We offer a broad array of experiences to visitors through a variety of methods to encourage understanding and appreciation of the multifaceted story of a pioneer family in WNY. We strive to develop a ‘hands-on’ experience for visitors. From this site, the only fully restored stone dwelling of the early 1800's in Erie county, 200 years of history can be told through the Hull family – the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812 & the burning of Buffalo, the opening and impact of the Erie Canal, early pioneer life, the Abolitionist movement, and much more on into the 20th century. Learn about the rich history of the Hull family and their role in shaping the local community! Student field trips to the Hull Family Home & Farmstead are being scheduled from May through October. Currently, we offer interactive lessons which align with the New York State Social Studies Framework for Grades 4 and 7, but we can also work with you to develop a trip tailored to your specific needs and interests.

Tifft Nature Preserve has been engaging audiences of all ages and communities for decades through our diverse selection of guided programs. We serve as the region’s premier environmental education site in the Buffalo area. Your participants will be immersed in 264 acres of nature while being guided along trails through woodlands, wetlands, and boardwalks or enjoying a hands-on activity in our multi-classroom Darling Environment Education Center. Our most requested Guided Tours and Workshops are listed on our website https://www.tifft.org/schools-and-groups/ , however please contact us to potentially customize a program to meet your content needs for any age audience, from preschool to adults. We can also come to you to facilitate an Outreach program with your audience. All groups of 10 or more individuals visiting the Preserve are required to make a reservation for a self-guided Discovery Visit, Guided Tour, or Workshop. Please call (716) 825-6397 or email tifftreservations@sciencebuff.org to make your reservation.

the gifford family theatre (GFT) at le moyne college has been presenting theatre for young audiences each may/june for over 20 years. GFT provides an opportunity for young people to experience the joy of live theatre in a professional yet intimate (under 200 seats) setting on le moyne's campus. one of the most memorable moments in a child's life is the first time they experience the excitement of live theatre. GFt combines that excitement and fun with character education, using live performances to bring lessons of character to life. our plays are generally adaptations of well known children's books, making it easy to tie the performances to your Ela/literacy curriculum.

Tango Fusion Dance Company provides ballroom/Latin/swing dance to all age groups. We have done school dance residencies for all grades including dance workshops for the students, performances including the students for an assembly, dance instruction based on language (i.e. Spanish dances for language classes), based on social studies (regions) and "dance is math" for the younger grades. We also have a theater program titled Triple Threat where we teach the students excerpts of scenes from Broadway shows (usually Disney) including acting, singing and dancing. We have done these program as in school, before school and after school residencies. They can range from one day to multiple days. References provided upon request.

Finger Fables, Story Theater & New York Lore -Children learn to actively listen, problem solve, explore New York, and get inspired to write. Engaged by lively theatrical storytelling, they'll play a part in fables and fairy tales from around the world. When fingers become characters and they step into stories, children actively listen and retell tales. They'll better remember plot sequencing, key details, and different characters. Topics include kindness, animals, and other cultures. Ask for Medieval Manors and Manners for older students.

Traveling shop class is a unique program that makes wood working accessible and safe for students grades PreK-8. Students learn about a trade that is both a career and an art form. Students get to make wood sculptures with specialized tools in a safe environment; all materials and supplies provided. With guidance and one-on-one attention, students will design and create their own unique wood sculpture to make and keep. Traveling shop class easily aligns with any visual arts curriculum addressing goals for sculpture, critical thinking and problem solving, culture and careers. Traveling shop class addresses the NYS standards for the visual arts for creating and connecting. Students will generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work. They will organize and develop their ideas and work experimenting with forms, materials and artmaking approaches, balancing experimentation with safety and responsibility, while interacting in ways that enhance and empower their lives. Through artmaking students develop awareness, knowledge and experiences, and solve artistic problems. Part of the traveling shop class presentation is about environmental conservation which has cross curricular connections to science goals for habitats. 21st Century Skills such as critical thinking, creativity, social skills, communication, flexibility, problem solving, productivity, adaptability, curiosity and imagination, self-direction and perseverance are embedded as students plan and build, share, take turns, make corrections, and practice safety. Traveling shop class programming is easily adaptable for unique school-wide or individual class experiences including a modified format to be inclusive of all abilities.

Hi There! I’m an Author-Illustrator of Graphic Novels, Picture Books and Recycled Art Building Books for grades K-8. You can book a Workshop, Assembly OR create an immersive “Comics" or "Steam Invention Day” for students with guided sessions and worksheets. TOPICS INCLUDE: • Creating CHARACTERS for Comics • Building STEAM Projects from Recyclables • Tips and Techniques for GRAPHIC NOVELS • My Work Process from IDEA to Story to BOOK Students will learn my journey from childhood artist to the published author and illustrator of seven books. Brian Yanish Children’s Author / Illustrator / Maker *2023 NYSCATE Student STEAM Fest KEYNOTE Speaker ————————————————— “You will not find a more talented and collaborative presenter for your next author visit or Maker Space today.“ -Tammy Pulver, SLMS, Lima Primary School, Lima, NY

Nick Tokman, “Sunshine” on Discovery Channel’s ‘Deadliest Catch,’ speaks nationally building students' self-worth so they think for themselves and make the best decisions for their future. He partners with schools to address common issues students face including peer pressure, high expectations from family and negative influences. Through storytelling and visuals, he shares with students his path prior to becoming known as ‘Sunshine’ on the hit tv show and how he dealt with struggles that many teens and tweens go through along with the mindset he developed to overcome his obstacles, mistakes and failures. After Nick’s presentation, students will leave believing in themselves to say no to peer pressure and other outside influences that get in the way of who they are and what they want to do with their lives. Having presented across the country to crowds as large as 17,000 people, students will leave remembering these lessons in an entertaining and memorable way. Nick is available both live and virtually. See Nick’s website to tour his virtual studio!

Our educational programs allow learners of all ages to see live birds of prey up-close and to learn about the impressive adaptations and behaviors of these remarkable birds. We also discuss the conservation issues that impact them and how to make a difference. Several different Birds of Prey programs are available with discussion on the various species behaviors and habitats along with hands-on learning with real feathers, talons and bones, as well as information on local wildlife, wildlife rehabilitation and what to do if you find injured or orphaned wildlife. In addition, we offer owl pellet dissection programs, we bring one owl (who sits on his perch supervising during the presentation). We talk about the owl and the pellet process and then move on to dissecting. We provide the pellets, plates to dissect on, diagrams to help identify the bones and baggies to take home their discoveries. All programs are designed according to the audience. Special requests are always considered.

Offering interactive performances for PreK-Kindergarten and songwriting workshops grades K-5

Féraba – The African Rhythm Tap Company offers dynamic school assembly programs that blend traditional West African music and dance with American tap, creating an engaging, educational experience for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Féraba's assemblies are interactive and culturally enriching. They are an immersive experience that combines storytelling, music, and dance to take students on a cultural journey, emphasizing the interconnectedness of global traditions.

1. "Disability is O.K.!" (Openness and Kindness) is a disability awareness presentation with interactive theatre that can be modified for different age groups. Using books and resources as a launching point, sharing our story, showing our mobility devices and real life examples, we will create a safe space to ask questions, be curious and learn about difference. Students and facilitators will create good/bad scenarios about life where we learn what really matters... being OPEN and KIND. Both Sofiya Cheyenne and her friends have dwarfism and they have been sharing their story to teach youth all over New York! We bring an incredible amount of knowledge since both of our experiences are so unique. Assembly style: can do the whole student body but must be separated based on age. Must be within a 3hr window of time. (Example- 9am-9:45 prek-1st grade / 10am-10:45am 2nd and 3rd grade / 11am-11:45am 4th and 5th grade) Classroom style: smaller and more intimate conversations and play! Can do up to two to four 45 min sessions in a 4hr hour window. Must be within a 4hr window. (Example- 9am-9:45 Kindergarten / 10am-10:45am 3rd grade / 11am-11:45am 4th grade / 12-12:45pm 5th grade) Workshops are contingent on size of class / age and AV equipment materials available. 2. "And SEEN" is a student centered theatre class that will teach disability culture and access, empathy, leadership and other important life skills.. Through improvisation, I AM Poems and theatrical expression we have created a hands-on approach to learning about the self and our impact in the world. Using exercises such improv, meaningful play, creative writing, and storytelling, we build self-esteem and confidence in our students so they can tackle the world like the incredible leaders they are! With empathy and empowerment at the center of this workshop the students will be SEEN in their craft, in their peers, and in themselves. Workshops are subject to change based on age and size of group. I can even adjust my lesson to the specific needs of students ( i.e. bullying, self awareness, social awareness, social/emotional skills, confidence, leadership, team building ) Weekly rate - $2,500 for four to five 1 hr sessions with the same classroom Sofiya is a New York based multi-disciplinary performance artist, teaching artist, and disability advocate/consultant. She has appeared on television shows such as “At Home With Amy Sedaris” on TrueTV, “StartUP” on Netflix, and “Loudermilk” on AmazonPrime. She is passionate in her advocacy as her advisor roles in ADAptNYC 2030 Steering Committee, Access Council for ART NY and the Co-Chair of The Dwarf Artist Coalition of Little People of America. She has educated all school age youth about theater, disability culture and accessibility with her work at New Victory Theater, GirlBeHeard, EPIC Players and Queens Theater. Sofiya encourages the power of community, self-expression and storytelling. Her lessons are centered on themes of identity, and inclusive language and as a result, students build empathy for their friends and thinking through an anti-bullying lens. Sofiya believes engaging students about her disability and the use of “meaningful play” is the best way to bring up our future leaders of the world!! www.sofiyacheyenne.com