Burn Barrel Biology
This interactive and topical program provides students with an overview of the environmental and health impacts of open trash burning. Students examine the 'biology' of a burn barrel by looking at commonly burned items, learning about what is contained in smoke that is released, and exploring how this smoke effects the biology of plants, animals and humans. Recommended for Grades 5 & up. In addition, students investigate safe alternatives for trash disposal.
(60 minutes, assembly style for up to 80 students, cafeteria or gymnasium required)
Burn Barrel Biology Teacher Materials Available Here!
Chesapeake: The End
This program focuses on the end of the Susquehanna watershed system—the Chesapeake Bay—and introduces a number of marine creatures found there. Students see marine creatures such as lobsters, crabs, snails, mollusks and echinoderms up close - without having to take a trip to Maryland! (45-60 minutes)
From Lake to Sea
The Susquehanna River travels more than 400 miles from its source in Otsego Lake to its end at the Chesapeake Bay. Students meet many of the animals that call the Lake, River or Bay home, and learn the story of one of America’s great rivers. (45-60 minutes)
(NOTE: Content can be modified to reflect other New York State rivers.)
Owls: Our Nocturnal Neighbors
This program introduces our region’s most amazing nocturnal predators - owls - and their biology. Standard program features three species of owls (upon availability). Owl pellets for use in a dissection follow-up activity can be provided at an additional $3 ea. (45-60 minutes)
Raptors: Hunters of the Sky
Students are introduced to at least 4 of our resident raptors and learn about their adaptations, natural history and conservation. Standard program features (upon availability) a Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl and Turkey Vulture. (45-60 minutes)
What's for Lunch?
Everybody’s got to eat something! In this fast-paced hour, students examine the flow of energy from one animal to another. Children meet several living members of a local food chain, and create human food chains and webs. Using living animals from local ecosystems, students learn about how animals are connected to each other. (45-60 minutes)
Wildlife of New York State
From the Beaver Laws to Endangered Species Laws, students are introduced to a variety of animals that find their home in New York State and learn how wildlife has impacted our history, both social and natural, and our economy from past to present. Live birds, reptiles, amphibians and marine invertebrates are included, along with skins/artifacts of selected mammal species. (45-60 minutes)
Field Programs
Instincts for Survival
A fun, active, educational game (for up to 40 students) which teaches students predator/prey relationships by casting participants in the roles of herbivore, omnivore and carnivore. Students must find food and water while learning the skills that animals would use instinctively to avoid predation and capture food. This activity provides students with an in-depth look at the intricacies of the food web and the challenges faced by wildlife. This 2 hour program takes place on the school grounds or nearby open field area and concludes with live animals that depict a living food web. (Requires one instructor, invoiced at classroom rate.)
Pond Ecology
Armed with dip nets and collecting bins, students explore a local freshwater environment and learn about life in these special places! Field guides are provided to assist in classification and identification of specimens found. This program can also include a culminating activity where students identify, sketch and describe a specimen collected from the pond and share their findings. (1.5-2 hrs.)
Forest Ecology
Students are led on a fun ecology hike through a forest area to look at the parts of a forest and the animals that live there. Activities include log rolling with insect investigations, predator/prey activities, identification of trees, and some basic soil sampling. When possible, students will also compare coniferous and deciduous forest areas. A look at population cycles, carrying capacity and limiting factors of animals in the ecosystem is included in full program. (1.5-2 hrs.)
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