Hungerford offers a variety of classes done at many grade levels. Please call 860 827 9064 to inquire about dates available for you to either come to Hungerford or for us to go to your classroom. Program topics range from animals to nature. There are no fees for New Britain Public School groups.  Fees for out-of-town groups are $4 per student, per program, with a minimum fee of $52 at Hungerford.  For Hungerford to go to your school, fees start at $120 per program, with a limit of 25 participants. Please call for more information.

The following programs may either be done at Hungerford Park or at your school.  Topics may be amended to suit your individual class’ needs.

Basic Animals: live animals are used to compare similarities and differences among mammals, birds, and reptiles.  Specific animals that may be used are ferrets, rabbits, chinchillas, or rats; chickens, doves, or parrots; corn snakes or ball pythons; water and/or land turtles; and geckos or bearded dragon lizards.  Generally four or five live animals are presented and children may touch each animal used.  Suggested grade levels: pre-k—5th.

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Mammals: live mammals as well as pictures and posters are used to discuss what makes a mammal a mammal.  Children may touch each live animal used.  Suggested grade levels: K-5th.

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Birds: birds are in a class of their own for specific reasons.  Live birds, mounted specimens, feathers, nests, posters, and pictures are used during this class.  Suggested grade levels: K-5^th.

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Reptiles and amphibians: similarities and differences between these two groups of animals are discussed and live animals are used to bring home the points.  Posters, pictures, and specimens are also used.  Suggested grade levels: K-5th.

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Reptiles: live snakes, turtles, and lizards are used during this program.  Unique characteristics of this class are discussed.  Children may touch each live animal used.  Suggested grade levels: K-5th.

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Bugs, bugs and more bugs!: live animals, preserved specimens, and photos are used during this class.  Insect specifics, and the importance of insects to humans is discussed.  Suggested grade levels: K-5^th.  This program can only be done April-October.

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Seasons: animals respond to seasonal changes through hibernation, migration, or aestivation.  Students will be introduced to these survival strategies using both live animals and mounts.  Suggested grade levels: K-5^th.

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Predators and Prey: how do animal get food or survive out in the wild?  Protective coloration, marking, and other strategies or adaptations will be discussed.  Both live animals and mounted specimens will be used during this presentation.  The food web and transfer of energy is also discussed with the aid of pictures and charts.  Suggested grade levels: K-5^th

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The following programs can only be done at Hungerford.

Farm animals: live farm animal representatives our in our farmyard include: a cow, a sheep, goats, llamas, rabbits, chickens, ducks, and geese.  Products and pictures are used to help children make the connection between the farm and the store, as well.  Suggested grade levels: pre-K-3rd.

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Pond Life: using samples, microscopes and hand lenses, students discover the plant and animal life in Hungerford’s pond. Suggested grade levels: 1^st-5^th.

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Maple Sugaring: students will learn of the maple sugaring process from start to finish.  They will sample “maple products” during this class. An indoor and outdoor program done only during late February and mid-March.  Suggested grade levels: K-5^th.

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Seed Travelers: while walking on our trails, students will witness the ways in which seeds travel.  Program done only during fall.  Suggested grade levels: K-3^rd.

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Sensory Walk: smells, textures, tastes, sights and sounds will be explored on Hungerford’s trails.  Program not done during winter.  Suggested grade levels: K-3^rd.

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Weather: maps, globes, weather instruments, and a weather station will all be used to explain what makes the weather.  The Museum’s informative exhibit, “Changing Seasons, Changing Lives”,  explores  what makes weather.  Suggested grade levels: K-5^th.

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Habitat Walk: mounted animal specimens are hidden along the trails in the habitats where they are found when alive.   Hints and questions help students to find the animals and learn what makes a habitat a home.  Suggested grade levels: 1^st-5^th.

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Rain Forest: Maps, artifacts and live animals are used to explain the great diversity of both plant and animal life found in the rain forests.  For an additional fee, edible rain forest products are given to the students to taste!  Suggested grade levels: K-5^th.

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Growth and Change: adult live animals are used during this class as well as pictures, and preserved specimens. During certain times of the year, immature animals may be on display at the Museum.  Suggested grade levels: K-3^rd.

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Invertebrates and vertebrates: skeletons, preserved specimens, live animals, pictures, and posters are used to help children realize the differences between these two distinct groups.  Suggested grade levels: 3rd-5th.  Vertebrate and invertebrate topics may be separated into two separate programs.

Click here for pdf of Invertebrates and vertebrates