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—transform the forest into an active classroom where students investigate real-world science through hands-on exploration. Each experience is designed to foster observation, curiosity, and critical thinking, while supporting students in constructing scientific explanations using Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (CER). 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 are designed for middle school audiences, but can be adapted and customized for grade levels K-12 or multi-age groups. We will work closely with each district and its educators to emphasize and prioritize curricular goals, partnering to ensure that our field trips are seamlessly aligned with classroom learning.