ANIMALS
Animal Tracking
Duration: 1 - 1¼ hours
Grade Level: 4th-12th
Standards: 3.3.4, 3.3.7
Students learn the basics of identifying animal tracks using tracking keys and measuring skills. Students practice on tracking plates and then hike into the forest to use their skills.
Adaptation
Duration: 1 - 1¼ hours
Grade Level: 3rd - 12th
Standards: 4.6.7, 4.7.4, 4.7.7, 4.7.10, 3.1.4, 3.1.7
This hiking activity focuses on what adaptation is and challenges students to identify adaptations in animals as they look for animal signs along the trail. The concept of camouflage is focused on during part of this activity. An insect investigation, with a focus on adaptations, may also be scheduled. (See Insect Investigation)
Bird Observation Hike
Duration: 1 - 1¼ hours
Grade Level: 3rd - 12th
Standards: 4.7.4
Students learn how to use binoculars and what field marks to look for when identifying birds. The students then take a hike to various habitats and use the skills that they have learned to identify the birds they see. LEEP has 20 pairs of binoculars available.
Creating Habitats
Duration: 1 hour
Grade Level: 3rd - 6th
Standards: 4.7.7
Students learn how habitat components and human impact can affect the distribution of wildlife. A scavenger hunt then introduces students to methods of providing habitats for wildlife and inviting animals into yards or neighborhoods.
Habitat and Wildlife
Duration: 1 - 1¼ hours
Grade Level: 3rd - 12th
Standards: 4.3.4, 4.6.4, 4.7.4, 4.7.7, 4.7.10, 3.1.4, 3.1.7
Students use their observation skills to find signs of animals while hiking through a forest. Elements of a habitat are discussed with respect to each animal (or animal sign) encountered.
Insect Investigation
Duration: 1 - 1¼ hours
Grade Level: K - 12th
Standards: 4.5.4, 4.6.4, 4.7.4, 4.7.7, 4.7.10
Students investigate the insect world by collecting insects. Students focus on the definition of an insect, adaptations, and life cycles. Insects are easiest to find May through October.
Pond Study
(see Water section)
Predator/Prey Relationships
Duration: ½ - 1¼ hours
Grade Level: K - 12th
Standards: 4.6.7, 4.7.4, 4.7.7, 4.7.10, 4.7.12, 2.6.3, 2.6.5
Students participate in games and simulations that lead them to a greater understanding of predators, prey, limiting factors, habitat needs, and human impacts on wildlife.
Stream Investigation
(see Water section)
