K-12 Programs

Tucked into the hills of Northwest Connecticut, Great Mountain Forest is a living laboratory where students can explore, question, and connect with the natural world. Through immersive, seamlessly aligned NGSS standards, we invite educators to bring learning to life in a setting rich with ecological and geological wonder.

Our field-based programs, available as half-day or full-day experiences, are designed as a progression of learning that grows with students from elementary through high school. Younger learners begin with discovery- using their senses, observation, drawing, storytelling, and active exploration to build curiosity and connection with the natural world. As students advance, experiences increasingly emphasize scientific reasoning, data collection and analysis, including the use of Claim–Evidence–Reasoning (CER) to explain patterns and relationships. At the high school level, students take on greater independence as investigators, using qualitative and quantitative field methods to explore ecological systems, evaluate human impacts, and consider questions of conservation and stewardship.

Across all grade levels, students learn by investigating the forest itself—developing increasingly sophisticated ways of observing, questioning, gathering evidence, and thinking ecologically. Whether studying ecosystems, geology, tree biology, wildlife, or seasonal cycles, students engage deeply with the landscape and leave with a stronger understanding of both science and stewardship.

Led by experienced educators who believe in the power of inquiry and environmental stewardship, our programs offer an unforgettable opportunity for students to learn by doing- guided by the rhythms and stories of the forest itself.

All modules can be adapted and customized for grade levels K–12 or multi-age groups. We work closely with districts and educators to emphasize and prioritize curricular goals, partnering to ensure that field experiences are seamlessly aligned with classroom learning.