for Educators

Animal Adaptations

Grades PreK-4 | Beavers, bears and birds, oh my! Structure follows function as students explore the adaptations that abound in the animal kingdom!

  • Museum & Science Center, Virtual
  • Guided Exhibit Workshops, Virtual Experiences
  • Pre K, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade
  • Life Science

Exhibit Workshop (Docent program) OR Virtual Experience

Beavers, bears and birds, oh my! Structure follows function as students explore the adaptations that abound in the animal kingdom! Learn what adaptations are, the difference between physical and behavioral adaptations and how they help all kinds of animals survive, and thrive, in the ecosystems they call home. Using the 4 basic resources as a lens, students will learn that through changes over long periods of time, animals have adapted to meet their needs. The first half of the experience will be a hands-on experience in a classroom, followed by a structured exploration in the Expedition Earth exhibit.

For digital programs, our educators will work with your classroom to determine which platform works best to facilitate this experience.

Supporting Curriculum Materials:

 

Connects with-
New York State P-12 Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS) & Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS):

  • P-LS1-1. Observe familiar plants and animals (including humans) and describe what they need to survive.
  • P-LS1-2. Plan and conduct an investigation to determine how familiar plants and/or animals use their external parts to help them survive in the environment.
  • 3-LS4-3. Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular habitat some organisms can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot survive at all.
  • 4-LS1-1.  Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.

How To Book

Need More Information?

  • Contact: Guest Services
  • Phone: 585.697.1942
  • Email: gr****************@**sc.org


When Is It?

  • Days Available: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
  • Start Date: 09/15/2026
  • End Date: 06/26/2027
  • Program Length: 50 min.
  • Earliest Start Time: 10am

Who Should Attend?

  • Grades: Pre K, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade
  • Minimum Attendance: 15
  • Maximum Attendance: 25

How Much Does It Cost?

  • In-person: $10/student to visit, plus $6/student for hands-on program.

    All teachers and school personnel are free.

    All non-school adult chaperones are $10/person at each location. We recommend a ratio of 1 adult per 5 students. | RMSC adult members are free

    EBT card holders qualify for the Museums for All discount for Museum & Science Center field trips. $3/adult card holder

    Virtual: $150 for 1-30 people per session
  • Minimum Student Charge: 15 students for in-person program