WILDLIFE SCIENCE AT HOME
Wildlife Science @ Home is a collection of wildlife-related science experiments that can be carried out at home (or anywhere) using common household materials. The activities are appropriate for students of all ages. They address Science and Engineering Practices and Crosscutting Concepts that can be applied across all grade levels. However, content for individual activities will better address standards at specific grade levels. These activities will soon be available in Spanish as well.
Browse through the activities below. When you find one that interests you, simply click on "DOWNLOAD PDF" to access the activity.
Amphibian Skin
In this activity, the student will use a model to learn how the unique adaptations of amphibians allow for water to permeate through their skin
Animal Behavior
In this activity, the student will create and use an ethogram to better understand animal behavior.
Bird Diversity
In this activity, the student will use a common technique to survey birds during two different times of day.
Ectotherms
In this activity, the student will better understand how ectotherms (cold-blooded animals) use their environment to help control their body temperature.
Estimating Populations
In this activity, the student will simulate a common population estimate technique known as mark-recapture.
Insect Diversity
In this activity, the student will use a common technique to collect insects from two different outdoor locations.
Predator and Prey
In this activity, the student will simulate two interconnected populations, an owl (predator) population and a mouse (prey) population. The simulation will allow the student to see how the populations increase and decrease over time.
Reptile Diversity
In this activity, the student will use a common technique to survey for reptiles and amphibians at two different outdoor locations.
Tracking Wildlife
In this activity, the student will use a track plate to look for evidence of animals in their neighborhood.
Water Conservation in the Desert
In this activity, the student will compare the water loss between two sponges left outside for a period of four hours.