The Outdoor Learning Laboratories
Our Day Use program is a unique and powerful partnership for learning, where the classroom teacher receives training and curriculum and then works with each site's director to create programs tailored for their students. The program takes place at our three Outdoor Learning Laboratories.
All participating teachers are required to attend a 4 day environmental education training program, typically after school ends in June. Teachers receive a Curriculum Guide containing discovery learning activities, all of which are correlated to the NYS Math, Science and Technology Standards. Each guide contains specific activities, resource information, and background information about various habitats to be explored and investigated during the program, suggestions for logistics and management, pre and post trip activities, and a host of other materials pertinent to the successful implementation of our program.
Most importantly, they are trained on a variety of activities (marine, freshwater and terrestrial ecology, math in the out-of-doors, orienteering, language arts, earth science, and strategies for energizing the elementary classroom curriculum).
After completing their training, teachers are prepared to work with the site directors to create and implement exciting learning programs in the natural world.
The Caleb Smith Outdoor Learning Laboratory
Located in the 543-acre Caleb Smith State Park Preserve, the laboratory contains numerous displays and animals and serves as a stepping-off point for exploring the deciduous woodlands and ponds. There are a number of distinct habitats along our 2 km (1.2 mile) Red Trail, including pond, stream, field and deciduous forest.
This is a great location for the study of birds, small mammals, insects, trees, ecology, the water cycle, and weather.
Contact:
Vittoria Marzot, Site Director
631-360-3652 or vmarzot@wsboces.org
Click here for a map to the facility
The Connetquot River Outdoor Learning Laboratory
Located in the 3,473 acre Connetquot River State Park Preserve, this Outdoor Learning Laboratory is housed in the historic Snedecor Inn. The Pine Barrens ecosystem of the park contains freshwater streams, an historic grist mill and a working trout hatchery. Miles of secluded trails allow visitors to catch glimpses of white-tailed deer, wild turkey and red fox. Enjoy the osprey in the warmer months and spend time observing the migrant waterfowl on the Main Pond in the winter.
Contact:
Jennifer Cressy, Site Director
631-581-6016 or jcressy@wsboces.org
Click here for a map to the facility
The Sunken Meadow Outdoor Learning Laboratory
Located in a secluded section of Sunken Meadow State Park, the lab offers a wealth of interpretive displays and aquaria. The 1,266 acre park provides varied learning environments including salt marsh, beach and upland forest. Classes can hike woodland trails on a terminal moraine, discover the abundance of life at the tidal wetland, study shoreline features or observe the birds that visit the lab's feeding station. Students will experience first-hand the concepts and lessons learned in the classroom and be able to connect them to the real world.
Contact:
Amity Bintliff, Site Director
631-269-4343 or abintliff@wsboces.org
Click here for a map to the facility
Directions
Forty-six miles from Manhattan to the northern terminus of Sunken Meadow/Sagtikus Parkway. LI Expressway exit 53. Then take the Sunken Meadow Parkway north to where it ends at the tollbooths. After passing through the tollbooths, take the first right and proceed to Field 5. Once you reach the parking lot, proceed across it and park at the far end, by the split rail fence. Follow the path down to the building.