Bird Beak Buffet
Kindergarten
2.5 hours
Young scientists explore the connection between form and function as they dive into the fascinating world of birds. Hands-on lab work and birdwatching may even lead to a sighting of baby ducks in the park!
In the Field
Students will go for a “hike” in the park to look for birds and observe how their different shapes help them to be good at different things.
In the Lab
In the lab, students will do an activity to explore how the shape of a bird’s beak might relate to the food it eats. Then, students will build their own birds out of felt and explain how the shape of the bird helps it to survive.
Bird Bonanza
Grades 1 – 2
2.5 hours
Explore the science of flight through bird wings and paper airplanes! Students test different wing shapes and use observation skills in the park to identify birds with different flight strategies.
In the Field
Students will observe the structures of animals and plants and discuss the functions of each structure.
In the Lab
In the lab, students will use the observed structures of birds to create planes that glide long distances.
Habitat Hunters
Grades 3 – 5
3 hours
Students explore how adaptations help different animals survive in changing ecosystems.
In the Field
Students will hike through the park and hunt for signs of a healthy habitat and the animals that call it their home. They will hear the incredible story of the river’s restoration and explore how restoring a landscape brought life back to a lost habitat and improved the urban environment.
In the Lab
In a brief demonstration of the sport of curling, students will observe the principles of forces and motion in action. They will relate the scientific phenomena that occur during curling to what they learn in the lab about friction, mass, and speed. The students will experience these principles firsthand as they skate at our Cohen Skating Center.
Environmental Engineers
Grades 5 – 7
3-4 hours
Students step into the role of engineers to tackle real-world environmental challenges. Through collaborative design challenges, they learn how environmental engineers can clean water, reduce flooding, restore habitats, and create healthy environments.
In the Field
On the hike, we will examine the ways our parks, meadows, and wetlands act as natural engineers while designing some solutions to keep them healthy.
In the Lab
In this class, students will become engineers to learn about the design process and how it can be used to clean up water, restore habitats, and provide healthier places to live.
Resilient Communities
Grades 6 – 8
4 hours
Science meets social-emotional learning as students build solar ovens (yes—for making s’mores!), hear inspiring stories of resilience from the park, and engage in team-building exercises to build resiliency.
In the Field
The outdoor portion of this field trip heavily focuses on Social-Emotional Learning while building on the grade-appropriate extension activity in their lab. All students will participate in team-building activities customized to each group’s unique dynamic needs and abilities. They will hear the powerful story of Mill River Park’s Cherry Trees and the love, forgiveness, and new beginnings they represent that make the community more resilient. Students will then help water the trees to give back to the community and be part of the trees’ story.
In the Lab
Students will work in groups, engaging in the engineering design process, data collection and analysis, communication through group work and formal presentations, and deepen their understanding of energy transfers and conversions and chemical and physical changes. Solar ovens are an example of renewable energy, which is vital in the discussion of environmental resilience. After completing worksheets, students will take their completed group solar ovens outside to heat up s’mores. During this time, students will engage in their grade-appropriate follow-up activity.
Forces and Motion
4th Grade & Up
4.5 hours
This unforgettable field trip combines physics, curling, and outdoor ice skating! Hands-on labs followed by active time on the ice reinforce key physical science concepts—and offer a unique bonding opportunity for your students.
In the Field
Through three hands-on investigations involving friction, mass, and speed, students will analyze the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the motion of an object, observe patterns of motion, and construct explanations about the changes in energy when objects collide. Time on the ice also reinforces the concepts they learn in the lab in a fun, active way while giving students a special opportunity to skate* and bond with their peers.
In the Lab
In a brief demonstration of the sport of curling, students will observe the principles of forces and motion in action. They will relate the scientific phenomena that occur during curling to what they learn in the lab about friction, mass, and speed. The students will experience these principles firsthand as they skate at our Cohen Skating Center.
at Mill River Park
Mill River Park Collaborative has partnered with Henkel North America to bring their Researcher’s World initiative for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders to the Whittingham Discovery Center. The program aims to spark curiosity in young minds about science and show that science and research require collaboration. The holistic approach of Researchers World combined with Mill River Park’s experiential and place-based methodology provides a powerful learning experience for students. For more about our partnership, click here.
Generous support from the Henkel Foundation has reduced the transportation and cost barriers to participation in the following two programs for Title 1 schools.
Sticky Situation
Grade 2 – 3
3 hours
Can your students solve a real-world design problem using inspiration from nature? In this creative challenge, students help us find eco-friendly ways to hang signs in the park and explore nature for inspiration.
In the Field
Students will hike the park loop, searching for and examining organisms that have evolved to naturally stick to things or stick things together in a variety of ways.
In the Lab
Students will make and test different materials to see which is stronger. They will compare the strengths and weaknesses of how each substance performs.
All About Energy
Grade 3 – 5
3 hours
Students trace Stamford’s energy story from hydropower to solar, learn about The Conservation of Energy, and explore renewable energy sources in this engaging, hands-on program.
In the Field
In the park, we will discuss other renewable energy sources and the pros and cons of the first energy source harnessed in Stamford, hydropower. First, students will see the site where Stamford’s first dam and grist mill once stood. Then, they will explore how hydropower is generated by designing, building, and testing water wheels in the river.
In the Lab
Students will do a fun activity to understand the conservation of energy and build a circuit using solar cells.
Bonding & Enrichment Opportunties
Class Bonding & Team Building
2nd Grade & Up
2 – 4.5 hours
Foster leadership, communication, and connection with your students through group challenges, games, and guided team-building activities in the park. Customize your trip with access to the carousel and our concession stand.
Ice Skating
4th Grade & Up
1.5 – 4.5 hours
Skate under the open sky at our Cohen Ice Skating Center! Students enjoy an invigorating mix of skating, outdoor games, and hot chocolate—ideal for class bonding and winter celebrations. Optional customizations such as concession stand access, fire pits, and s’mores available. Best for groups of 60 or fewer.
