Middle School Education Programs

Middle School Programs

Animal Encounter | 30 minutes | Indoors

Meet one of our animal ambassadors up close and personal in this private, 30-minute encounter led by an expert naturalist. Age-appropriate and engagingly delivered, the program includes time for Q&A and hands-on exploration of biofacts such as pelts, skulls, and wings. Connect to your curriculum by selecting one of the following themes: Adaptations, Habitats, or Human Impacts on Wildlife.
Available: Year-round at SLNSC or your site

Human Impacts on Wildlife | 45 minutes | Indoors

Human behavior can have positive or adverse effects on wildlife populations. Through up close encounters with two live animals, students explore examples of human impacts and some working and potential solutions to reverse negative influences. Through a follow-up activity, students design solutions to minimize environmental problems caused by human behavior.
Available: Year-round at SLNSC or your site

Forest and Field Ecology | 1 hour 30 minutes | Outdoors

What characteristics make fields and forests such different natural communities? Through hands-on scientific examination, teams of students measure wind speed, temperature, soil pH, humidity, and other factors. Students review data and then compare and contrast the results between the two communities. Meet a live animal to discover how the factors measured during the program influence where the animal lives.
Available: Fall, Spring, Summer at SLNSC

Lake Exploration | 2 hours | Outdoors

Study Squam Lake aboard a floating classroom. Using hands-on measurements of pH, dissolved oxygen, water hardness, clarity, and temperature, student teams assess the lake’s health. Students also examine lake sediment and collect plankton to observe with a high definition projection microscope. All data are posted on the Science Center’s website for teachers to compare with results from past years.
Available: Fall, Spring, Summer at SLNSC

Next Generation Science Standards Connections

MS-LS1-6 From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes – Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for the role of photosynthesis in the cycling of matter and flow of energy into and out of organisms.

MS-LS2-1 Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics – Analyze and interpret data to provide evidence for the effects of resource availability on organisms and populations of organisms in an ecosystem.

MS-LS2-3 Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics – Develop a model to describe the cycling of matter and flow of energy among living and nonliving parts of an ecosystem.

MS-LS2-4 Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics – Construct an argument supported by empirical evidence that changes to physical or biological components of an ecosystem affect populations.

MS-ESS3-4. Construct an argument supported by evidence for how increases in human population and per-capita consumption of natural resources impact Earth's systems.

For questions or to schedule your field trip contact us 603-968-7194 or email

Lynne Kraskouskas, 09/18/18
Great educational facility. Fun and educational for all ages. Very much enjoyed the sub-canopy boardwalk peppered with stations featuring different animals and ecosystems of the surrounding area. There are educational presentations with live animals as well as an otter exhibit. A few times a week, the otters are fed a "fishsicle" and it is amusing to watch them try and get their snacks. Didn't visit gift shop or go for a cruise. That's the great thing about this place, one can come back again and again and have a different experience. Locals or regular visitors to the region can purchase a membership and come and go. There is a nice picnic area and food during the summer season. It was not busy the day we visited, but I could see it being a lot busier. Educational, interesting AND shady.
Julie's bites, 10/14/23
We took a squam boat cruise on a pontoon boat. It was extremely enjoyable. Great views, interesting birds, informative commentary. We went on the last trip of the season, October 14, and you had to be prepared for chilly weather. When the boat goes at full speed, the wind is penetrating. The boat has a roof, but it is open air otherwise. The boat has comfortable seats, there is one big step to get in or out, but the staff was helping anyone who needed help. Many elderly visitors were able to participate and had a good time.
Justin Chase, 08/10/24
Andrew Gorham, 10/12/20
Mountain Lions didn't feel like coming out but plenty of other things to see. Being that close to local wildlife as opposed to zoo animals from other countries was refreshing. Probably the closest I'll ever get to a black bear in my life I hope!
Jeremy Warren, 08/22/23
Great little walk and the ability to see some pretty cool wildlife. Great playground and very courteous and informative staff. Entire park can take 1.5 hours if you’re rushing through, but it’s worth your time to take it slow. Very manageable with little kids or teenagers. Definitely worth a visit.