Winter 2022-2023
Farm
Is this a Predator or a Prey?
Our DK trip to Bowers School Farm was amazing! Students spent their time learning about predators and prey and how that looks with farm animals. After talking about characteristics of each and getting bundled up, we headed out to the chickens to learn if chickens are predator or prey and how their behaviors and bodies help them survive.
Student Observations:
‘The chickens run away from us!’- prey behavior, to keep safe from predators!
‘Why do the chickens turn their heads funny?’- their eyes are on the side of their head
‘Why did the chicken just flap his wing in your face?’- flapping wings startles possible predators
‘That chicken is sitting on 4 eggs!’- Chickens cover the eggs to keep them safe
Great Detective work students!!
Students were given a challenge to begin thinking about what type of predator or prey they might like to create with all of the clues they were observing. Our journaling as we wrapped up the day included drawing their animals and comparing their predators and prey.
Would their animal have talons or hooves? Sharp beaks or teeth?
Our field trip wrapped up in the hayloft with a hands on and magnifying glass sensory lab to explore animal furs (warmth), chicken feed (food), found items (cat caught mouse, egg, straw, and antlers). We learned about the winter solstice through The Longest Day book and how the daylight changes with seasons which not only impacts humans, but also animals on the farm!
Eyes on the side they run and hide. Eyes on the front they hunt!
Nature Center
Students continued to investigate predators and prey but this time through the lens of forest wildlife. Starting with a game of “Hawk vs Mice” to not only learn about animal survival but to also get the body warmed up for a snow hike. If your child came home saying they played with animal bones they weren’t lying! After visiting one of our birds of prey, the Great Horned Owl, and feeding her MICE, students switched into scientist mode to dissect owl pellets. A variety of bones from different animals were found in each child’s owl pellet and they matched them up to a bone chart to help identify each one.
