Cayuga Nature Center offers a variety of virtual programs for your classroom, including both animal and environmental education programs. Don’t see what you’re looking for? We are happy to hear any ideas or suggestions on a program you’d like to have offered.

Contact us at [email protected] for more information or to schedule your program today!

Ask us about small group/"pod" pricing options.

Virtual Animal Programs

$100 per session - All programs listed are 45 minutes long

Amazing Animals

Students will learn about the behaviors and physical traits that help animals survive in their natural habitat. This program provides a hands-on opportunity to interact with mammals, reptiles and birds. We will look at things like their outer layer, teeth types and ways they have evolved to better survive this ever changing world. Grades Pre-K+

What’s for Dinner?

What do animals like to eat and how do they do it? This program will explore the different types of food animals eat and what skills they have that help them obtain that food. Grades Pre-K+

World of Reptiles

Interact with our cold-blooded reptiles and learn how turtles, snakes and lizards are related and yet very different. We’ll dispel some common myths about these fascinating animals and learn some new facts that won’t soon be forgotten. Grades Pre-K+

The Native Animal Experience

Let’s learn about the animals that call New York their home. What makes these animals suited to living in the Ithaca area? We will explore this question and others in this program by meeting some of the native animals at the Cayuga Nature Center. Grades Pre-K+

The Exotic Animal Experience

Many animals at the Cayuga Nature Center cannot be found in New York state, or even in North America! This program will talk about what makes an animal exotic and how they are specifically adapted to their home environment. Grades Pre-K+

Curriculum Specific

If you do not see listed above a topic that coincides with the current theme of the chapter that will be being taught at the time of the visit, please inquire about making a curriculum based program just for you!

Virtual Environmental Education Programs

$100 per session - Some programs will have a document that can be handed out or sent to students for in person learning or remote learning. Prior to programs, teachers are encouraged to talk with our educators to best suit your needs, times and NYS Common Core standards (or NGSS).

Birds of a Feather

Birds are everywhere, but what makes them a bird? We’ll look at structures of feathers, skulls, beaks and feet that can be indicators of their diet and behavior. Grades 3 — 6

Extension: See our Adventure Lab option! This includes materials for your students to learn at home, including their own owl pellet to dissect! In order to reduce participant cost this lab kit does not involve the same number of items that the Birds of a Feather Adventure Pack has, however it still provides all of the necessary materials to complete the Adventure Lab!

Dendrochronology and the Science of Rings

Ever wonder how old a tree is? There are a few ways to estimate the age of a tree. We’ll practice by looking at tree “cookies” and talk about the layers within a piece of wood and their function. Each section is vital for a healthy tree. Let’s dive in and have a tree-mendous time! Grades 3 — 6

Dentition and Diet

Most mammals are born without teeth and a first set grows in as they get older. Just like humans they have a set of young teeth, called deciduous teeth, and then permanent adult teeth. We’ll be looking at the functions, types and sizes of teeth by looking at a variety of mammal skulls to see what we can infer about their diet. Grades 3 — 6

Black Bear Basics

Take a deeper look at these native New York, black bears. They’re mysterious and vital for healthy ecosystems. So let’s discuss behavior, diet and the importance of their poop! By looking at their skulls, claws and fur we can learn so much about black bears. Grades 3 — 6