Students go outside, imagine themselves as animals and then write poems. Upon completion students recognize and experience the inspirational value of wildlife. Requires writing materials.
Ants on a Twig -
Students go outside to observe and demonstrate ant behavior. Upon completion student identify similarities and differences in basic needs of ants and humans, and generalize that humans and wildlife have similar basic needs. Requires note pads, pens or pencils.
Drawing on Nature -
Students use techniques of observation and visualization to record wildlife by drawing. Upon completion students generalize that wildlife and other animals are important inspirations for art and science. Requires drawing materials.
First Impressions -
Students react to photos of different animals and discuss their different contributions to the planet. Upon completion students distinguish between reactions to an animal based on myth or stereotype and those based on accurate information; and recognize the value of animals’ contributions to ecosystems – even those that people sometimes fear. Requires large photos or drawings of a variety of animals, including some the students might think are ‘cute’ and some they might think are 'scary'.
Microtrek Treasure Hunt -
Students go outside on a "treasure hunt" for wildlife. Upon completion students state that humans and wildlife share environments; demonstrate that humans do not have exclusive use of environments; and generalize that wildlife can be all around us even if we do not actually see or hear it. Requires hand lens; digging tool; pencil and copies of instruction sheets for each group.
Planting Animals -
Students write a letter to a state or provincial wildlife agency for information and make dioramas of transplanted animals in new habitats. Upon completion students describe reasons for “transplanting “ animals; and identify one animal that has been transplanted in their own state or province. Requires writing materials; magazine photos; scissors; glue. Boxes for dioramas are optional.
Urban Nature Search –
Student go outside to observe an environment and use a questionnaire to assist in gathering data. Upon completion students generalize that each environment has characteristic life forms. Requires questionnaire (designed by teacher); pencils, notebooks or journals; an outdoor setting.
Which Niche? –
Students compare ecological niches with careers in their community. Upon completion students define ecological niche; and give at least one example of an animal and its niche. Requires guest speaker; research materials.
Wildlife is Everywhere! –
Students search their environment for evidence of wildlife. Upon completion students state that humans and wildlife share environments; and generalize that wildlife is present in areas all over the earth. Requires no materials. String is optional.
World Travelers -
Students conduct field research, develop graphs or pie charts and maps depicting the proportions of exotic species and create reports on the effects of these species on native populations. Upon completion students identify native and exotic species through local investigation; interpret graphs and maps of the concentrations of native and non-native species; and identify the effects of introduced species on ecosystems. Requires writing material; field guides; tape measures; string to mark plots; reference materials; copies of Dominant Species Chart for each group.
