EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Parks on Demand Units of Study (P.O.D.s)
Parks on Demand Units of Study (P.O.D.s):
The following programs are multiple day units involving in-class study, distance learning programs, Traveling Trunks and naturalist visits.
Grades K-2
Nature Literacy
With our nature literacy unit, you will investigate "where the wild things are" and learn about basic wildlife needs. Discover what is wild vs. what is not and follow up your lesson with a visit from a naturalist (and live animals)! Learn about the Stark Parks wildlife rehabilitation program and brainstorm ideas on what injured animals need to survive. This unit culminates in an optional distance learning activity where the students will share their ideas for the Wildlife Center with naturalists and take a virtual tour of the Sanders Wildlife Rehabilitation Center!
Grades 3-5
Adaptations
This unit begins with a discussion on animal classifications. Students will be learning what physical and behavioral traits are common within major animal groups. Students will view the physical characteristics of animals and then predict the habitat needs of these animals.
In the distance learning connection, students will report their predictions to the naturalist and get the scoop on what Ohio animals truly need in a habitat. In-class follow up includes playing the "Migratory Bird Game" illustrating the effects of human land-use on wildlife habitat.
Grades 6-8
Animal Fitness
We're not talking about sit-ups for the frogs! This unit is based on identifying characteristics of animals that allow for their success in the wild. Your students will be relating the success of animals in the wild to humans in a variety of "habitats". A naturalist will bring a variety of wild animals to the classroom and discuss how each interacts with its environment. Students will play an in-class game to reinforce the idea that an ecosystem has a fragile balance that, once disturbed, is difficult to restore. The distance learning connection will focus on real-world disruptions to this precious balance and what can be done to protect it.
Grades 9-12
Ecosystems
In the Ecosystems POD, students will interact with the classroom teacher, other students, and naturalists to identify the components of an ecosystem and describe how all factors are integrated and work cooperatively with one another. Students will determine solutions for real ecological problems faced by the naturalists. Your students will use their own experiences and interests to create analogies to an ecosystem. They will present these comparisons to the naturalist during a distance learning session in which the naturalist will provide details about several real-world problems that parks face. Students will collaborate to create solutions within a defined framework. They will then present their suggestions to the experts for a reality check. As an opportunity for enrichment, students may choose to visit the park to discuss their management solutions with Naturalists.