Outreach Programs for Schools

Registering for Programs

To register call the Flat Rock Brook office at 201 567-1265

Programs are held for a maximum of 30 students per session, unless they are being presented as an assembly program.

Teachers are required to stay in the presentation area during programs.

Cancellation of a program up to one month in advance of the scheduled date will result in a full refund. Less than one month up to 2 weeks prior to the scheduled program will result in a refund of half the fee. No refunds will be provided for a cancellation made less than two weeks prior to the scheduled program date. In case of severe weather or snow, it is the responsibility of the school to contact the Nature Center office to cancel or reschedule.

Programs can be scheduled year-round, depending on presenter availability.

Programs include pre- and post-program teaching suggestions and resources.  Correlations with New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards are available upon request.

Flat Rock Brook Nature Assn.
443 Van Nostrand Avenue
Englewood, NJ 07631

Flat Rock Brook’s Outreach Programs for schools and other organizations allow students to discover and understand the wonder and diversity of nature without leaving their classroom. Students are engaged fully in the program topic through hands-on activities, and demonstrations. Whether dissecting an owl pellet, experiencing a close-up encounter with a reptile or amphibian, or examining the watershed and how it is affected by human activity, students will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of nature and an appreciation of its importance to their lives. Basic Programs are one hour long. Extended programs are 1½ hours long.

Programs

Never Say “Ugh” to a Bug
Pre-K to Grade 5
Students will experience these adaptable creatures up close as they are visited by real insects, such as Giant Madagascan Hissing Cockroaches. This program teaches students to appreciate the unique characteristics of insects and explains metamorphosis and insects’ importance in the environment. Extended programs can include outdoor insect hikes on the school grounds.

Scaly or Slimy?
Pre-K to Grade 6
Real live reptiles and amphibians “visit” the classroom to help teach children the different characteristics of these two animal families. Students will be able to touch the animals and watch some get fed while learning about conservation and respect for all living things.

Rainforest Revue
Grades 2 - 8
How do the plants and animals of tropical rainforests adapt to the extreme rainfall and temperatures? What happens to animals during the wet season? How do plants attract pollinators? Students will learn about the amazing adaptations of rainforest animals and plants through a series of interactive games and activities.

Remarkable Rocks
Grades 2 - 6
Students will become Junior Geologists to determine the three different families of rocks by their characteristics, how rocks change over time and how people use rocks in everyday life in this fun and engaging introductory geology program.

Bird-Brained
Grades 3 - 8
Building a nest is no easy task! Cooperative groups will have an opportunity to examine a variety of nests, dissect a nest, collect data, and draw conclusions based on their findings. Extended programs can include a student nest building activity.

Group Challenge
Grades 3 - 12
Activities focus on the skills needed to be a successful group member and provide students with an opportunity to practice those skills in problem solving situations. A great way to make your group a cohesive one!

“Water” You Talking About?
Grades 4 - 8
Using the “Enviroscape” 3-D model, students will see how a watershed works and what causes point and non-point source pollution. Every student will have an opportunity to participate, and all will leave with a better understanding of the importance of caring for our water resources.


Save Our Species
Grades 4 - 8
Through cooperative games, visuals, and “touchables,” students will learn the five main reasons why animals and plants become endangered. New Jersey’s endangered species and conservation issues will be discussed, as well as global issues that affect our lives locally.

Whooo’s Eating Who?
Grades 4 - 8
Dissecting owl pellets is a fascinating, hands-on activity that will captivate your students. Small groups of students will try to determine an owl’s diet and assemble the skeletons they find in their owl pellets in order to draw conclusions about food webs in nature.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Grade 6-12
In this informative and engaging program, students will learn how to reduce, reuse, and recycle the products we use in our everyday lives through a series of activities and demonstrations.