Middle School Programs (Grades 6-8)
Learn with Wave Hill
Engage your class in a unique, outdoor adventure at Wave Hill, during which we will explore the sciences, humanities and arts through active engagement with the natural world. Skilled educators work individually with each class to provide rich experiences for all.
Time of programs: 10-11AM or 11:30AM-12:30PM
Maximum class size: 30 students and up to four adults
Program fee: $120; 20% discount for Title I and D75 schools
Special Needs: All programs can be adapted to suit the particular learning styles of your students. Communicate your class’s specific needs upon booking so that we may provide the most engaging program possible.
Reservations
All groups require a reservation in advance. To make reservation, please complete the school programs request form.
Update on Spring 2024
We are excited to welcome students back to the gardens! We are offering a limited number of in-person programs. For classes that are unable to visit in person, we are offering a 45-minute virtual option for select programs ($100; 20% discount for Title I and D75 schools).
Avian Adventures
Seasons offered: Spring at Wave Hill
In this experiential program, students participate in community science efforts as they bird-watch, keep a class tally of the birds they’ve found and submit their data to an ongoing bird census. Throughout their visit, students explore identifying markers of individual birds and species while also diving deep into characteristics shared by all birds.
Native Knowledge
Seasons offered: Spring at Wave Hill
In this immersive program, students investigate their personal relationships with plants while honoring indigenous knowledge and discovering the history of the Lenape people. A multi-sensory exploration of the Herb Garden and woodlands informs participants about local plants important to the Lenape. Storytelling traditions of local indigenous peoples will help students further explore their own relationship with the natural world.
Walk for the Senses
Seasons offered: Spring at Wave Hill
If they are engaged thoughtfully, our senses are a window into creativity, scientific discovery and the cultivation of healthy relationships. During a sensory exploration of our gardens and grounds, students experience mindfulness practices that rely on sights, sounds, smells and textures, and share key insights into our environments, our communities and ourselves.
Con Edison STEM Days Out: Urban Forest Ecology
Seasons offered: Spring at Wave Hill; virtual
Through a partnership with Con Edison, we are able to offer this exciting, fully-funded program for middle school students in New York City and Westchester Title I Public Schools. This two-hour, hands-on program explores Wave Hill’s woodland through the lens of the urban wildlife and the diversity that exists in New York City’s many green spaces. Through map and site exploration, students learn the importance of forests, gardens and other green spaces for the many species that inhabit our city. Students explore how wildlife species with different adaptations exploit their ecosystems, learn how to assess the health of an urban woodland and discover why having diverse green spaces is necessary to support urban biodiversity. Note: the virtual option is a 45-minute adaptation including a case study of coyotes.
Self-Guided Nature Walk
Seasons offered: Spring at Wave Hill
Fee: $40 per class; 20% discount for Title I schools
Guide your class on an independent exploration of Wave Hill's gardens and grounds. Prepare for your visit by downloading the attached PDF, which offers guidelines and two activities for your class to enjoy.