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Essential Info

• Contact:
  For more information, call the Science and Nature Program at (212) 496-3524.
  
  Click here for The Science and Nature Program.
  
  Click here for The Early Adventures Program.
• Register:
  Download the Early Adventures Program registration form (PDF)...
  
  Applications for The Science and Nature Program for school year 2010-2011 are no longer being accepted.

The Science and Nature Program

The Science and Nature Program enhances children's understanding and respect for the natural world, as well as teaches the initial skills of scientific inquiry. This innovative program, offering weekday classes during the school year, is designed to educate children ages 2 through 12 and their parents about the wonders of the Museum. Based on the premise that young children attain deeper levels of understanding when significant adults in their lives are involved, the Program requires that each child be accompanied in class by a parent, grandparent or in some cases, caregivers.

The staff of experienced educators works with Museum scientists and specialists to create age-appropriate curricular themes that reflect the Museum's disciplines including life sciences, earth and planetary sciences, anthropology and paleontology. The Program's classrooms provide stimulating environments that contain artifacts and specimens from the Museum's collections, live animal habitats, a children's science library, scientific tools and educational materials for hands-on investigation. These classrooms serve as "base camps" for in-depth studies and guided "safaris" to Museum destinations such as the Hall of Biodiversity and the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life. Excursions to special exhibitions, such as Lizards & Snakes Alive and The Silk Road &ndash Ancient Pathway to the Modern World, are also part of the program.

There are two strands offered for pre-school children. THE SCIENCE and NATURE PROGRAM is on-going from ages 3 through 5th grade. Admission is by application followed by a family interview. A parent or grandparent must accompany children in The Science and Nature Program until the 3rd grade. Students who graduate in the 5th grade have the opportunity to enter the Museum's "pipeline" in the sixth grade, and may continue with their science learning at the Museum through high school.

THE EARLY ADVENTURES PROGRAM. is the second strand offered for pre-schoolers. Children may enter at the age of 2, which differs from The Science and Nature Program's entry age of 3. The Early Adventures Program offers parent/grandparents and child classes as well as classes designed for the working parent so their child can attend with a non-parental caregiver. This Program does not require an interview process and parents enroll their child on-line.

In addition to the above family classes, The Science and Nature Program works with early childhood educators to help them strengthen their science curriculum. On-going partnerships have been created with public schools and community organizations, including day care, shelter and Head Start programs. Teachers, parents and children from these collaborating organizations participate in The Science and Nature Program's workshops and guided class visits to the Museum.