photo by Jamie Margolis
Animal Habits & Habitats
An animal’s external structures provide clues to its habits and habitat. Students learn to decipher the evidence of an animal’s physical characteristics and deepen their understanding of the behaviors and survival skills of our wild neighbors.
- Mammal Skulls & Senses Length: 1 hour
Examining a selection of animal skulls, students consider the structure and function of features to make informed claims about whether the animal is a predator or prey animal, and consider the role of sensory organs to their survival.
Any time of year – In classroom
NGSS: LS1.A, LS1.D - Mammal Habitat Hike Length: 2 hours
Considering the physical characteristics of a variety of mammals, students make informed claims about which Vermont habitats the mammals might live in. To bring the scenarios to life, students then work in small groups collecting evidence of the habitat needs of one of our local mammals.
Any time of year – Outdoors
NGSS: LS1.A, LS1.D
Rock Mysteries
Through the Mystery Rock programs students discover local rock formations and the forces that have shaped the landscape. In the course of their field exploration, students identify patterns and rock types that relate to local geological history.
- Mystery Rocks Length: 1 hour
Through hands-on investigation, students examine four types of rocks found on Heifer Hill. This introduction to rock identification prepares students for the Mystery Rock Hike Program.
Any time of year – In classroom
NGSS: ESS1.C, ESS2.A - Mystery Rock Hike Length: 2 hours
On a journey through time, students discover local rock formations and the forces that have shaped the landscape. In the course of their field exploration, they identify patterns and rock types that relate to local geological history.
Fall or spring – Outdoors at BEEC
NGSS: ESS1.C, ESS2.E, ESS2.A - Stream Erosion Experiments Length: 2 hours
Building miniature stream landscapes students experiment with the variables at play in erosion, as well as make observations of erosion occurring in the stream visited.
Fall or spring – Outdoors at a stream
NGSS: ESS1.C, ESS2.A