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Elementary Programs


The Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium offers programs for students of every age. Programs listed below are suitable for pre-Kindergarten through sixth grade. The grade level indicated for a program is only a suggestion. Specific topics and the level of presentation can be adapted for various ages and classes. We hope you, the teacher, will find a program that fits the needs of your class.

Many programs are suitable for in-school presentations. The Fish Hatchery & Aquarium staff gladly offer these outreach programs from December to March.

**Fees: Minimum fees apply for each program.
**Teachers and Chaperones: You will be allowed 2 free adults per program. ALL additional adults will be charged the per person program fee.

For reservations please call (516) 692-6768 or e-mail fisheducator@cshfha.org.

* Rates effective July 1, 2011.

 

 

Guided Tours


All of the following programs are one hour in length, and will allow students to tour our entire facility and feed our hungry trout. Programs vary by topic, and focus on inquiry-based learning. Our extensive collection of fish, amphibians and reptiles native to New York State allow students to observe wildlife rarely seen in captivity or in the wild.
 
Fins and Jaws
pre-K and K (age 4 and up), 1 Hour, $5 per person, Minimum fee $60
Discover the secreat world of aquatic life! Students learn how fish swim and breathe in the water, and how some animals can live both in the water and on land. How do turtles differ from fish? How do frogs leap? Students will view all of our exhibits while learning the answers and then compare the needs of these animals to those of themselves.
 
 
Aquatic Habitats
Grade 1, 1 Hour, $5 per person, Minimum fee $60
Utilizing our fascianting stream tank and other natural exhibits, students will compare the different habitats of fishes, reptiles and amphibians. Learn how turtles leave their watery home and trek over land to lay their eggs, and how many species can hibernate during winter in frozen ponds. Discover who eats whom and how animals protect themselves in the wild.

 
Life Cycles in Nature
Grade 2, 1 Hour, $5 per person, Minimum fee $60
At the Hatchery, we are seldom without baby trout and hatchling turtles! Students are able to view aquatic wildlife in all stages of their life cycles and learn how some lay eggs in water, while others lay eggs on land. Metamorphosis is discussed, as well as needs of the animals in their various stages.
 
 
 
Adaptations  
Grade 3 and up, 1 Hour, $5 per person, Minimum fee $60
Our aquatic fish and animals have a fantastic array of adaptations that help them survive in the wild. Students will observe how fish and certain amphibians breathe dissolved oxygen under the water through gills, while many aquatic species have lungs and need to surface for air. Some species camouflage as a protective device, and certain frogs actually have sticky pads on their toes allowing them to climb trees!

Aquaculture  
Grade 6 and up, 1 Hour, $5 per person, Minimum fee $60
Hatcheries are vital to the management of our aquatic resources. Students are introduced to the inner workings of the fish hatchery, how we keep fish disease free, how we use natural artesian well water to minimize energy consumption, and how fish are collected and delivered safely to their new homes. Students will be able to tour the trout ponds and have an opportunity to feed the hungry fish.

Hatching Trout  
Grade 4 and up, 1 Hour, $5 per person, Minimum fee $60
As a working hatchery stocking ponds and lakes all over the state, we are experts on the life cycle of trout. Students will learn how eggs are collected from live trout and cared for at the Hatchery, and compare this process to trout spawning naturally in the wild. Students will observe the amazing attributes of trout at all stages of development, as well as tour our live exhibits.

Reptiles & Amphibians  
Grade 5 and up, 1 Hour, $5 per person, Minimum fee $60
With the largest living collection of native reptiles and amphibians in New York State, the Hatchery is uniquely prepared to educate students on these fascinating creatures. Learn where these animals live, what they consume, how they protect themselves, and why many species are endangered. Students will be able to get up close and personal with a variety of amazing creatures.
 
 

Seasonal Programs


Our seasonal programs are very popular for students of all ages. Make reservations for these programs early! These programs do not include a guided tour of the Fish Hatchery & Aquarium. We invite your students to spend time exploring our exhibits at the conclusion of the program. Fish food may be purchased in our Gift Shop.
 
Egg Stripping
Grades 4 and up, 1 Hour, $6 per person, Minimum fee $72
Late October through mid November
During the program, which is unique to our Hatchery, students will witness one of the most fascianting aspects of aquaculture! Hatchery staff demonstrates a centuries-old technique of fish breeding: egg taking and fertilization. Students will participate in a discussion of trout development, and a comparison of hatchery breeding and spawning in the wild. We participate in Trout in the Classroom!
 
Pond Life
Grades 4 and up, 1 Hour, $6 per person, Minimum fee $72
Mid April through October
Observing specimens collected from our Spring Pond, students study the concepts of predator-prey and producer-consumer relationships, as well as the interdependence of all living organisms in the food web. Samples from the pond will be examined upon collection and under our microscope in the classroom.
Freshwater Ecology
Grades 4 and up, 2 Hours, $8 per person, Minimum fee $96
Mid April through October
Explore and compare the inhabitants and characteristics of two freshwater ponds. After observing specimens from our Spring Pond, students will hike a nature trail and use dip nets, seines and buckets to actively investigate the animals and plants that live and interact in another aquatic site. Be prepared to get wet and muddy. Old shoes and clothes are necessary.
 
 
 
 
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