Nature's nursery - Educational Programs

Animals and Books...
What a Winning Combination!
The following programs are meant for younger audiences and combine two important components:
The love of animals and the love of reading!
The following books are available to be read to groups of preschool to second grade.
Animals that are featured in the books will be brought along as part of the program.
Programs last 30-45 minutes.

Good –Night Owl—Pat Hutchens—ages 2-5: When poor Owl’s attempts at sleep are constantly thwarted by other animal sounds, he pays his colleagues back in kind and enjoys having the last screech.

The Tortoise and the Hare—Betty Miles—ages 4-8: The classic fable of the cocky rabbit challenging the plodding but persevering turtle to a foot race.

Bunny Trouble—Hans Wilhem—ages 4-8: Ralph is a soccer-loving bunny. But when his soccer high jinks almost land him in the farmer’s stew pot, he discovers he needs the help of his brave sister and lots of Easter eggs to get him home again.

The Mitten—Jan Brett—ages 4-8: Ukrainian boy wants his grandmother to knit snow-white mittens for him. When he loses a mitten several animals take refuge in it as it swells and stretches.

Crictor—Tomi Ungerer—ages 4-8: Madame Bodot receives a boa constrictor for her birthday! She knits a sweater for him and takes him to school to help her teach the alphabet by forming the letters.

Those Darn Squirrels! - Adam Rubin - ages 4-8: Old man Fookwire is a grump. He puts up bird feeders in his backyard but the squirrels come too. There is a conflict til the squirrels come up with a plan that completely charms the old grump.

Programs

Birds
Those Amazing Birds!
Explains the biology of birds and uses live animals to help us understand how birds survive.
Grades: Pre-School – 6th
Time: 30 – 45 min.

Owls
Explains the physical characteristics and biological role of owls. May include slides.
Grades: 1st – 12th
Time: 30 – 90 min.

Locally Speaking
Discover Wildlife in Your World
Teaches students how to recognize and attract are a wildlife. May include slides.
Grades: 3rd – 6th
Time: 30 – 45 min.

Wildlife Rehabilitation at Nature’s Nursery
Explains the history of wildlife rehabilitation and why it is necessary. May include slides.
Grades: 3rd – 12th
Time: 30 – 60 min.

Behavior/ Adaptation
Changing for the Better-Animal Adaptation
Focuses on the special ways animals survive in a competitive world. May include slides.
Grades: 1st – 12th
Time: 30 – 45 min.

Predators! They’re Part of the Picture
Reveals how these animals survive and why they’re so important to us. May include slides. This program is suitable for large groups.
Grades: 3rd – 12th
Time: 30 – 40 min.

Understanding Birds of Prey
This is our area of special expertise. The program explains the special adaptation of birds of prey and their role in the environment. This program is suitable for large groups. May include slides.
Grades: 5th – 12th
Time: 30 – 90 min.

Viva La Difference!
All about differences between reptiles, amphibians, mammals and birds.
Grades: Pre-School – 12th
Time: 30 – 90 min.

The Parent Trap!
Reveals how animals care for their young and the role of parents in various species.
Grades: Pre-School – 2nd
Time: 30 – 45 min.

Smooth and Slimy
Highlights the diversity and uniqueness of reptiles and amphibians.
Grades: Pre-School – 3rd
Time: 30 min.

Wildlife Orphans
Will help students recognize when an animal is an orphan and when help is needed. May include slides.
Grades: 3rd – 12th
Time: 30 min.

Things that Go Bump in the Night
Explains nocturnal creatures and how they manage to function in the dark of night.
Grades: 2nd – 12th
Time: 30 – 60 min.

When the Snow Flies
Explains the rigors of cold weather on animals and how some have adapted survival strategies for cold.
Grades: K – 12th
Time: 40 – 60 min.

Batty About Bats
This program will focus on the misunderstandings about bats and the critical role they play in our environment. May include slides.
Grades: 1st – 12th
Time: 30 – 60 min.

Conservation
Our Natural Heritage
Explains the environmental history of the US and the changes that have gotten us to today. May include slides.
Grades: 5th – 12th
Time: 40 – 60 min.

Endangered Species: Living on Borrowed Time
Gives an overview of declining species across the world and what we can do both globally and locally. May include slides. This program is suitable for large groups.
Grades: 3rd – 12th
Time: 30 – 60 min.

Forests are More than Trees
Helps students understand the complex community of the forest, its importance to humankind, and why we should conserve it. May include slides. This program is suitable for large groups.
Grades: 3rd – 6th
Time: 30 – 45 min.

In These Ancient Trees
Discusses North America’s old growth forests, their historical uses and dubious future. May include slides.
Grades: 3rd – 12th
Time: 30 – 45 min.

Two’s Company, Three’s a Crowd
Explains the impact of human population growth on biodiversity. May include video.
Grades: 5th – 12th
Time: 40 – 60 min.

Wildlife Trade
Goes into the impact that illegal trade in wildlife has on populations. May include slides.
Grades: 5th – 12th
Time: 40 – 60 min.