Winter: December to February

• Birds, Birds, Birds!
  It’s fall and many birds are leaving for the winter. Learn which ones stay and which new ones arrive to spend the winter here. Stuffed animals, puppets and my comprehensive feather collection are used in this program. (Can be done in any season).
  
• Hibernation: Who Hibernates and Why?
  This program uses stuffed animals and puppets to introduce children to the concept of hibernation. Bear, chipmunk, turtle, frog, snake and ladybug are all discussed. The program shows the range of animals that hibernate and explains why they need to hibernate.
• The Arctic: Who lives there and how do they survive?
  This program uses puppets, stuffed animals and photos, as well as real animal pelts. The animals covered are polar bears, wolves, foxes, caribou, rabbits, seals, and lemmings. The food chain is discussed and children learn the differences between predators and prey.
• Reptiles: The world's coolest animals!
  Four groups of reptiles are covered; alligators and crocodiles, lizards (including iguanas and chameleons), snakes, and turtles and tortoises. Cold bloodedness is discussed and the amazing adaptations that reptiles have to survive are included. A real taxidermy specimen of a Caiman and real snake skin are included for the children to see and touch.
• Floating and Sinking
  Hands on experiments with various objects teach students the idea of bouyancy. This program begins with a demonstration and the students then break into small groups to test samples to see if they float or sink. Students predict the outcome and then see what actually happens.
• Endangered Species
  This program ties in with geography lessons. An animal from each continent is considered as we go around the world examining the plight of endangered species.
  
  
  
  

Spring: March to May

• From Egg to Chick
  This program covers chick development from day 1 to hatching. Stuffed animals and diagrams are used to explain the internal development to children. Differences in incubation by machine vs. mother hen are described. Chicks’ needs upon hatching are also discussed.
• The Rainforest Program
  This describes the environment, animals and peoples of the Amazon River Basin. I have many unusual South American Indian artifacts which the children learn from and love to see. These range from hand carved wooden animals to handmade musical instruments and bark paintings.
• Seeds
  Spring is time for seeds to sprout! I have a large collection of seeds which the children get to see, touch and even watch fly! Various methods of seed dispersal are discussed. Children plant some seeds at the end of the program if time allows.
• Monarch butterflies
  This program explains butterfly metamorphosis and describes the amazing migration of this species to Mexico. I use a puppet to help the children understand and appreciate butterfly behavior.
• Metamorphsis
  This program encompasses frogs and butterflies. Metamorphosis is explained and puppets and small models show the kids exactly what happens as the transformation from egg to immature stage to adult occurs.
• Recycling
  This program is a great tie-in with Earth Day. Students are presented with many household and school materials and asked if they are recyclable. Local recycling laws are discussed and students are informed what happens to their garbage once it leaves their house or school. Kids are encouraged to take the lesson home and educate their parents, they love it!!

Summer: June to August

• Sea Creatures
  This program covers the coastal area where we live and examines the lives of some common animals such as shellfish, crabs, and lobsters. I also include a bit about sharks because they are so misunderstood and do occasionally visit our shores. I have a large collection of specimens, such as clam, oyster & mussel shells, crab shells and other cool surprises!
• Dinosaurs
  This program covers 5 different species of dinosaurs. Stegosaurus, Triceratops, Apatosaurus, Tyrannosaurus and Pteradon are included. Their habitat, and diet are discussed. For older classes, the times in which they lived are also included.

Fall: September to November

• Maps, Globes & Geography - What is a map? Define Geography. Why are these things important to us today? Continents, climate, longitude & latitude are discussed plus much, much more! If time permits we will draw a simple map of the classroom together.
• Vertebrates and Invertebrates
  What makes a bird a bird or a frog a frog? Many classes of invertebrates and vertebrates are described. The students learn the salient characteristics that distinguish one class of animals from another. Puppets, as well as animal fur, bird feathers and alligator skin allow the children to see and feel unique parts of these animals.
• Creatures of the Night
  This program ties in well with Halloween. I discuss bats, owls and other night creatures. Myths about bats are dispelled. I use puppets, stuffed animals and real animal pelts to show the children how the animals are adapted to the nighttime and what they look like.
• Native Americans
  This is one of my most popular programs which focuses on the Natives that lived here before the Europeans. I have a diverse collection of dried foods and play a game with the kids to see if they can guess what they are. The children also get to see and touch furs and other natural items that the Indians used. Food, clothing and shelter are all described.
• Wolves, Coyotes and Foxes
  What is the difference between these predators? What is the difference between predator and prey? Your class will be able to answer these questions and more after experiencing this program. Habitat, diet and social organization are included. You, too, will have increased respect for these wonderful and often misunderstood creatures!
• Rocks & Volcanoes
  Your class will get to feel various samples and learn about the differences between igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. Volcanoes will also be discussed and a model will show students what happens when a volcano erupts. This is a great hands on geology program!
• Bees
  The life cycle of bees is discussed. Children learn about workers, drones and the Queen. Children learn the “Bee Dance” and actually participate in one! If time allows we choose a Queen and she “lays” eggs and we all help. It’s loads of fun!

Outdoor classes

• Available in spring, summer and fall and by special arrangement in winter. I will come to your site or we can meet at a prearranged location to do outdoor classes. These will focus on a particular habitat such as the beach and discuss who lives there. Call for details and possible locations.