A Visit to the Arboretum!

As we began to pull out different maps to learn about landmass and legends, the children began to notice all the different animals on the map.

"Walruses live in Greenland? Did you see the beaver in Canada? Whoa! Look at that alligator in Mississippi!"

As the students continued to look at the maps, they realized that there are many animals that live in specific areas. We than discussed what a habitat is and how each animals needs a home and food.

We thought, “Wouldn’t it be perfect for the students to see this first hand?” We ventured to the Houston Arboretum: A place where trees and animals are protected for the purpose of studying animals in the natural setting. There the students were asked to make specific observations. They were asked to note anything they touched, smelled, heard, saw, and tasted. From these observations, the students were able to identify the animals and the habitats that they lived in!

The children were responsible for their own documentation and photography! 

(Our little scientists in the making!) ;0)

Here is a slide show of all the amazing pictures taken from our field trip! ;o)

Make a Free Flash Slideshow
As we returned back the children were so excited to talk about all the things we saw there! We took out our worksheets that we filled out at the Arboretum.  We wrote down and drew things we heard, saw, touched, and smelled.  We also wrote and drew about the signs we found that helped us know what animals lived there.  The children have been looking at the pictures from our trip to help them deepen our learning that took place there. 

The photos are helping us discuss and understand more about this habitat and the animals that live there.

" I see an Armadillo like on the field trip!"

We are now looking at more books and pictures to help us learn about the animals that live at the Arboretum.  So many ideas have stirred up after visiting the Arboretum! ......stay tuned for updates on our project work!