Soft rustling sounds could be heard coming from several covered crates in our classroom this afternoon as the students entered the room from recess. Noticing a huge tarp on the floor covered with dried leaves and surrounded by a huge plastic pen, everyone knew we were in for a real treat: a visit from Debbie Stein of Drumlin Farm and several “animal educators.”
During the next three months, we will be learning about ecosystems by studying the contents of our curiosity cart, visiting the Town Forest, and numerous trips to the river walk here at school. Debbie began the lesson today with a discussion about herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores. Two types of turtles were placed in the pen to introduce the concept of animal adaptations.
Next to make an appearance was a large opossum. An opossum jaw and fur pelt were passed around while the children watched it eat. Finally after great anticipation and discussion, the great horned owl was introduced. Amazingly we learned that the owl can hear a mouse ½ mile away. All of the animal educators today have an interesting story. Once in need of help, they now live safely at Drumlin Farm where they can teach us about themselves
