Elementary and Middle School Education Programs

It's Getting Hot Out There

The planet is warming and our climate is changing. It's never too early to learn what is what climate change is, how it is impacting the planet, and what we can do to help. In this program students are introduced to the topic of climate change from a global to local perspective, utilizing waterfowl as a driver for action and an example of how detrimental climate change is on wildlife. 

Connecticut's NGSS require the topic of climate change to be implemented into the curriculum starting in 6th grade, our programs can proceed that introduction and provide a holistic bridge between what students have learned and the introduction of the topic in middle school. Our program can also support current climate change curriculum, providing a look at the topic from a new perspective and helping to add to a systems approach to the topic. 

Waterfowl Super Powers

Join us as we learn about the cool and unique superpowers that waterfowl have! We will explore unique adaptations such as counter current blood flow to help keep the feet warm, feather styles adapted for warmth, flight, and courtship displays, and webbed foot styles for all environments.

Wetland Health Inspector

Become a health inspector as we investigate what makes a wetland healthy. Students will explore Connecticut's creatures that call our wetlands home, learn about the important plant species that are unique to these wet environments, and then take out nexts and magnifying glasses to take a closer look at our local wetlands.

Ducks In Danger

Find out what makes a duck in danger, from loss of habitat to human impacts. In this program, students will meet Ripley's Avian Ambassadors and learn about how their species is surviving in the wild. Topics covered include what it means to be threatened or endangered, what factors lead to this listing, and what we can do to help.

Pollution Pandemonium

It's getting dirty outside and we need to help! In this program students will learn about pollution and it's impact on wildlife and ecosystem health. 

Whoooooo Am I?

Owls are everywhere and yet they are rarely seen! Lean about what makes owls unique, including their amazing sense of hearing, silent flight, and other adaptations that make them excellent predators. We will explore owl species native to Connecticut and end the program with an introduction to Poppy, Ripley's Barn Owl Ambassador!

Avian Development

Ripley's Incubator Kits provide audiences of all ages with a fun, interactive, and hands-on learning experience. Explore the wonderful life cycle of a chicken as participants track egg development from an embryo on Day 1 to hatching on day 21!

The Winchester Land Trust was extremely pleased and impressed, with the program Dr Colleen Peters offered our students at the Beardsley Memorial Library in Winsted. She was compassionate, smart and interactive. It is no small feat to fully engage a room of young students for 1 hour during spring break. Along with Dr Peters, Lowry, Nemo, Dory, and Poppy her ambassadors, kept everyone interested and smiling. Thank you LRWC and Dr Colleen Peters. -Barbara D.