About the Programs
Mill Grove is known as the first home in America of renowned naturalist and artist, John James Audubon. The home, a national historic landmark, is a small museum dedicated to Audubon, and complements the newly opened John James Audubon Center. Both the historic house and the new center explore concepts of nature, conservation, and art, all while showcasing Audubon's life and artistic skill, including his famous Birds of America double elephant folio.
Field trips to the John James Audubon Center (JJAC) are fun and exciting, and center around the above themes. Situated on over 200 acres of forest, field, and creek habitats, there is plenty to explore both indoor and outside, and we can bring the same fun and excitement to your classroom. Read below for the variety of field trips we offer (both on site and in your school).
Field Trips: Cost: $15 per student. One free chaperone for every 6 students. Additional chaperones are $15.
Includes a combination of rotational activities and/or classroom programs. Offered Tuesday – Friday. 10am-2pm. Facilities available for lunch.
Cost includes educational activities.
Classroom Programs (45-60 minutes)
| Wild About Birds |
(Grades K-8) Learn about the many adaptations of different avian species, what makes them special, and how they compare to other animals. You may also enjoy a special visit from one of our many Bird Ambassadors! PA State Standards met: Science and Technology and Engineering Education: 3.1.3.A1, 3.1.K.A3, 3.1.3.C1, 3.1.3.C2, 3.3.4.A, 3.3.7.A, 3.3.7.D |
| Owl Pellet Dissection |
(Grades 1-12) Have you ever seen an owl pellet? Have students dissect one right in the classroom to learn about the diet and digestive system of birds of prey in this hands-on program. PA State Standards met: Environment and Ecology Standards: 4.1.1.C, 4.1.5.C |
| Drawn from Nature |
(Grades K-12) Mimic the famed artist John James Audubon, and learn to draw nature in real life. Students will create their own nature-inspired drawings using some of the same techniques Audubon did. PA State Standards met: Arts and Humanities: 9.2.3.A, 9.2.5.A, 9.2.8.A, 9.2.12.A, 9.2.3.D, 9.2.5.D, 9.2.8.D, 9.2.12.D |
| Birds of Prey |
(Grades 4-12) Provides an introduction to the amazing world of winged creatures. Live birds of prey may be used throughout the program. Concepts taught include; environmental health, the food web, human threats to the environment, and more! PA State Standards met: Science and Technology and Engineering Education: 3.1.3.A1, 3.1.4.A1, 3.1.3.A2, 3.1.4.A2, 3.1.6.A5, 3.1.3.C1, 3.1.3.C2, 3.1.4.C2, 3.1.10.A8, 4.5.4.D |
| Outstanding Owls |
(Grades 4-12) A lesson on owls and their special adaptations. Students will discover what is special about an owl’s eyes, neck, ears, feathers, and more! They will then explore owl calls they might recognize or hear in their own backyards and communities. Students will get the opportunity to dissect owl pellets from our very own non-releasable owls on site, as well, and learn what an owl eats in this very hands-on experience. PA State Standards met: Science and Technology: 3.1.3.A1, 3.1.4.A1, 3.1.3.A2, 3.1.4.A2, 3.1.6.A5, 3.1.3.C1, 3.1.3.C2, 3.1.4.C2, 3.1.10.A8; Standards for Environment and Ecology: 4.5.4.D |
| Birding for Beginners | (Grades 3+) Want to join the millions of Americans who are birders? In this lesson, learn about the basics of birding, like some key identifications marks, and what you will need to get started. Perfect lesson for anyone who enjoys the outdoors and wildlife! |
Rotational Activities (30 minutes)
| Birding with Binoculars |
(Grades K-12) Practice using your sense of sight and sound in this explorative program, and learn some of the techniques that researchers use while observing birds! Learn how to use binoculars to spot birds and other wildlife outdoors. Catch sight of some common backyard birds, and keep track of what you’ve seen and heard. Finally, go on a mini scavenger hunt and look for birds doing some everyday bird activities. PA State Standards met: Science and Technology: 3.3.7.A, 3.7.7.B, 3.7.10.B |
| Scavenger Hunt | (Grades K-8) Who might be living in your neighborhood? Go on a scavenger hunt to explore the grounds at JJAC and see what you can find. Use your keen observation skills to identify differences in nature that occur from season to season. Discover some common birds and other critters that might be living in your backyard or community too. There are clues to critters everywhere you look! |
| Audubon Experience | (Grades K-12) Curiosity takes flight at the new John James Audubon Center! Students will explore the world of birds in the WOW! Birds gallery, learn about the legacy of John James Audubon, and discover the importance of nature, art, and conservation. |
| Home Sweet Habitats |
(Grades 4-12) Hummingbirds and bright goldfinches and colorful bluebirds, oh my! Do you want to learn more about these birds and how to attract them? Discover how to create bird-friendly habitat for birds that are looking for a place to call home or to rest and refuel during their migration. PA State Standards met: Environment and Ecology Standards: 4.5.3.D, 4.5.4.D, 4.5.6.D, 4.5.7.D, 4.5.10.D |
| All About Birds |
(Grades K-8) Want to know more about the wonderful world of birds? Students will discover the amazing adaptations of birds through hands-on opportunities with examples of bird feet, wings, and beaks. Students may even get a chance to meet one of our non-releasable birds up close! PA State Standards met: Science and Technology and Engineering Education: 3.1.3.A1, 3.1.K.A3, 3.1.3.C1, 3.1.3.C2, 3.3.4.A, 3.3.7.A, 3.3.7.D |
| Bird Beak Bonanza |
(Grades 4-12) A lesson on a bird’s most special adaptation – their beak! Students will investigate variations in bird beaks and the interrelationships of form and function by classifying birds with similar beaks and inferring possible bird foods based on beak shapes. PA Standards Met: Environment and Ecology Standards: 4.5.4.D, 4.5.7.D; Science and Technology Standards: 3.3.4.A, 3.3.7.A, 3.3.7.D |
| Wonders of Water |
(Grades 4-12) After identifying which watershed they live in, students will take the role of scientists by collecting samples from the Perkiomen Creek to perform water quality tests and look for macroinvertebrates and identify how land use and human activity impact water. PA Standards met: Science and Technology Standards:3.5.7.D, 3.5.10.D; Environment and Ecology Standards: 4.2.3.A, 4.2.3.C, 4.2.4.A,4.2.7.A, 4.2.8.A, 4.2.10.A |
Outreach Programs
Have the John James Audubon Center come to your school, library or community space! Most of the above programs can travel – call or email for more information.
Cost: $150 for the first program. $75 for additional programs on the same day/same site.
Mileage rates apply to sites greater than 10 miles away from the Center. Call for pricing.