for grades: 1 | 2
Animal Kingdom
This program explores the basic characteristics of four major divisions of the Animal Kingdom: Reptiles, Amphibians, Mammals & Birds. Using live animals to represent each group, students will discover the unique characteristics that scientists use to classify animals in each of these Classes. This presentation includes a number of manipulatives, such as feathers, shells, pelts and eggs, providing students with a tactile dimension to their learning. Students will also explore the characteristics that all animals share such as locomotion, predator-prey relationships, basic life processes and reproduction.
Basic concepts covered in this program include:
Distinguishing characteristics used for classification
Life cycles
Specialized adaptations
Cold blooded vs. warm blooded
Habitats and niche
Animals typically used for this program may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Snake
Blue Tongue Skink
Toad
Frog
Mouse
Dove
Please Note: The Hudson Highlands Nature Museum and its professional staff are fully licensed by state and federal agencies to maintain a collection of live native animal species for the purpose of education. For the health and well-being of our animals, our permits require that we have a NO TOUCH policy. Children will not be permitted to touch or pet any of our living collection. Choice of animals is at the discretion of the museum staff, based on availability.
as a field trip
Program Length: 90 minutes
45 minute presentation
30 minute forest trail walk
15 minutes free exploration
Gift shop available upon request
Picnic area available upon request
Program Cost:
$225 for up to 25 students
Staff is free
Location: Wildlife Education Center
(25 Boulevard, Cornwall-on-Hudson NY, 12520)
in the classroom
Program Length: 45 minutes
Program Cost:
$250, plus travel fee, for the first program.
$225 for each additional program on the same day