NR Field Trip

We went up the Canyon yesterday to the campgrounds where we were met by Rangers, Wildlife Conservationists and USU students. They were able to model and teach us about the plants and animals of Utah, rocks and soil, and our water. The students had a GREAT time learning and playing. (Sorry if the pictures are sideways... I can't get them to change.)

Wildlife:
We played a game where the students were birds and had to try to migrate from Canada to Mexico, finding food along the way and avoiding predators.




We did a lap sit where they had to understand how important each part of the circle was in order to be successful. The students represented water, food, shelter and space. All things animals need to survive.




Then they got to touch and feel animal hides and skulls according to each of the different environments found in Utah: desert, forest, and wetland.





Our next station was about bugs. We dressed up Johan as a bug to see all the adaptations they have to survive.


Then they got to try bug eyes!


Next we got to actually look at and play with bugs native to Utah. We first found ones in the tubs and got to look up close using petri dishes and magnifying glasses.







Then over to river to find our own!




After lunch we headed to a plants station. At first they learned about the different elevations and adaptations plants have to survive at those elevations.







Then we learned how to identify which type of plant one is: a forb, shrub, bush or tree. They used classification keys to figure it out.





Then off to our final two stations: soil. The students got to make a student profile, showing them the four layers of soil. Starting from the top, there is topsoil, subsoil, transition layer and bedrock.






Then a matching game...


Then we were hurrying home before the bell rang. All in all, a fun and productive day!