School Programs at Milford Point
Our award-winning Science in Nature program consists of hands-on, inquiry-based activities in earth and life sciences, ecology, conservation and responsible citizenship. These programs are aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and can take place at our Center, your school, or a local park. While our programs are written for specific age groups, many can be adjusted to fit your class's needs.
The Coastal Center also offers programs for home learning groups and virtual programs.
Milford Point School Programs
Adaptable to All Ages
Life Between the Tides
It’s as hands-on as it gets exploring the diversity of marine life in the intertidal zone. Search for snails, crabs, seaweeds, and more. Learn how the unique adaptations of these organism help them survive and interact in this challenging and ever changing habitat!
- From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes, LS1
- Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics, LS2
- Heredity: Inheritance and Variation of Traits, LS3
- Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity, LS4
- Earth and Human Activity, K-ESS3-1
- 60 minutes: $165/classroom
- 90 minutes: $230/classroom
- 120 minutes: $500/classroom
- Full Day (4-hour program): $780/classroom
Feathers, Fur, and Scales
Students will compare characteristics of different animals and discover how they use their body parts to move from place to place, find food, water, and shelter. Students will observe the similarities and differences of each animal’s characteristics with an up-close look. Program includes live animals, mounted specimens, and other educational tools.
- From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes, LS1
- Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics, LS2
- Heredity: Inheritance and Variation of Traits, LS3
- Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity, LS4
- Earth and Human Activity, K-ESS3-1
- 60 minutes: $165/classroom
- 90 minutes: $230/classroom
- 120 minutes: $500/classroom
- Off-site programs will include a travel fee.
What Makes a Bird a Bird?
Get your feathers ruffled as we uncover the unique characteristics of birds. Explore different beaks, feathers, feet, and behaviors to determine how these features help birds survive in different habitats. Program includes mounted specimens, feathers, bones, and other props. In fair weather at the Coastal Center, this program will include observing birds outdoors.
- From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes, LS1
- Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics, LS2
- Heredity: Inheritance and Variation of Traits, LS3
- Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity, LS4
- Earth and Human Activity, K-ESS3-1
- 60 minutes: $165/classroom
- 90 minutes: $230/classroom
- 120 minutes: $500/classroom
- Off-site programs will include a travel fee.
Exploring the Seasonal Seashore
Take a walk on the wild side as we explore the plants and animals that live along the shore. Each season offers up different possibilities. Discover the strategies organisms have for surviving the conditions of the current season.
- From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes, LS1
- Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics, LS2
- Heredity: Inheritance and Variation of Traits, LS3
- Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity, LS4
- Earth and Human Activity, K-ESS3-1
- 60 minutes: $165/classroom
- 90 minutes: $230/classroom
- 120 minutes: $500/classroom
- Full Day (4-hour program): $780/classroom
The Dirt on Soil
Leave the mess to us as your students experience a hands-on approach to learning about the ground beneath their feet! We’ll use science tools to separate soil into its various parts and classify soil samples based on color, size, texture, and ability to retain water. Which soil is the best at supporting plant growth?
- Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity, LS4
- Earth and Human Activity, K-ESS3-1
- Earth's Systems, 4-ESS2
- 60 minutes: $165/classroom
- 90 minutes: $230/classroom
- 120 minutes: $500/classroom
Wetland Ecology
Explore the saltmarshes of Milford Point and observe the characteristics and functions of these remarkable wetland areas. Discover the importance of salt marshes for humans and wildlife. Explore how external structures of plants and animals help them survive in this habitat.
- From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes, LS1
- Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics, LS2
- Heredity: Inheritance and Variation of Traits, LS3
- Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity, LS4
- Earth and Human Activity, K-ESS3-1
- 60 minutes: $165/classroom
- 90 minutes: $230/classroom
- 120 minutes: $500/classroom
- Full Day (4-hour program): $780/classroom
Kindergarten
Seasons and the Weather
Students will observe a local area seasonally (fall, winter, spring) throughout the school year and record observable changes to their surroundings (what happens to the plants/animals). Students will make predictions as to what will happen or make discoveries about life cycles by exploring 2 to 3 habitats.
- Earth's Systems, Weather and Climate: K-ESS2-D
- Science & Engineering Practice – Analyzing and Interpreting Data
- Cross Cutting Concept – Patterns
- Common Core Math Connections – K.CC.A; MP.2
- Common Core Literacy Connections – SL.K.3; SL.K.5; SL.K.6
- 60 minutes: $165/classroom
- 90 minutes: $230/classroom
- 120 minutes: $500/classroom
What Do Plants and Animals Need to Survive?
Students explore the idea of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.
- Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems: Animals, Plants, and Their Environment, K-LS1-C
- Science & Engineering Practice – Analyzing and Interpreting Data, Developing and Using Models
- Cross Cutting Concept – Patterns, Systems and System Models
- Common Core Math Connections – K.MD.A.2, K.MD.B.3, MP.2, K.CC.A
- Common Core Literacy Connections – SL.K.3, SL.K.5, SL.K.6
- 60 minutes: $165/classroom
- 90 minutes: $230/classroom
- 120 minutes: $500/classroom
1st-5th Grade
Adaptations: Structures & Functions
Students explore the idea of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.
- Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems: Animals, Plants, and Their Environment, 1-LS1-A
- Science & Engineering Practice – Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
- Cross Cutting Concept – Patterns, Structure and Function
- 60 minutes: $165/classroom
- 90 minutes: $230/classroom
- 120 minutes: $500/classroom
Habitats and Life Cycles
Let’s explore how some living things change forms throughout the year in our local environment! Students will have a hands-on experience exploring the life cycles of the plants and animals that we discover in different habitats.
- Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems: Animals, Plants, and Their Environment, 1-LS1-A, 1-LS1-B
- Heredity: Inheritance and Variation of Traits, 1-LS3-A
- Science & Engineering Practice – Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
- Cross Cutting Concept – Patterns
- Common Core Literacy Connections – W.1.8
- Common Core Math Connections – MP.2., K.CC.A
- 60 minutes: $165/classroom
- 90 minutes: $230/classroom
- 120 minutes: $500/classroom
Landforms & Erosion
Students engage in the scientific method as they conduct hands-on investigations about water erosion. Students make predictions, run experimental trials, record their observations, and draw conclusions about the impact of water on land.
- Earth's Systems, ESS2-A
- Engineering Design, ETS1-C
- Science & Engineering Practice – Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
- Cross Cutting Concept – Stability and Change
- Common Core Literacy Connections: W.2.8, SL.2.1, SL.2.1a, SL.2.1b
- 60 minutes: $165/classroom
- 90 minutes: $230/classroom
- 120 minutes: $500/classroom
Habitats & Organisms
Students look at the diversity of life in each different habitat using a variety of science tools. Students will understand that organisms have basic needs and need to live in a particular habitat to meet those needs.
- Earth's Systems, 2-LS4-D
- Science & Engineering Practice – Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
- Cross Cutting Concept – Patterns, Structure and Function
- 60 minutes: $165/classroom
- 90 minutes: $230/classroom
- 120 minutes: $500/classroom
- Full Day (4 hours): $780/classroom
- Off-site programs will include a travel fee.
Plants, Seeds, and Dispersal
Students investigate natural spaces and make observations of plants and signs of animals. Students discuss and identify different seed dispersal techniques with a focus on how animals assist in this process.
- Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics, 2-LS2-A
- Science & Engineering Practice – Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
- Cross Cutting Concept – Structure and Function
- 60 minutes: $165/classroom
- 90 minutes: $230/classroom
- 120 minutes: $500/classroom
- Full Day (4 hours): $780/classroom
- Off-site programs will include a travel fee.
Weather, Plants, and Animals
Students analyze weather phenomena of at least two habitats, seek evidence of specific weather conditions and use their data to make inferences about animal abundance and behavior.
- Earth's Systems, 3-ESS2-D
- Science & Engineering Practice – Analyzing and Interpreting Data
- Cross Cutting Concept – Patterns
- Common Core Literacy Connection – W.3.8
- Common Core Math Connections – MP.2, MP.4, MP.5
- 60 minutes: $165/classroom
- 90 minutes: $230/classroom
- 120 minutes: $500/classroom
- Off-site programs will include a travel fee.
Humans & Habitats
Students collect and analyze data on at least two habitats an look for evidence of human impact. Students discuss the implications of how humans may have changed the habitat in positive and negative ways and propose solutions to habitat degradation.
- Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity, 3-LS4-D
- Science & Engineering Practice – Engaging in Argument from Evidence
- Cross Cutting Concept – Systems and System Models
- Common Core Literacy Connection – W.3.2, SL.3.4
- Common Core Math Connections – MP.2, MP.4
- 60 minutes: $165/classroom
- 90 minutes: $230/classroom
- 120 minutes: $500/classroom
- Full Day (4 hours): $780/classroom
- Off-site programs will include a travel fee.
Weathering & Erosion
Students observe how different factors (e.g.. water, wind, vegetation, slope) affect weathering and erosion, that different habitats experience different rates and forms of weathering and erosion, and the impact of these phenomena on natural and built environments.
- Earth's Systems: 4-ESS2-A, 4-ESS2-E
- Science & Engineering Practice – Planning and Carrying out Investigations
- Cross Cutting Concept – Cause and Effect
- Common Core Literacy Connection – W.4.8B
- Common Core Math Connections – MP.2
- 60 minutes: $165/classroom
- 90 minutes: $230/classroom
- 120 minutes: $500/classroom
- Full Day (4 hours): $780/classroom
- Off-site programs will include a travel fee.
Adaptations: Structures & Functions
Students explore at least 3 habitats on site and investigate animal and plant external structures that support survival, growth, behavior and reproduction.
- From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes, 4-LS1-1
- Science & Engineering Practice – Engaging in Argument from Evidence (EAE)
- Cross Cutting Concept – System and System Models
- Common Core Literacy Connection – RST.6-8.7
- Common Core Math Connections – MP.2
- 60 minutes: $165/classroom
- 90 minutes: $230/classroom
- 120 minutes: $500/classroom
- Full Day (4 hours): $780/classroom
- Off-site programs will include a travel fee.
Water Cycling
Students develop their understanding of water as a natural resource, the source and impacts of water pollution, water’s locations and movements on Earth, and as a molecule through the water cycle. Students examine at least two habitats to investigate the presence of water in each habitat.
- Earth's Systems, 5-ESS2-A, 5-ESS2-C
- Science & Engineering Practice – Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking
- Cross Cutting Concept – Scale, Proportion, and Quantity
- Common Core Literacy Connection – W.5.8B
- Common Core Math Connections – MP.2, MP.4
- 60 minutes: $165/classroom
- 90 minutes: $230/classroom
- 120 minutes: $500/classroom
- Off-site programs will include a travel fee.
Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics
Students witness and identify adaptations of various organisms in their natural habitats, which helps them understand the relationship between adaptations of an organism and the characteristics of their surrounding environment. Students explore how energy moves through an ecosystem, how organism’s adaptations helps them obtain energy, and how all organisms are interdependent.
- Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics, 5-LS2-A, 5-LS2-B
- Science & Engineering Practice – Developing and Using Models
- Cross Cutting Concept – Systems and System Models
- Common Core Literacy Connection – SL.5.1
- Common Core Math Connections – MP.2, MP.4, MP.5
- 60 minutes: $165/classroom
- 90 minutes: $230/classroom
- 120 minutes: $500/classroom
- Full Day (4 hours): $780/classroom
- Off-site programs will include a travel fee.
6th-8th Grade
Weathering, Erosion, and Deposition
Students observe, collect data, and use models to examine various geological phenomena. They “solve” the puzzle of the shape of our land via weathering, erosion, and deposition of sediments. Students gain a broader understanding of geologic processes and how they influence our daily lives.
- Earth's Systems, MS-ESS2-C
- Science & Engineering Practice – Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions, Developing and Using Models
- Cross Cutting Concept – Scale, Proportion, and Quantity
- 60 minutes: $165/classroom
- 90 minutes: $230/classroom
- 120 minutes: $500/classroom
- Off-site programs will include a travel fee.
Competition for Resources
Students collect field data, make observations, model phenomena, and analyze historical maps, photos and graphs. While examining the presence and abundance of organisms, they consider the roles of resource limitation and interactions among those organisms.
- Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics, MS-LS2-A
- Science & Engineering Practice – Developing and Using Models, Analyzing and Interpreting Data
- Cross Cutting Concept – Patterns, Cause and Effect
- Common Core Literacy Connections – RST.6-8.7
- Common Core Math Connections – MP.2
- 60 minutes: $165/classroom
- 90 minutes: $230/classroom
- 120 minutes: $500/classroom
- Off-site programs will include a travel fee.