Naturalist Program

• To provide a rich and meaningful experience for youth that empowers them to become voices and stewards for the environment in their local communities
• To help students develop skills and interests to become lifelong learners and engaged citizens
• To connect youth to nature and develop critical thinking skills through hands-on experiences
• To inspire youth to pursue STEM career pathways
• Dovetail with MA Frameworks for life and earth sciences* such as HS-LS2-7. Analyze direct and indirect effects of human activities on biodiversity and ecosystem health, specifically habitat fragmentation, introduction of non-native or invasive species, overharvesting, pollution, and climate change.

Life Science

Standards focused on ecosystems: interactions, energy, and dynamics help students formulate an answer to the question, “How and why do organisms interact with their environment, and what are the effects of these interactions?” Students can use mathematical reasoning to demonstrate understanding of fundamental concepts of carrying capacity, factors affecting biodiversity and populations, and the cycling of matter and flow of energy among organisms in an ecosystem. These models support students’ conceptual understanding of systems and their ability to develop design solutions to reduce the impact of human activities on the environment and maintain biodiversity.

HS-LS2-1. Analyze data sets to support explanations that biotic and abiotic factors affect ecosystem carrying capacity.

HS-LS2-6. Analyze data to show ecosystems tend to maintain relatively consistent numbers and types of organisms even when small changes in conditions occur but that extreme fluctuations in conditions may result in a new ecosystem. Construct an argument supported by evidence that ecosystems with greater biodiversity tend to have greater resistance to change and resilience.

HS-LS2-7. Analyze direct and indirect effects of human activities on biodiversity and ecosystem health, specifically habitat fragmentation, introduction of non-native or invasive species, overharvesting, pollution, and climate change. Evaluate and refine a solution for reducing the impacts of human activities on biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Earth Science

HS-ESS3-2. Evaluate competing design solutions for minimizing impacts of developing and using energy and mineral resources, and conserving and recycling those resources, based on economic, social, and environmental cost-benefit ratios.

HS-ESS3-3. Illustrate relationships among management of natural resources, the sustainability of human populations, and biodiversity.

If you have any questions about any policies related to the Naturalist Program, please reach out to naturalistprogram@ecotarium.org.

Health Documentation:

Naturalist Program participants are required to complete a caregiver permission slip and medical release form. Required paperwork includes acknowledgment of our guidelines and required health forms, field trip permission forms, and any needed waivers. The caregiver's responsibility is to complete and return these forms before the first program session.

All participant information and documents submitted will be kept confidential and shared only with the staff supervising the program on a need-to-know basis.

COVID-19 Guidelines:

The EcoTarium’s guidelines for Naturalists program participants are intended to provide our staff with a safe workplace and to provide all Naturalists a safe and healthy program experience. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the EcoTarium has regularly updated its policies and procedures to reflect our understanding of disease incidence, transmission, and prevention, and to meet all local, state, and federal requirements.

The EcoTarium refers to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and CDC guidelines for exposure and isolation protocols. As COVID-19 and other public health guidelines are updated to reflect the current status of the pandemic, the EcoTarium will conduct a periodic review of its policies and procedures, and will update policies as needed. Any updates will be shared directly with the primary contact for your Naturalist participant.

We appreciate your participation in helping to keep our community healthy.

The EcoTarium Museum of Science and Nature is committed to serve as a trusted source of accurate information for the community. Please review the health & safety guidelines for all museum guests here on our website.

Consistent with our health and safety guidelines, the EcoTarium recommends but does not require that masks be worn inside the museum during the Naturalist Program. Masks are required inside the Alden Planetarium.

The EcoTarium is home to over 50 species of wildlife, some of which are vulnerable to COVID-19 infection. All visitors must maintain a safe distance from wildlife to minimize the risk of infection.

If you are unwell, please stay home. If you or anyone in your group is experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, please stay home, isolate from others, and call your doctor.

If you or any member of your group have recently been in contact with someone confirmed or suspected of having COVID-19, please follow quarantine guidelines and seek testing. Quarantine periods vary based upon vaccine status. Please review quarantine guidelines here.

Eligible individuals are strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before joining the Naturalist Program at the EcoTarium. Any participant with questions about vaccination should consult with their primary care provider to determine the best course of action to keep themselves and others safe.

The City of Worcester website has a page about vaccinations which is full of local resources. Free clinics are available in Worcester for vaccination and testing for COVID-19, along with free transportation options.