2 Hour Workshop
Includes an indoor lesson on a standard based theme adapted to your group's grade level (topic selected by the teacher, see below), a guided interpretive nature walk, live animal demonstration, and a hands-on science based activity.

1.5 Hour Workshop
Same as above without activity.

1 Hour Workshop
Hands-on animal demonstration and guided interpretive nature walk.

Please scroll down to see our workshop topic selections

INVERTEBRATE ANIMALS
1.   Earthworms
Students handle these often misunderstood creatures to discover their anatomy, life cycle and role as decomposer in nature.  During the workshop, children will complete a worksheet and use a hand lens to see the segments of an earthworm. 

2.  Detect and Inspect: Insects
Encourage children's fascination with insects by studying the habits and habitats of praying mantises, cicadas, crickets, ladybugs and especially bees and their importance to people.  *Optional live crickets or mealworms available for your class.  Instructions for set-up and care provided.  Fee: $2.00 per cricket or cup of mealworms.

3.  Butterflies: Beckoning Beauties
Discover characteristics, needs and life cycles of some of these "scaled winged" beauties as well as their adaptations to seasonal changes.  How are they different from moths?  *Optional butterfly larvae are available only in May and only to visiting teachers.  Instructions for set-up and care provided.  Fee: $3.00 per larva.

VERTEBRATE ANIMALS
Each groups will be classified by their unique characteristics, body coverings, major stages of the life cycles and how their structure complements survival to the park's environment.  Basic life functions and adaptations will also be addressed.  View and touch live animals. 

4.  Something Fishy
There are many different types of fish in the waters in and around the park.  Learn what makes them special as well as who are true fishes and who are imposters.

5.  Mammal Make-up
Identify several park mammals and discuss their habitats.

6.  Feathered Friends
Over 180 species of birds can be found at Alley Pond Park.  Some of these feathered friends are permanent residents, while others are just passing through on their migration along the Atlantic Flyway.  During this program students use binoculars to search for these fascinating creatures and learn basic bird identification skills.  

7.  Profiles of Reptiles
Can a turtle take off its shell?  What is a tuatara?  Answer these questions and explore the fascinating world of reptiles. 

8.  "Fast Food" Amphibians
Frogs, salamanders and caecilians are the only three amphibian groups in existence but among them they have over 4000 species!  Learn all about these engaging skin-breathers and their fascinating life histories.

9.  Animals and their Young
Are all animal babies born and raised the same way?  Be introduced to developmental differences and similarities among the bearing and rearing of three different groups- mammals, reptiles, and birds.  (Note- for Grades K and 1, two groups will be compared)

ECOSYSTEMS
Examine the relationships and interdependence of living and nonliving things and how the sun is the primary source of energy for biogeochemical cycles.

10.  Fascinating Deciduous Forests in Alley Pond Park
This program illustrates biodiversity as participants learn the levels of a forest and all its inhabitants.  Discuss parts of a tree, photosynthesis and learn about the value of trees in urban environments. 

11.  Pond Discovery
Ponds may appear to be quiet areas where carefree insects and ducks spend their days--not so!  Birth, death, battle for territory, seasonal change and a highly complex food web result in a constant struggle for life while holding this dynamic system together. 

12.  Estuaries and Endangered Wetlands
Did you know we have an estuary of national significance right in our backyard?  This program explores the habitats, plants and animals of the Little Neck Bay and Long Island Sound coastal region.  Examine the functions and values of estuaries and wetlands.  Visit one of the few remaining salt marshes in Northern Queens. 

13.  Going to the Beach and Ocean
Uncover some of the mysteries of the life and times of these special places.  What do storms and tides bring to the beach from the Atlantic Ocean?  Discover the biotic and abiotic components of these magnificent ecosystems of Long Island's shores.

SEASONAL SPECIALS
14.  Changing with the Times (offered year round)
Organisms change over time.  Explore how plants and animals adapt to live and survive through seasonal changes: fall readiness, winter adaptations, spring renewal, summer bounty. 

15.  Winter Clues (December-February)
Animals abound in Alley Pond Park, even in winter.  After learning about tracks and clues animals leave behind, students will go outside and scour the snow for signs that wildlife is around and thriving.

16.  Cycles and Rebirth (March-April)
Have you heard the news?  Red wings, red maple buds, tent caterpillars and Canada Geese have been seen in the park and are preparing for their yearly rituals of rebirth.  Find out about their timeless secrets for yourself?

17.  Horseshoe Crabs (May-June)
They are not crabs and they are not worn on horses' feet.  Closely related to ticks and spiders, they may look frightening but are actually completely harmless.  Discover how these fascinating creatures have sustained life since the time of the dinosaurs. 

HUMAN IMPACTS AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Human activities and decisions have changed our living environment dramatically.  Hands-on, age appropriate activities illustrate these workshops' science concepts. 

18.  Native Americans in Queens: The Original Conservationists
View actual artifacts of the Mattinecocks, an Algonquin Tribe, and discuss traditional lifestyles.  Touch an arrowhead and other tools; see clothing and housing.  Instructor demonstrates how to make a bow and arrow that the class can keep!

19.  The Nature of Water
Where does it come from; where does it go?  Learn about the water cycle and our supply of this precious resource in the NYC watershed through hands-on activities.  Focus on the chemical, biological, and physical properties as well as social and cultural implications of water use.

20.  Trash in New York City: Recycle, Reuse, Reduce, Refuse
What is trash, where does it come from and how do we get rid of it?  Identify household products that are recyclable.  What resources are used to make them?  Infer why the 4 R's are necessary to help protect our environment.

21.  Endangered Species
Explore the reasons for endangered plants and animal species.  Discover some of the methods and things you can do to halt the declines in their populations.  An introduction to biodiversity and invasive species will be given. 

22.  Global Warming and Sustainable Energy Sources
How does global warming occur?  How does global warming relate to sustainable energy resources?  We will explain some simple ways you can help our planet.

**Try Something New!**
ONE HOUR OUTDOOR PROGRAMS AND WALKS
Alley Pond Park contains over 650 acres of forests, ponds, meadows and wetlands.  Join us on a discovery walk to explore other areas of Queens's second largest park. 
Recommended sites in Alley Pond Park include Turtle Pond, Oakland Lake, Little Neck Bay, and Brook Trout Stream. 

  To book a field trip or
  for more information call: (718) 229-4000.