for grades: Pre-k & kindergarten
Introduction to Animals
This program explores basic life processes of living creatures. Students will meet four live animals: a mouse, a frog, a turtle, and a rabbit! Students will be encouraged to compare these animals to learn about their similarities and differences. This presentation includes a number of props, such as shells, pelts, skulls, etc., providing students with a tactile dimension to their learning. The program will discuss animal characteristics, movement, and diet. The program also emphasizes a conservation theme as students learn that wild animals are not pets and must be protected in their habitats.
Learning Objectives: Students will observe four local, native animals. Students will listen to an oral presentation and answer questions based on: animal growth, senses, defenses, movement, and their daily needs. Students will be able to differentiate between mammals, reptiles, and amphibians based on their characteristics.
NYS Core Curriculum Standards:
Pre-K: Life Sciences: P-LS1-1, P-LS1-2, & P-LS3-1
K: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems: Animals, Plants and their Environment: K-LS1-1 & K-ESS2-2
Animals typically used for this program may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Box Turtle
Frog
Toad
Mouse
Rabbit
Please Note: The Hudson Highlands Nature Center 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. Choice of animals is at the discretion of the Nature Center staff, based on availability.
as a field trip
Program Length: 90 minutes
45-minute presentations/activities
30 minute guided hike
10-15 minutes in Hall of Animals
Gift shop available upon request
Picnic area available upon request
Program Cost:
$250 for up to 25 students
Staff is free
Location: Wildlife Education Campus
(25 Boulevard, Cornwall-on-Hudson NY, 12520)
In the classroom
Program Length: 45 minutes
Program Cost:
$275, plus travel fee, for the first program.
$250 for each additional program on the same day, plus mileage costs.