Classroom Options: Grades 3-6
Typical classroom visits are for 45-60 minutes. We prefer to work with individual classes, but are willing to do full-grade type "assemblies" (e.g., a reptile program for the whole 4th grade class within your school). Through our classroom visits, we will try to utilize your school grounds in any way we can, providing the weather is appropriate. We will inform you prior to the scheduled visit if our intent is to take your class outside. You have a wonderful school property that is very conducive to environmental education. Unless otherwise specified, we will provide any and all necessary supplies and equipment. If you have an idea for a program, but do not see it listed, we are can develop a program to suit your needs.
1. Reptiles- Discover life cycles and habits of Ohio’s native reptiles. Students will have up close encounters with live examples and be able to compare their common traits that distinguish them as reptiles. They will also learn how and what they eat in their natural environment and their seasonal activity patterns.
2. Amphibians- Discover life cycles and habits of Ohio’s native Amphibians. Students will learn up close the distinct and unique characteristics of these part-time aquatic and part-time terrestrial animals. Students will also learn of amphibians’ seasonal activities and their sensitivity to pollutants. (available in spring) Can be included with the reptile program.
3. Snow Tarp- An inside activity that depicts a simulated snow scene of multiple wildlife activities. Through the observation of animal sign, characteristics and behavior the students will try to unfold the events of the prior evening after a light snow fall.
4. Skin & Skulls- A touch and feel program that allows students to closely observe the adaptation of a variety of skull structures and skins of local Ohio mammals. Students will learn through investigation specific functions, similarities and differences. They will also through observation be able classify the animals as carnivores, omnivores, and herbivores and whether they might be predator or prey. Students should also be able to describe how mammals physical attributes help them survive in their natural habitats.
5. Birding for Beginners- This program will introduce students to bird characteristics. Emphasis on migration and their adaptations will help students understand why they live where they do and what and how they eat. Hands on bird beak and owl pellet activities can also be offered with this program.
6. Forest Ecology- Students will learn that a forest is not only trees but a natural interaction of all things living and nonliving. Through the study of symbiotic relationship between plants, animals, and soil, students will discover the diversity life within the forest. There will be an emphasis on the flow of energy and how organisms have adapted to specific ecosystem.
7. Trees- Learn of the importance of trees and what they have to offer as key role players in their ecosystems. Hands on activities will demonstrate the unique structures and characteristics of trees and the wide variety of uses to animals and man.
8. Rocks, Minerals & Soil- The rock cycle and geological concepts are the focus of this program. Concepts such as the influence rock types have on soil properties and how the parent materials of soil came from rocks will be discussed. Hands on identification and classification will involve students sorting rocks according to their origin and allowing them to distinguish between rocks and minerals.
9. Archaeology- An inquiry and investigative based activity that allows students to work in groups to generate ideas and draw conclusions concerning the possible use and age of several nondescript artifacts.
1. Reptiles- Discover life cycles and habits of Ohio’s native reptiles. Students will have up close encounters with live examples and be able to compare their common traits that distinguish them as reptiles. They will also learn how and what they eat in their natural environment and their seasonal activity patterns.
2. Amphibians- Discover life cycles and habits of Ohio’s native Amphibians. Students will learn up close the distinct and unique characteristics of these part-time aquatic and part-time terrestrial animals. Students will also learn of amphibians’ seasonal activities and their sensitivity to pollutants. (available in spring) Can be included with the reptile program.
3. Snow Tarp- An inside activity that depicts a simulated snow scene of multiple wildlife activities. Through the observation of animal sign, characteristics and behavior the students will try to unfold the events of the prior evening after a light snow fall.
4. Skin & Skulls- A touch and feel program that allows students to closely observe the adaptation of a variety of skull structures and skins of local Ohio mammals. Students will learn through investigation specific functions, similarities and differences. They will also through observation be able classify the animals as carnivores, omnivores, and herbivores and whether they might be predator or prey. Students should also be able to describe how mammals physical attributes help them survive in their natural habitats.
5. Birding for Beginners- This program will introduce students to bird characteristics. Emphasis on migration and their adaptations will help students understand why they live where they do and what and how they eat. Hands on bird beak and owl pellet activities can also be offered with this program.
6. Forest Ecology- Students will learn that a forest is not only trees but a natural interaction of all things living and nonliving. Through the study of symbiotic relationship between plants, animals, and soil, students will discover the diversity life within the forest. There will be an emphasis on the flow of energy and how organisms have adapted to specific ecosystem.
7. Trees- Learn of the importance of trees and what they have to offer as key role players in their ecosystems. Hands on activities will demonstrate the unique structures and characteristics of trees and the wide variety of uses to animals and man.
8. Rocks, Minerals & Soil- The rock cycle and geological concepts are the focus of this program. Concepts such as the influence rock types have on soil properties and how the parent materials of soil came from rocks will be discussed. Hands on identification and classification will involve students sorting rocks according to their origin and allowing them to distinguish between rocks and minerals.
9. Archaeology- An inquiry and investigative based activity that allows students to work in groups to generate ideas and draw conclusions concerning the possible use and age of several nondescript artifacts.
