Natural Science

Weather affects everything we do. Build a weather person with a wind vane at its back. When the wind turns it on its spinning base, look at the compass you've embedded and know which direction the wind is coming from. Learn to look at clouds and cloud patterns. What do they mean?

Students will learn the importance of meteorology among other essentials such as how clouds are created, why does it rain, how does wind form, as well as the 4 cardinal directions, N, E, S,W and how the direction of the wind affects our weather.

What's the best way to understand a bug? Look at it carefully. Consider the parts of a bug. Six legs, eyes, abdomen, antennae, wings (or not), spiracles, color to hide (or not). Study models and pictures and construct your own bug to understand the names and purposes of the parts. 

Teachers can choose one bug for all to make, or choose for a mix and each student builds a different one. The choices are Bee, Butterfly, Ant, or Mosquito

Each child will build a display box to sort and test 7 rocks and minerals brought to the Museum from across Connecticut. Each sample will have different properties. Students will learn how rocks are formed as well as the categories and characteristics that distinguish each type. They will learn how to identify the rocks they will categorize. Every student will learn to use and will take home a handheld magnifying lens and mini light.

Nearly everything we do is affected by the weather. So weather forecasting is a special science. To create a weather broadcast however, you need to gather data and interpret the meanings. Our Weather Station measures 1) temperature, 2) wind direction 3) wind speed 4) rainfall and describes cloud formations.

In the first half of the 19th century, Connecticut joined the race to California and China in sleek, bold Clipper Ships. Construct a model clipper with a hold to export and import cargo that built Connecticut's industry and commerce. Choose and craft your cargo to transport. Trade with your classmates.

Ever wonder why different birds' beaks look the way they do? Why are some bird's beaks pointy? curved? long? Short? The same questions hold for animals, plants and humans (not beak shapes of course – but other features.) Discuss bird beak adaptations and learn about Darwin’s discoveries and observations of Finches during his expedition to the Galapagos Islands in 1835.

Feeders influence the world of birds. You must understand the habits and needs of the birds you wish to help. Which seeds are most nutritious? Which bird likes which seed? Are there things that I should not serve? Where should I locate the feeder? 

So many birds, so many rules you need to understand. 

Build a Birdfeeder that you can hang in your backyard, in a park, or on a balcony. Learn how to keep it clean and functioning optimally. Decorate your construction to personalize it.