Common Ground | For Schools

PROGRAMS FOR SCHOOLS

School Programs offered to grades K-8 take advantage of seasonal events on the farm and in the forest to provide hands-on learning experiences and support State of Connecticut learning standards and curricular goals. Click here for a brochure explaining these programs, or explore the information below: Scheduling a Program, Kindergarten, Grades 1-3, Grades 4-6, Grades 7-8, or customized programs.

School Field Trips are available FREE to any New Haven Public School. Please schedule early to ensure availability.

Fees for all other schools and groups: $75 per program for up to 30 people (including students and chaperones). Program fee may be paid by check or cash on the day of the program. Please make out checks to the New Haven Ecology Project.

All trips are offered weekdays between 9:30 and 11:30. Other times and days may be available on a limited basis; please call for more information.

We will re-schedule in the event of severe weather, however all programs are conducted mostly or entirely outside and students should be dressed for the weather and the season!

Scheduling a Program

Call Rebecca at 203-389-4333 ext 213 or email rholcombe@nhep.com. For quickest response, email rholcombe@nhep.com with the following information:

School
School address and phone number
Teacher name
Best way to reach teacher (email, school phone, cell phone, etc)
Grade
Number of students
Number of chaperones
Program requested
Requested date and time
Any questions you have

Programs: Kindergarten

Program Length: One Hour

Seasonal Farm Tour

AVAILABLE: SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER & MAY - JUNE

Themes/Curriculum Standards: Sensory exploration, Needs of plants & animals, Life cycles & adaptations

Tour Common Ground’s organic farm, observing the life cycles of plants and animals. Students will use their senses to explore the texture of wool, colors of the chicken flock, sounds of the animals, and smells and flavor in the garden. Participate in hands-on interaction with the animals and picking and tasting in the garden. Specific activities change seasonally and can be modified to fit the needs and interests of the group.

Sensory Forest Walk

AVAILABLE: SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER & APRIL - JUNE

Themes/Curriculum Standards: Sensory exploration, Seasonal cycles, Classification & identification, Wildlife & habitats

Explore the woods, observing and learn about seasonal changes in the forest. Students will identify several types of trees and see a variety of wildlife habitats. The program may include a sensory scavenger hunt or a longer hike depending on the needs and interests of the group.

Sheep & Wool

AVAILABLE: SEPTEMBER — JUNE, RECOMMENDED IN DEC - APRIL

Themes/Curriculum Standards: Fiber, fiber arts, sorting & sequencing

Participate in activities that demonstrate the sheep to sweater process. Students will meet the farmÕs goat and sheep, feel several varieties of wool, listen to a rhyming story about shearing sheep, and observe a wool spinning demonstration. Each student will comb and finger-spin wool and make a piece of yarn to take home.

Programs: Grades 1 - 3

Program Length: 90 minutes

Seasonal Farm Tour

AVAILABLE: SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER & MAY - JUNE

Themes/Curriculum Standards: Sensory exploration, Needs of plants & animals, Life cycles & adaptations

Tour Common GroundÕs organic farm, observing the life cycles of plants and animals. Students will use their senses to explore the texture of wool, colors of the chicken flock, sounds of the animals, and smells and flavors in the garden. Participate in hands-on interaction with the animals and picking and tasting in the garden. Students in grades 1 — 3 will also learn about what foods are grown in Connecticut and how local farms contribute to environmental and human health. Specific activities change seasonally and can be modified to fit the needs and interests of the group.

Habitat Hike

AVAILABLE: SEPTEMBER — DECEMBER & APRIL - JUNE

Themes/Curriculum Standards: Sensory exploration, Seasonal cycles, Classification & identification, Wildlife & habitats

Explore the woods, observing and learn about seasonal changes in the forest. Students will identify several types of trees and see a variety of wildlife habitats. Students in grades 1 — 3 will visit three major Connecticut habitats: forest, field/meadow, and aquatic. The program may include a sensory scavenger hunt or a longer hike depending on the needs and interests of the group.

Sheep & Wool

AVAILABLE: SEPTEMBER — JUNE, RECOMMENDED IN DEC - APRIL

Themes/Curriculum Standards: Fiber, Fiber arts, Sorting & sequencing

Participate in activities that demonstrate the sheep to sweater process. Students will meet the farm’s goat and sheep, feel several varieties of wool, listen to a rhyming story about shearing sheep, and observe a wool spinning demonstration. Students in grades 1 — 3 will also learn about a variety of everyday products that come from plants and animals and about how we can choose to conserve our natural resources. Each student will comb and finger-spin wool and make a piece of yarn to take home.

Maple Syruping

AVAILABLE: LATE FEBRUARY — END OF MARCH

Themes/Curriculum Standards: Trees, Forest products, Seasonal cycles

New England forests are rich in natural resources, the sweetest of which is maple syrup! Students will take a walk in the woods to see how our sugar maple trees are tapped for sap collection, listen to the legend of maple syrup discovery, investigate the biology of a growing tree, see how sap is boiled into syrup, and taste a variety of sweet maple syrups.

Programs: Grades 4 - 6

Program Length: 90 Minutes

Dirt to Pizza: Where does your food come from?

AVAILABLE: SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER & MAY - JUNE

Themes/Curriculum Standards: Sorting & sequencing, Nutrition, Soil science, Food chains & energy webs

Trace the path of pizza from dirt to your plate! Students will participate in a demonstration of how the ingredients in a pepperoni pizza can all be traced back to sun, soil, water, and air. They will learn about how both nutrients and chemicals (pesticides, fertilizers, etc.) can flow through a food chain. Students will also take a hands-on touching and tasting tour of the animal yards and gardens at Common Ground.

West Rock Nature Hike

AVAILABLE: SEPTEMBER - JUNE

Themes/Curriculum Standards: Sensory exploration, Seasonal cycles,

Classification & identification, Wildlife & habitats

West Rock Ridge State Park offers many opportunities for urban nature study. Teachers may request a customized program focusing on trees, Connecticut wildlife, habitats, seasonal changes, or other topics as dictated by curricular goals. We can take a loop hike on the nature trail, visit historic Judge’s Cave, or head to the fresh water habitat of Wintergreen Brook.

Maple Syruping

AVAILABLE: LATE FEBRUARY — END OF MARCH

Themes/Curriculum Standards: Trees, Forest products, Seasonal cycles

Winter Animal Tracking

AVAILABLE: DECEMBER - MARCH

Themes/Curriculum Standards: Patterns, Animal identification, Animal adaptations, Seasonal changes

Play a hands-on game that explores what wild animals do in the winter: migrate, hibernate, or stay active. Students will learn footprint shapes and patterns of common Connecticut wildlife, practice animal walking patterns, and go on a track hunt in the snowy woods.

Eggs, Chicks, and Chickens

AVAILABLE: APRIL – JUNE

Themes/Curriculum Standards: Life Cycles, Adaptations

Investigate the amazing journey from egg to chick through observation, demonstration, and hands-on activities. Students will open and learn about the parts of an egg, observe baby chickens and learn about their needs, and visit roosters and hens in the chicken yard.

Programs: Grades 7 - 8

Program Length: 90 Minutes

Careers in the Environment and Introduction to Common Ground High School

AVAILABLE: SEPTEMBER - JUNE

Learn about various careers in the environmental field and find out about local opportunities for 7th and 8th graders to get involved with science, nature, and our urban environment. Students will also be introduced to Common Ground High School as an option for students who are excited about science and environmental studies and want to learn more about their options for a hands-on, college-preparatory high school experience.

West Rock Nature Hike

AVAILABLE: SEPTEMBER - JUNE

Themes/Curriculum Standards: Sensory exploration, Seasonal cycles, Classification & identification, Wildlife & habitats West Rock Ridge State Park offers many opportunities for urban nature study. Teachers may request a customized program focusing on trees, Connecticut wildlife, habitats, seasonal changes, or other topics as dictated by curricular goals. We can take a loop hike on the nature trail, visit historic Judge’s Cave, or head to the fresh water habitat of Wintergreen Brook.

Customized Programs for Schools & Other Groups

Teachers at any grade level are welcome to contact us to arrange customized programs to meet your classroom needs. Common Ground offers the programs listed as well as customized programs for home school groups, Girl & Boy Scouts, private organizations, or other interested parties. Contact Rebecca Holcombe at rholcombe@nhep.com or 389-4333 ext 213 to discuss your request.


	Programs for schools PROGRAMS FOR SCHOOLS School Programs offered to grades K-8 take advantage of seasonal events on the farm and in the forest to provide hands-on learning experiences and support State of Connecticut learning standards and curricular goals. Click here for a brochure explaining these programs, or explore the information below: Scheduling a Program, Kindergarten, Grades 1-3, Grades 4-6, Grades 7-8, or customized programs. School Field Trips are available FREE to any New Haven Public School. Please schedule early to ensure availability. Fees for all other schools and groups: $75 per program for up to 30 people (including students and chaperones). Program fee may be paid by check or cash on the day of the program. Please make out checks to the New Haven Ecology Project. All trips are offered weekdays between 9:30 and 11:30. Other times and days may be available on a limited basis; please call for more information. We will re-schedule in the event of severe weather, however all programs are conducted mostly or entirely outside and students should be dressed for the weather and the season! Scheduling a Program Call Rebecca at 203-389-4333 ext 213 or email rholcombe@nhep.com. For quickest response, email rholcombe@nhep.com with the following information: School School address and phone number Teacher name Best way to reach teacher (email, school phone, cell phone, etc) Grade Number of students Number of chaperones Program requested Requested date and time Any questions you have Programs: Kindergarten Program Length: One Hour Seasonal Farm Tour AVAILABLE: SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER & MAY - JUNE Themes/Curriculum Standards: Sensory exploration, Needs of plants & animals, Life cycles & adaptations Tour Common Ground’s organic farm, observing the life cycles of plants and animals. Students will use their senses to explore the texture of wool, colors of the chicken flock, sounds of the animals, and smells and flavor in the garden. Participate in hands-on interaction with the animals and picking and tasting in the garden. Specific activities change seasonally and can be modified to fit the needs and interests of the group. Sensory Forest Walk AVAILABLE: SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER & APRIL - JUNE Themes/Curriculum Standards: Sensory exploration, Seasonal cycles, Classification & identification, Wildlife & habitats Explore the woods, observing and learn about seasonal changes in the forest. Students will identify several types of trees and see a variety of wildlife habitats. The program may include a sensory scavenger hunt or a longer hike depending on the needs and interests of the group. Sheep & Wool AVAILABLE: SEPTEMBER — JUNE, RECOMMENDED IN DEC - APRIL Themes/Curriculum Standards: Fiber, fiber arts, sorting & sequencing Participate in activities that demonstrate the sheep to sweater process. Students will meet the farmÕs goat and sheep, feel several varieties of wool, listen to a rhyming story about shearing sheep, and observe a wool spinning demonstration. Each student will comb and finger-spin wool and make a piece of yarn to take home. Programs: Grades 1 - 3 Program Length: 90 minutes Seasonal Farm Tour AVAILABLE: SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER & MAY - JUNE Themes/Curriculum Standards: Sensory exploration, Needs of plants & animals, Life cycles & adaptations Tour Common GroundÕs organic farm, observing the life cycles of plants and animals. Students will use their senses to explore the texture of wool, colors of the chicken flock, sounds of the animals, and smells and flavors in the garden. Participate in hands-on interaction with the animals and picking and tasting in the garden. Students in grades 1 — 3 will also learn about what foods are grown in Connecticut and how local farms contribute to environmental and human health. Specific activities change seasonally and can be modified to fit the needs and interests of the group. Habitat Hike AVAILABLE: SEPTEMBER — DECEMBER & APRIL - JUNE Themes/Curriculum Standards: Sensory exploration, Seasonal cycles, Classification & identification, Wildlife & habitats Explore the woods, observing and learn about seasonal changes in the forest. Students will identify several types of trees and see a variety of wildlife habitats. Students in grades 1 — 3 will visit three major Connecticut habitats: forest, field/meadow, and aquatic. The program may include a sensory scavenger hunt or a longer hike depending on the needs and interests of the group. Sheep & Wool AVAILABLE: SEPTEMBER — JUNE, RECOMMENDED IN DEC - APRIL Themes/Curriculum Standards: Fiber, Fiber arts, Sorting & sequencing Participate in activities that demonstrate the sheep to sweater process. Students will meet the farm’s goat and sheep, feel several varieties of wool, listen to a rhyming story about shearing sheep, and observe a wool spinning demonstration. Students in grades 1 — 3 will also learn about a variety of everyday products that come from plants and animals and about how we can choose to conserve our natural resources. Each student will comb and finger-spin wool and make a piece of yarn to take home. Maple Syruping AVAILABLE: LATE FEBRUARY — END OF MARCH Themes/Curriculum Standards: Trees, Forest products, Seasonal cycles New England forests are rich in natural resources, the sweetest of which is maple syrup! Students will take a walk in the woods to see how our sugar maple trees are tapped for sap collection, listen to the legend of maple syrup discovery, investigate the biology of a growing tree, see how sap is boiled into syrup, and taste a variety of sweet maple syrups. Programs: Grades 4 - 6 Program Length: 90 Minutes Dirt to Pizza: Where does your food come from? AVAILABLE: SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER & MAY - JUNE Themes/Curriculum Standards: Sorting & sequencing, Nutrition, Soil science, Food chains & energy webs Trace the path of pizza from dirt to your plate! Students will participate in a demonstration of how the ingredients in a pepperoni pizza can all be traced back to sun, soil, water, and air. They will learn about how both nutrients and chemicals (pesticides, fertilizers, etc.) can flow through a food chain. Students will also take a hands-on touching and tasting tour of the animal yards and gardens at Common Ground. West Rock Nature Hike AVAILABLE: SEPTEMBER - JUNE Themes/Curriculum Standards: Sensory exploration, Seasonal cycles, Classification & identification, Wildlife & habitats West Rock Ridge State Park offers many opportunities for urban nature study. Teachers may request a customized program focusing on trees, Connecticut wildlife, habitats, seasonal changes, or other topics as dictated by curricular goals. We can take a loop hike on the nature trail, visit historic Judge’s Cave, or head to the fresh water habitat of Wintergreen Brook. Maple Syruping AVAILABLE: LATE FEBRUARY — END OF MARCH Themes/Curriculum Standards: Trees, Forest products, Seasonal cycles New England forests are rich in natural resources, the sweetest of which is maple syrup! Students will take a walk in the woods to see how our sugar maple trees are tapped for sap collection, listen to the legend of maple syrup discovery, investigate the biology of a growing tree, see how sap is boiled into syrup, and taste a variety of sweet maple syrups. Winter Animal Tracking AVAILABLE: DECEMBER - MARCH Themes/Curriculum Standards: Patterns, Animal identification, Animal adaptations, Seasonal changes Play a hands-on game that explores what wild animals do in the winter: migrate, hibernate, or stay active. Students will learn footprint shapes and patterns of common Connecticut wildlife, practice animal walking patterns, and go on a track hunt in the snowy woods. Eggs, Chicks, and Chickens AVAILABLE: APRIL – JUNE Themes/Curriculum Standards: Life Cycles, Adaptations Investigate the amazing journey from egg to chick through observation, demonstration, and hands-on activities. Students will open and learn about the parts of an egg, observe baby chickens and learn about their needs, and visit roosters and hens in the chicken yard. Programs: Grades 7 - 8 Program Length: 90 Minutes Careers in the Environment and Introduction to Common Ground High School AVAILABLE: SEPTEMBER - JUNE Learn about various careers in the environmental field and find out about local opportunities for 7th and 8th graders to get involved with science, nature, and our urban environment. Students will also be introduced to Common Ground High School as an option for students who are excited about science and environmental studies and want to learn more about their options for a hands-on, college-preparatory high school experience. West Rock Nature Hike AVAILABLE: SEPTEMBER - JUNE Themes/Curriculum Standards: Sensory exploration, Seasonal cycles, Classification & identification, Wildlife & habitats West Rock Ridge State Park offers many opportunities for urban nature study. Teachers may request a customized program focusing on trees, Connecticut wildlife, habitats, seasonal changes, or other topics as dictated by curricular goals. We can take a loop hike on the nature trail, visit historic Judge’s Cave, or head to the fresh water habitat of Wintergreen Brook. Customized Programs for Schools & Other Groups Teachers at any grade level are welcome to contact us to arrange customized programs to meet your classroom needs. Common Ground offers the programs listed as well as customized programs for home school groups, Girl & Boy Scouts, private organizations, or other interested parties. Contact Rebecca Holcombe at rholcombe@nhep.com or 389-4333 ext 213 to discuss your request.