Watchable Wildlife (JHARVNC)

Summary:

This program includes an introduction to using binoculars as well as basic signs of wildlife, followed by a guided hike.

Grade Level:

2 - 12

Recommended Setting:

Classroom, then outdoor hike (dress for the weather)

Outdoor Activity:

Location:

Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center, Fort Smith

Contact:

Education Program Coordinator, 479-452-3993

Duration:

45 minutes

Suggested Number of Participants:

Special Conditions:

Outdoor portion weather permitting, appropriate dress

Objectives:

Learn how to use binoculars
Increase awareness of wildlife
See the diversity of animal life at the nature center

Key Terms*:

Binoculars

Bird

Diversity

Habitat

Hiking

Observation

Scat

Track

Wildlife

*See glossary for definations

Materials:

Bird guides

Classroom set of binoculars

Background:

Binoculars

How to use
- Focusing
  - Adjust width of binocular barrels
  - Find nonmoving object and focus with both eyes
  - Fine focus
- Finding the critter

Signs of Wildlife

Scat

Animal tracks

Commonly seen tracks and locations

Tracks show animal behavior

Markings

Nests

Procedure:

Assemble participants in classroom, multipurpose room or on deck. Introduce basics of observing wildlife in the outdoors.
Hand out binoculars and show how to use. Hand out identification guides if using.
Lead hike. Encourage participants to focus on wildlife sighted (usually birds) and to observe other signs.
Wrap up hike reviewing sightings. What species were seen, or what evidence of them was discovered? (Make a list.) Where were they seen? Where else might they see wildlife?

Modifications:

If weather limits outside hike, observe animals in wildlife watching area with identification guides. Have participants identify all animals.
Take a hike around another natural area or school yard with binoculars if possible. How does the wildlife compare to that seen at the nature center? Is it different? Why?
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has a program called Wings Over Arkansas where anyone can request a packet and fill out a bird list of species they have sighted. Depending upon the number of birds, participants receive a certificate and a pin and can advance to the next level for a new certificate and pin.

Review:

Were you surprised by how many different animals you saw at the nature center? What were your expectations?
What factors affect the diversity and total number of animals present in an area? How could the nature center increase the total number or diversity of the animals present there?
What is carrying capacity? How does it affect the number of animals present? What can increase it or decrease it?
Animals are active in different times of the day. What determines this? (Teacher hint: predator/prey is nocturnal or diurnal, temperature, etc.) Generally, when is the best time to observe animals in the wild? What about times of the year? (Think about migratory birds.)

Glossary:

Binoculars – two identical telescopes mounted side by side and aligned to point accurately in the same direction, allowing the viewer to use both eyes (binocular vision) when viewing distant objects; also known as field glasses

Bird – any warm-blooded vertebrate of the class Aves, having a body covered with feathers, forelimbs modified into wings, scaly legs, a beak and no teeth, and bearing young in a hard-shelled egg

Diversity – in biology, the number of species in a given area

Habitat – an arrangement of food, water, shelter or cover, and space suitable to animals’ needs

Hiking – an outdoor activity which consists of walking in natural environments, often on hiking trails

Observation – act of seeing or fixing the mind upon anything; the act of making and recording a measurement

Scat – an animal’s fecal droppings, especially a wild animal

Track – a footprint of wildlife

Wildlife – animals that are not tamed or domesticated including insects, spiders, birds, reptiles, fish, amphibians and mammals