Nature in the Classroom

Teatown educators will come to you! The following programs may be taught at your location.

Amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals, oh my! We share the world with a variety of unique and fascinating creatures. In this dynamic program, the fundamentals of animal classification and adaptation are discussed using mounts and live animals from Teatown’s collection. Students are given the opportunity to touch the animals presented to help develop respect and understanding of animal life (60 minutes). NYS Science Standard: 1, 4.

Take flight and soar, as we take a close look at the amazing adaptations that make raptors successful hunters. The specialized use of talons and beaks, wing design and acute eyesight and hearing, in addition to the principles of flight will be demonstrated. With the use of costumes and role-playing, students will learn about a bird’s unique anatomy and a raptor’s specialized adaptations. The program will conclude with a visit from Teatown’s resident hawks and owls. Program can be presented with slides; please let us know if AV is available (60 minutes). NYS Science Standard: 4.

What’s living in your backyard? Live animals, mounts, furs and bones will be used in this lively program about the species found in Hudson Hills and Highlands region. Concepts such as biodiversity, population dynamics, habitat fragmentation and conservation will be covered through interactive activities and demonstrations. Program can be presented with slides; please let us know if AV is available (60 minutes). NYS Science Standard: 4, 6, 7; NYS Social Studies Standard: 5; NYS ELS Standard: 3, 4.

• Our Outreach Programs include live animals who have minds of their own, may fall ill, and often find travel taxing! We do our best to provide consistent programming, but please bear in mind that we cannot guarantee the appearance of a specific animal. Teatown will always deliver the same caliber program no matter who we bring.
• Traveling with live animals can be cumbersome! If you can provide us with parking close to the space we are presenting in, we would appreciate it. If not, a safe area to unload and a person to watch over our materials while we park the car is helpful.
• We have been advancing with the times! Our Avian Adaptations and Hudson Valley Wildlife programs can be accompanied by a slideshow. Do let us know if AV is available to use.
• Let us know if you can provide a 6-foot table. If not, we will bring our own.
• To allow our staff time to prepare and arrive, we ask that outreach programs start no earlier than 10 am. Afternoon or evening programs are also possible.
• If you are a library, senior center, or other community organization, don’t hesitate to reach out. We love visiting all kinds of audiences!
• Please note that it is very hard to accommodate summer animal outreach requests, as our team’s focus shifts to Teatown’s own onsite summer camp.

$400 for a 60-minute program/class
$500 for a 90-minute program/class

Additional travel expenses may apply. As of September 2026, we are no longer doing outreach programs in NYC.

Programs can be altered to meet the special needs of your class, or be tailored to fit into a special event.

To schedule a program at your site, please email Marie Roche, Associate Director of Education, at mroche@teatown.org. Please reach out with your preferred program or learning goal, month you are interested in, grade level, and number of students when you inquire so we can best meet your needs.

Cancellations within two weeks of program forfeit deposit. Most of Teatown’s programs are rain or shine, but if travel conditions are perilous, we will make an effort to reschedule. We reserve the right to cancel or continue programs in inclement weather. Please call (914) 762-2912, ext. 110 to verify our decision.