science (Grades 4-5) #1, #3, #5, #6, #7, #9
Photo by John Burk

Twigs and Tracks

The forests and fields at Northfield are alive with animal activity in winter. This program focuses on the adaptations that enable plants and animals to meet the challenge of winter survival. As twig and track detectives, students will search for signs of wildlife on snowshoes (snow permitting). This program includes an indoor and outdoor session with a variety of hands-on activities. Snowshoes and pre- and post-visit materials are provided.

Grades 3 and above
Time Allowance: 2 hours
Group Size: 25 (groups up to 36 available on limited days)
(10/1 student/adult ratio)
Fee: $7/student; minimum $70/group

Science and Technology Standards Applicable:
Life Science (Grades 3-5) #1, #2, #3, #5, #6, #7, #9

Winter Recreation Programs: Skiing and Snowshoeing

Reservations starting Nov. 19, 2008 ACTIVITY PERIOD Morning Trail Ski 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon Afternoon Trail Ski 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. FEES Trail Ski (own equipment) ..............$4.00 Trail Ski (rental equipment) ...........$6.00 Snowshoeing (own equipment) ........n/c Snowshoeing (rental equipment) ...$6.00

Self-guided snowshoe hikes are available for school groups. With minimal practice, students will be able to venture on the trails and experience winter from a different perspective. We have many sets of easy-to-use aluminum snowshoes which are available on a limited basis. Please call ahead for availability.

Trail skiing provides another opportunity for school groups to experience the winter woods. We have many sets of cross country ski rentals which are available Wednesday through Friday.