Sunday, December 8, 2013

Harry Russell's Woods & Wild Animal Research

It was a beautiful week, despite the winter storm we had last Thursday and Friday.  In the beginning of the week it was about 60 degrees -  perfect weather for a nature hike.  We arranged to go to Harry Russell and take a hike to look for signs of Ohio's wild animals.  Each adult escort received a clipboard with the list of things we were looking to find.    

We found many signs of wild animals including: animal tracks, animal droppings, bird and squirrel nests, a beehive, nuts, birds, feathers, and much more.  Take a look our friends on their hike.  
Bird nest
Squirrel nest
Deer Print

Beehive
 
 
 
 
 
 
When we arrived back to school, we documented on two different lists of animals in our Exploration Lab Journals.



We began researching our Ohio wild animals, and started to make a plan for our study.  As mentioned last week, we have for groups of students each studying one of the following: skunks, squirrels, coyotes, and bluejay's.  Each group met and began looking through books to find facts about these animals.  
Our friends studying skunks decided to make a "cheer" for skunks.  They called out "Gooooooooo SKUNKS!"  
Mrs. Garrabrant got in contact with "Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife.  They loaned us some amazing materials.  They gave us several field guides including birds and amphibians of Ohio.  Each of the field guides came with a resource CD.  In addition, they gave us several animal pelts of Ohio's wild animals.  All of these animals were not harmed when collecting the pelts.  They were able to give us a pelt of a skunk, squirrel, and a coyote.  The students were amazed to see and feel the pelts. 
 
Students wanted to know if the skunk pelt smelled, but it didn't. 
Lastly, on Thursday, one of my students from a couple years ago came to visit.  She read a book about skunks and a book about coyotes.  The children were all amazed to hear Madison read so fluently.
I hope everyone enjoyed the snow this weekend.  Take care and have a beautiful and warm week!
Mrs. Julie Atkin

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