Suggested Project WILD Activities

What's the Buzzzzz?

Activities are available through our Project WILD workshops.

Project WILD

First Impressions - Students react to photos of different animals and discuss their different contributions to the planet. Upon completion students distinguish between reactions to an animal based on myth or stereotype and those based on accurate information; and recognize the value of animals' contributions to ecosystems - even those that people sometimes fear. Requires large photos or drawings of a variety of animals, including some the students might think are 'cute' and some they might think are 'scary'.

Grasshopper Gravity - Students observe, handle and describe live grasshoppers or crickets. Upon completion students describe a relationship between structure and function; generalize that wildlife ranges from small to large and occurs in a variety of forms; recognize that people have power to affect other animals and with that power comes responsibility. Requires one plastic container; hand lenses; live grasshoppers or crickets for every two students; chalkboard.

I'm Thirsty - Students use data provided to perform mathematical calculations and make inferences. Upon completion, students make inferences about the importance of adaptations for wildlife survival. Requires paper and pencils.

Interview a Spider - Students use interview techniques, research and writing to develop natural history information about wildlife species. Upon completion students generalize that wildlife ranges in size and occurs in a variety of forms, colors and adaptations. Requires writing and research materials.

Which Niche? - Students compare ecological niches with careers in their community. Upon completion students define ecological niche; and give at least one example of an animal and its niche. Requires guest speaker; research materials.

What Did Your Lunch Cost Wildlife? - Students trace food sources, diagram environmental impacts, and apply the knowledge they gain by making changes in some of their consumer choices. Upon completion students trace some foods from their source to the consumer; identify the impact those foods and their processing have on wildlife and the environment; and recommend some food habits that could benefit wildlife and the environment.

Good Buddies - Students research pairs of animals, play a card game, and classify the pairs of animals according to the three major forms of symbiotic relationships. Upon completion students define symbiosis, commensalism, mutualism and parasitism; identify animals that live in each type of relationship; and explain that symbiotic relationships are examples of the intricate web of interdependence in which all plants and animals live. Requires copies of cards provided in activity; research materials.

Seeing is Believing - Students use kaleidoscopes, binoculars or telescopes, and fish-eye mirrors; imagine what animals might have such vision; and make posters showing animals that do have such vision. Upon completion students identify different kinds of vision as an example of adaptation in animals. Requires 3 learning station (1 kaleidoscope, 1 either binoculars or telescope, 1 with fish eye mirror or photos taken with such a lens; magazines with wildlife photos or wildlife stamps; glue; poster material.