Snowy Survivors: First Grade Visits Blanford Nature Center

Earlier this month, the first graders had the opportunity to spend the day at Blandford Nature Center where they learned how animals survive in Michigan during the winter months.  While the students were expecting a snowy, cold outdoor adventure in February, they were greeted by warm temperatures, no snow, and plenty of sunshine.  Thankfully, the teaching staff helped them learn about animal survival, even though there was no snow on the ground.

While at the nature center, students engaged in a simulation game where they learned how bears store food during the warm months so they can survive the winter months.  Students met Tullulah the American toad who assisted in their understanding of how some reptiles burrow in mud for the winter months.  A walk through the woods and a meadow gave students the opportunity to look for clues showing an animal had been present.  And finally, students studied animal skulls and pelts to determine which nativeMichigan animals are carnivores, herbivores, or omnivores.  

The morning spent at Blandford was a compliment to the Life Science lessons first graders have been enjoying this trimester.  In reflecting on their time at the nature center, the first graders shared that they enjoyed visiting the live animals and participating in the simulation.  With the sunshine in the bright blue February sky and the smiles beaming on the faces of the first grade students, it is safe to say it was a fantastic experience for all!