1st Grade Kensington
Examining Winter Animals
Full-day trip to Kensington Metro Park
(Depart school at 9:30 am and return at 2:00 pm)
Feed and study winter birds, observe animal tracks and signs.
Unit – “Feature Factor” (Nov-March)
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Students start learning as soon as they board the bus!
Naturalists explain how animals survive the winter using several distinct strategies: migration, hibernation and adaptation. A variety of specimens are displayed and discussed.
Once at the Kensington Nature Center, AAPS Environmental Ed volunteer naturalists take the students out on the trails to feed the birds and look for animal "sign" - tracks, droppings, etc. This allows for observations of how birds and other animals adapt to winter conditions. The Black-capped chickadee (left) and the Titmouse (right) are the most common birds to land in students' hands.
Learning to OBSERVE and make a "best guess" or SCIENTIFIC HYPOTHESIS of what is happening in the field is an important aspect of this trip. Animals can help us better understand and improve our world.
Here is a great illustration regarding bird flight and technology: STANFORD SLO-MO FLIGHT STUDY. And here is a great video that demonstrates the incredible range of diversity that can be seen in the bills of different bird species.
Examples of guided questions students might consider:
How does this SKUNK CABBAGE grow during the winter?
Who made these TRACKS and what were they doing?
In the afternoon, students tour a working farm. Again, critical thinking is encouraged as students visit each area with their naturalist guide.
