Waterman School Programs 

Each school year, Waterman naturalists examine our programs to make sure they fit within the school curriculum needs. Each of our off-site programs is re-evaluated to ensure that we present the type of quality programs we have become known for over the years. 

In addition to the list of offerings, school groups can also book a program on historic Hiawatha Island. Climb aboard the Susquehanna Shuttle for a tour of the river and the Big Island. Schools must allow at least 2 hours for this program. 

Waterman Center now has Discovery Boxes educators may borrow!   Click here for more information. 

Scheduling Information
Please call Waterman soon to arrange for your class to visit. If you are unsure as to which class would be best for your group, we will be glad to make suggestions, or to custom-make a program just for you. 

In School Visits
Waterman Center recognizes that it is often difficult for schools to come out to Waterman. With this in mind, several of the programs listed can be taken to your school. An additional mileage fee will be added for in-school presentations. 

Fee Schedule
Call the Waterman Center at 607-625-2221 for more information or prices and scheduling of school programs. 

List of Programs:
Waterman Conservation Education Center's mission is to promote conservation education and outdoor recreation activities.  The "Center" manages four unique properties.  Brick Pond Wetland Preserve is located on East Front Street in Owego, NY.  Apalachin Marsh is a 50-acre wetland between the east and west lanes of NYS 17, west of Apalachin, NY.  Hiawatha Island is the largest Island in the Susquehanna River in New York State.  It is located east of Owego, NY.  The Waterman Conservation Interpretive Center is located off of route 434 on Hilton Road in Apalachin, NY. 

We are dedicated to offering you, the teacher, the most energetic, concise and informative school programs to supplement your classes.  We will work closely with you to adapt any of our programs to meet your special needs.  We have a deep commitment to the education of children. 

Butterflies
(Pre-school - 2nd grade)
Students find out the fascinating behaviors of these beautiful insects through a variety of activities.  They also take a short hike to explore the fields, observing butterflies and the places they live.  This program is aligned with Mathematics, Science and Technology Standard 4 as children learn about butterfly development.  This program addresses Arts Standard 1 when children "become" butterflies and act out a "day in the life" of one of these beautiful insects.
Site: Waterman Conservation Education Center

What's Happening? (Fall)
(Pre-school - 2nd grade)
Leaves are changing color, animals are storing food, and birds are migrating.  In this program, children explore and investigate nature during the busy fall season through activities and a hike. This program is aligned with Mathematics, Science, and Technology Standard 4 for the Living Environment.
Site: Waterman Conservation Education Center

What's Happening? (Spring)
(Pre-school - 2nd grade)
Plants are beginning to push their way from the soil, leaves are opening up on the trees, animals are waking from their long Winter's sleep, and the birds are returning.  In this program, children explore and investigate nature during the busy Spring season through activities, and a hike.  This program is aligned with Mathematics, Science and Technology Standard 4 for the Living Environment.
Site: Waterman Conservation Education Center

Sense of Wonder
(Pre-school - 2nd grade)
Young children especially react to the world through their senses.  In this program we encourage students to use their senses fully, and develop them better understand, and appreciate the natural world. During a hike, students will participate in activities using their senses to explore the natural world.  This program is aligned with Mathematics, Science and Technology Standard 4 and 5.
Site: Waterman Conservation Education Center

Native American Games
(Grades 1 - 3)
Indian children learned about their culture, society and the natural world through games.  Many of these games are still played today.  Students also rediscover some other games that have been lost.  This program is aligned with Social Studies Standard 1, History of the United States and New York Standard 3 and Geography.
Site: Waterman Conservation Education Center

Habitats of Waterman
(Grades 1 - 3)
The forest, fields and water, which make up the Waterman Conservation Center, are home to many different plants and animals.  These homes are called habitats.   Students will explore these habitats and learn about the life they support.  This program is aligned with Mathematics, Science and Technology Standard 4 for the Living Environment through the discussion of relationships between plants, animals, humans and their physical environments.  It also addresses Social Studies Standard 3 and Geography.
Site: Waterman Conservation Education Center

Migration Trek
(Grades 1 - 3)
By becoming a flock of Canada Geese, or Ducks, students will learn about the hazards that all migrants overcome in their journeys. This program is aligned with Math, Science & Technology Standard 4, and The Living Environment, and also Arts Standard 1.
Site: Waterman Conservation Center

Mammal Mania
(Grades 1 - 3)
Many mammals can be found in our area.  Using furs, skulls, tracks and other materials, students will discover the characteristics which distinguish mammals from other animals.  This program is aligned with Math, Science, Technology Standard 4, and The Living Environment .
Site: Waterman Conservation Education Center
 

Life of a Tree 
(Grades 1 - 3)
Students learn to identify deciduous and evergreen trees by looking at tree parts and general shape.  Samples of leaves, bark, twigs and fruit/cones are provided as well as charts and field guides. This program meets Mathematics, Science and Technology Standard 4—The Living Environment.
Site: Waterman Conservation Education Center
 

Insect Investigations
(Grades 1 - 3)
Students learn the parts of an insect and then build their own insects.  Simple and complex metamorphoses are explored through activities, games and puzzles.  This program is aligned with Math, Science, Technology Standard 4 for The Living Environment  through discussions of stages in the life cycles of insects. 
Site: Waterman Conservation Education Center
 

Plant Power
(Grades 1 - 3)
Students will discover the importance of plants to both animals and people as they participate in some unique activities.nbsp;Medical uses of plants are also discussed as part of the program. This class has been specifically designed to be taught In the classroom to address Math, Science, and Technology Standard 4.
Site: Waterman Conservation Education Center
 
 

Eagles, Owls, and Hawks
(Grades 2 - 6)
Students learn the characteristics of raptors and what distinguishes them from other birds. They will actively examine three groups of raptors. Students will have the opportunity to see a live Red-tailed Hawk and/or a Great Horned Owl. This program is aligned with Math, Science, and Technology Standard 4 for The Living Environment by discussing life functions and survival behaviors specific to raptors.
Site: Waterman Conservation Education Center, or in School.
 
Arachnomania:
The love of Spiders
(Grades 2 - 6)
Learn every thing you wanted to know about spiders and their relatives.  Students learn about the anatomy of a spider as the instructor "dissects" a demonstration model.  Students will have the opportunity to view shed spider skins and a preserved tarantula as well as learn how spider web is formed. Class includes the opportunity to view and touch two live tarantulas! *This program is aligned with Math, Science, and Technology Standard 4 for The Living Environment. *Only if permitted by school policy and under the strict supervision of a trained handler.
Site: Waterman Conservation Education Center, or in School. 
 
The Tale of the Tracks
(Grades 2 - 6)
Solve the mystery of what walked across that snowy field. Learn how to identify animal tracks. Find out where to look for tracks and what signals the animals are leaving behind. The two-part class includes indoor instruction as well as an outdoor hike where students can practice their new skills. This program is aligned with Math, Science, and Technology Standard 4 for The Living Environment.
Site: Waterman Conservation Center.

Pond Life
(Grades 2 - 6)
A visit to Waterman Center's Brick Pond Wetland Reserve in Owego helps develop the students' understanding of the relationships between plants and animals in a pond. We use our pontoon bridge and teaching platform to help get students onto the pond itself. This program is aligned with Math, Science, Technology Standard 4 and The Living Environment.
Site: Brick Pond Wetland Preserve (Owego)

Basic Archaeology
(Grades 4 - 6)
Students discover the world of archaeology by digging for shards of artifacts, piecing them together and hypothesizing about their uses. The focus will be on excavation of Native American sites in New York State. This program is aligned with Social Studies Standard 1, History of the United States and New York, Social Studies Standard 3 and Geography.
Site: Waterman Conservation Education Center

Native American Lifestyles
(Grades 4 - 6) As the cool fall weather arrived in this area, the Iroquois villages were quite busy. Students will step back in time to learn about the Iroquois people, their traditions, crafts and food. The program centers around activities which helped to prepare for the winter months. This program is aligned with Social Studies Standard 1, History of the United States and New York, Social Studies Standard 3, Geography, and Math, Science, Technology Standard 4 for The Living Environment.
Site: Waterman Conservation Education Center

Hiawatha Island Adventure
Grades (5 - 7)
May  2007 - October 2007
Bring your class to Hiawatha Island for a two-hour adventure. Travel across the Susquehanna River to New York's largest island in the Susquehanna. A guided tour of the island gives your class an overview of the history and importance of Hiawatha Island throughout the past three centuries as well as its important natural history. This program is aligned with Social Studies Standard 3, Geography, and Math, Science, Technology Standard 4 for The Living Environment.
Site: Hiawatha Island

To schedule a class, call the Center at 607-625-2221.

back to watermancenter.org