School & Group Programs

The Mass Audubon Visual Arts Center offers a variety of programs for schools and other groups, geared to the age level and curriculum needs of the students. Our programs seek to develop observational skills and emphasize the fun in learning about both art and nature. A typical school visit lasts two hours, with one hour exploring the art exhibition and the second exploring the wildlife sanctuary.

Art Exploration (1 hour)
Explore the original art in our current exhibition through guided observation, creative discussion, group activities and a hands-on art project. Led by an experienced museum educator.

Nature Discovery (1 hour)
We guarantee you will see the life in your own back yard with new eyes after visiting the Visual Arts Center's wildlife sanctuary with one of our talented naturalists. Choose from one of our successful programs described below, or tell us your curriculum needs and we will cater the hike to meet them in a fun and educational way!

Habitat Explorations
Forests, fields and vernal pools offer quite different habitats for the plants, insects and other animals that live and interact there. This program emphasizes the interrelationships within nature, and students are introduced to the concepts of habitat, species diversity and food chain.

Fall: Seed Safari
What is a seed and what isn't? What is the smallest seed in the world? The largest? In this program students hunt for seeds and learn about their development, dispersal and importance to animals and humans. Students practice observation skills by examining seeds closely, dissecting them, sorting and classifying.

Winter: Animals in Winter
By searching for signs left by animals, such as tracks and chew marks, students learn the different ways that animals have adapted to the cold, harsh conditions of winter in New England. These animal signs provide clues as to how animals find water, food and shelter and maintain body heat. Students compare how these survival techniques differ from those used in the warmer months and discuss how other animals survive winter by migrating or hibernating. Students also share their own ideas on how to preserve heat in the cold and to make their own tracks and corresponding stories.

Spring: Vernal Pool Discovery
Discover the animals in the vernal pool and their unique adaptations for survival. Students explore the habitat around the pool and examine the animals living in it. Programs for older students may be modified to include scientific identification and classification and/or chemistry experiments, such as water tests or pH comparisons and their significance to the animals and plants living in the vernal pools.

Self-Guided Visit
Visit the gallery or trails on your own and plan your visit to meet the needs of your class or group.HoursMonday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Fees
Standard 2-hour program: $8 per student/participant
1-hour only program: $5 per student/participant
Teachers and chaperones: No charge
Small groups please note: In order to cover the staff time needed to arrange and present a group program, there is a minimum fee of $100 for the standard 2-hour program ($60 for one hour).
Self-guided visits: $3 per student/participant. No minimum fee.

Schedule Your Program
For more information or to schedule a program, please contact us at:
Mass Audubon Visual Arts Center
963 Washington Street
Canton, MA 02021
781-821-8853 x101
visual-arts@massaudubon.org.