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.48 Jacobs Lane, Norwell, MA

Hours:  Monday - Saturday  9:30 - 4:30

(781) 659-2559.

   
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Environmental Education

Since 1962, the South Shore Natural Science Center has worked with schools to cultivate an awareness, appreciation, and concern for the natural environment.

The mission of the South Shore Natural Science Center is to provide natural science experiences that educate, excite, and commit every generation to preserve the environment and to encourage responsible use, stewardship and enjoyment of our natural resources.

The Science Center specializes in providing hands-on, interactive learning experiences that encourage investigation of the natural world. Our programs explore timely natural science themes and enrich understanding of human interrelationships with the environment. They are designed to invite participation and active inquiry, and to develop environmental literacy.

Environmental education programs are offered for children in preschool through twelfth grade. Programs are held at the SSNSC, or in the community, either at your school or at other sites such as the seashore or conservation lands. All programs are connected to the Science and Technology/Engineering curriculum framework.

The SSNSC is committed to environmental education and dedicated to protecting natural resources and the quality of life on the South Shore.

Educator's Open House

Tuesday, October 7

4:00-7:00pm

Free!!

Drop-in, pre-registration requested.

 

Come see what's hot and new in natural science educational programs at the Science Center. Learn how the Science Center can be a valuable resource in your classroom. All programs are connected to the Science And Technology/Engineering curriculum framework.

At The Science Center

The Science Center's environmental education programs offer indoor and outdoor learning activities. Out on the trails, children explore diverse wildlife habitats: woodlands, meadows, wetlands, and Jacobs Pond. At the nature center, children meet wildlife up close, take part in real scientific investigations, and enjoy hands-on exhibits.

Nature programs are held year round at the Science Center, with special topics offered seasonally in the fall, winter, spring, and summer.

Programs are tailored to the learning needs of each group.

All of our education programs are led by experienced teacher/naturalists. One naturalist is assigned to each group of 10-12 children. Program lengths refer to time spent with a naturalist. Visitors are welcome to extend their stay by hiking the trails, picnicking, and touring the exhibit halls on their own. Admission to the nature center and use of our facilities are included in the program cost. Special formats, including extended and all-day programs, are available.
 

Program Fees:

1 hour program $10/child
1.5 hour program $11/child

 

 

In The Community

Nature Presentations
Naturalists from the Science Center can visit your school with live animals and selections from our natural history collection to make a wildlife presentation. These 45 minute programs are limited to a maximum of 50 students. Subsequent presentations may be scheduled on the same day to accommodate more classes.

Program Fees:

$200 one 45 minute presentation
$100 subsequent presentations on the same day

Great Explorations
Do you have a wild school site waiting for curious minds to investigate? Want to dissect owl pellets or study a frog's life? Naturalists will visit your school to provide hands-on science experiences indoors or out! Two naturalists work with each class; programs are one hour long.
Program Fees: costs vary with the design of each program.

After School Enrichment Programs
These after school enrichment programs offer in-depth, active exploration of high-interest topics: Prehistoric Creatures, Kitchen Chemistry, Young Scientist and much more. Each program runs for six weeks; maximum of 10 children per class.
Program Fee: $450

 

Education Partnerships

An education partnership is a collaboration between the SSNSC and another organization providing comprehensive environmental education over two or more sessions in an academic year. Partnerships might include: naturalist-guided programs at the SSNSC, outreach programs at a school or community site, educators' workshops, or consulting services for site interpretation and habitat enhancement. Partnership projects are eligible for reduced program fees. Costs vary with the design of each partnership.

 

Other Programs

Educators Workshops, including PDP's, Project Learning Tree & Projects Wet & Wild
Adult Evening and Saturday Lectures
Natural Science Consultation and Outdoor Interpretation
   

 

Program Registration

Advance registration is required for all programs. We suggest scheduling spring programs three months in advance. To confirm your reservation, a non-refundable deposit of $50 is required. The balance is due on the day of the program. At your option, payment in full may be made in advance. Cash, checks, and credit cards (MasterCard, VISA, and Discover) are accepted.

Please provide one adult chaperone for every ten children. To help us become acquainted, we ask that visitors wear name tags. For Outdoor programs, please wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Programs are held rain or shine!

For more information or to register, please call (781) 659-2559 or e-mail education@ssnsc.org.

 

Facilities                         

              

Nature center and summer house on 30 acres
Six interpretive nature trails
Access to 200 acres of conservation land
Outdoor amphitheater and picnic area
Greenhouse
Interactive Exhibits
Nature's Nook Gift Shop with special children's section
Restrooms located in the nature center.

 

 

SSNSC Education Staff

Louise Beaudry, Naturalist and Exhibit Curator
B.S. Natural Science, Secondary Education, Lyndon State College

Barbara Devine, Senior Naturalist
B.S. Landscape Architecture, University of Massachusetts

Karen Kurkoski, Naturalist and Animal Curator
B.A. Biology, College of Our Lady of the Elms

Melissa Kurkoski, Naturalist and Scout Coordinator
B.S. Environmental Science, Lyndon State College

Dorothy MacFarlane, Naturalist and Botanist
Ph.D. Biology, Northeastern University; M.A. in Physiology, Southern Illinois University;
B.A. Biology, Northeastern University

Krista Peters, Naturalist, Summer Camp Director, and Birthday Party Coordinator

M.S. Environmental Science, Miami University of Ohio

B.A. Biology, Washington and Jefferson College

 

South Shore Natural Science Center

P.O. Box 429

48 Jacobs Lane

Norwell, MA 02061

phone: 781-659-2559; fax: 781-659-5924

ssnsc@comcast.net