Animal Ecology Program
 Animal Signs
Students will learn about seven categories of animal signs, what can be interpreted
by each sign, and how sign interpretation can help solve the mystery of what
animal left the signs behind. A large portion of the class is spent outside
looking for animal signs and tracking animals.
Length: 2 hours
Age: Grades 1st-9th
Maximum Number of Participants: 20
 Lesson
Plan for Animal Signs (4 pages, 130 KB)
Bat Program
Through exploration of cultural myths surrounding bats, interactive games,
and a slide presentation, students will be introduced to the fascinating
world of bats. Emphasis will be placed on bat adaptations and bat-human interactions.
Length: 1 hour
Age: Grades 3rd-12th
Maximum Number of Participants: 20
Lesson
Plan for Bats (6 pages, 191 KB)
Beaver Ecology
Students will learn about the physical and behavioral adaptations of beavers
during a dress-up activity. Students will learn about the beaver life cycle
through a beaver family role play, and explore the shores of the Wisconsin
River for signs of beaver activity.
Length: 1½ hours
Age: Grades 2nd - 8th
Maximum Number of Participants: 20
Lesson
Plan for Beavers (5 pages, 194 KB)
Birds of Wisconsin
Become an ornithologist and discover the fascinating world of birds in your own backyard. Find out what makes a bird a bird and what makes each species unique. A multimedia presentation and live raptor show will introduce students to Wisconsin’s common birds and tips for identifying them in the wild. Students will also be introduced to some of Wisconsin’s rare birds and their special habitat needs.
Length: 1 hour
Age: Grades 1st - adult
Maximum Participants: 30 in Nature Center and 150 in Main Lodge
Fee: Requested donation to maintain raptors.
Lesson Plan for Birds of Wisconsin (4 pages, 192 KB)
Discovering Owls
Through the use of audio / video aids and hands-on examples, students
will discover the unique adaptations of owls, learn about Wisconsin's native
owls, and explore the composition of owl pellets. Optional: Students can dissect their own
owl pellet.
Cost: $3.00/owl pellet if student dissection option is elected. Depending on the group's preference, one to three students
can dissect one owl pellet.
Length: 1 hour / 1½ hours if student dissection option elected.
Age: Grades 2nd-7th
Maximum Number of Participants: 15
Lesson
Plan for Owls (4 pages, 132 KB)
A Habitat Is Home
Students will learn the four components of habitat by learning a song and making
a "Habitat Lap Sit." Students will play two additional Project
WILD activities, "Oh Deer!" and "How Many Bears Can Live In
This Forest?" to demonstrate how limiting factors can influence the
carrying capacity of populations in nature. Students will also learn how
quality of habitat can act as a limiting factor.
Length: 1½ - 2 hours
Age: Grades 2nd - 8th
Maximum Number of Participants: 25
Lesson
Plan for Habitat (4 pages, 183 KB)
Predator/Prey
Students will learn about the food web and populations in nature by becoming
predators and prey during this interactive game. A discussion following the
game will show the importance of food, water, shelter, and reproduction for
the survival of populations in nature. Upham staff and 6-7 adults or teens are required for this
program.
Length: 1 - 1½ hours
Age: Grades 4th-8th
Minimum Number of Participants: 25 / No Maximum
Lesson
Plan for Preditor/Prey (4 pages, 116 KB)
Radical Raptors
Students will learn about types of raptors, raptor adaptations, and human-raptor
interactions through a presentation including two live raptors. "Beauty," our
Red-Tail Hawk, and "Stella," our Barred Owl will be introduced
during the program. Both raptors are housed at Upham Woods and have injuries
that prevent them from reentering the wild. This presentation works well
as a small group presentation or large group program in the main lodge. Upham
staff are required for this program.
Length: 1 hour
Age: Grades 1st-adult
Maximum Number of Participants:
30 (if taught in the Nature Center)
150 (if taught in the Main Lodge)
Lesson
Plan for Radical Raptors (5 pages, 193 KB)
Scales, Scutes & Skins
This program will allow students to learn some general adaptations of reptiles
and amphibians through comparison activities. Students will also have the
opportunity to have hands-on contact with live reptiles and amphibians while
learning adaptations specific to those animals. Upham staff are required
for this program.
Program Length: 1½ hours
Age: Grades 1st - 12th
Maximum Number of Participants: 20
Lesson
Plan for Scales, Scutes, and Skins (4 pages, 168 KB)
What Makes a Bird a Bird?
Students will learn what characteristics make birds unique from all other animals
on earth. They will learn about the physical and behavioral adaptations of
birds through a dress up activity. Students will also learn how the shape
of bird beaks determines what different birds must eat in order to survive.
Length: 1 - 1½ hours
Age: Grades 2nd - 6th
Maximum Number of Participants: 20
Lesson
Plan for Bird (4 pages, 189 KB)
|
Top