for Educators

Winter Ecology

Grades 5-12 | Examine how plants and animals adapt to winter.

  • Cumming Nature Center
  • Cumming Nature Center Experiences
  • 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade, 9th Grade, 10th Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade
  • Earth Systems, Life Science

Guided Cumming Nature Center Experience 

Examine how plants and animals adapt to winter. Hunt for tracks and other evidence of animal activity. Engage with snow science investigations.

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

In-person capacity may be limited in compliance with public health guidelines in effect on the day of your visit.

NYS Standards:

  • 5-LS2-1 Develop a model to describe the movement of matter among plants (producers), animals (consumers), and decomposers, and the environment.
  • MS-LS2-1 Analyze and interpret data to provide evidence for the effects of resource availability on organisms and populations of organisms in an ecosystem.
  •  MS-LS2-4 Construct an argument supported by empirical evidence that changes to physical or biological components of an ecosystem affect populations.
  • MS-LS2-2 Construct an explanation that predicts patterns of interactions among organisms in a variety of ecosystems.
  • MS-ESS1-1.  Develop and use a model of the Earth-Sun-moon system to describe the cyclic patterns of lunar phases, eclipses of the Sun and moon, and seasons.
  •  HS-LS1-3 Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that feedback mechanisms maintain homeostasis.
  • HS-LS2-3 Construct and revise an explanation based on evidence for the cycling of matter and flow of energy in ecosystems.
  •  HS-LS2-2 Use mathematical representations to support and revise explanations based on evidence about factors affecting biodiversity and populations in ecosystems of different scales.
  • HS-LS2-8 Evaluate the evidence for the role of group behavior on individual and species’ chances to survive and reproduce.

How To Book

Need More Information?

  • Contact: Guest Services
  • Phone: 585.374.6160


When Is It?

  • Days Available: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
  • Start Date: 12/11/2022
  • End Date: 03/31/2023
  • Note: Anytime except 11/13/22–12/14/22 for on site visits.
  • Program Length: Full Day In-Person Experience
  • Earliest Start Time: 8:30am

Who Should Attend?

  • Grades: 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade, 9th Grade, 10th Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade
  • Minimum Attendance: 12
  • Maximum Attendance: 60

How Much Does It Cost?

  • Guided Group Programs: $7 per person; 1 free adult with every 5 students; RMSC Member Adults free.