Habitats Hike
Every animal needs a habitat, but not all habitats are the same. Explore the diverse ecosystems of the VINS Nature Center and discover how animals make their homes in the forest, field, and/or river's edge. VINS educators guide students through an in-depth exploration of an animal's habitat and lead them through a first-hand habitat trek to search for food, water, shelter, and space. This lesson includes a moderate 45-minute round trip hike over uneven terrain.
*Learn about what animals are diurnal, nocturnal, and crepuscular. Schedule a night hike well in advance if you are interested!
Schedule a conference with a VINS Educator (typically via phone or Zoom) to personalize your lesson, target specific learning goals, and meet the needs of your group. This could involve reviewing specific merit badge requirements, requesting certain animal biofacts, informing of necessary accomodations, putting a face to a name before the visit, etc.
- Daisies - Eco Learner
- Brownies - Eco Friend
- Juniors - Eco Camper
- Juniors - Animal Habitats
- Cadettes - Eco Trekker
- Cadettes - Night Owl*
- Lions - Mountain Lion
- Tigers - My Tiger Jungle, Tigers in the Wild
- Wolves - Paws on the Path
- Bears - Fur, Feathers
- Ferns, Webelos - Walkabout,
- Webelos - Into the Wild
- Boy Scouts - Environmental Science, Nature
Your field trip includes a 60 minute guided program including an introduction to the topic, an outdoor activity, an in-depth investigation and a chance for students to reflect upon what they learned. In addition to your guided lesson you will have the opportunity to experience a live bird presentation, visit our trails and exhibits, and enjoy lunch on our grounds.
All VINS educators have extensive experience in environmental education, the natural sciences and science instruction. As certified teachers in NH and VT, the instructors align their content and methods with the Next Generation Science Standards as well as BSA and GSGWM guidelines. All instructors utilize best practices for outdoor education and are First Aid and CPR certified.
Enhancing Classroom Curriculum with On-Site, Place-Based Education
Explore the natural world with hands-on lessons aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards.