Lower School Education event: Turtle Back Zoo

The Turtle Back Zoo Outreach Program was on premises of the Waterfront Montessori Lower Campus on March 16th to do presentations on Animal Habitats to all primary and toddler classes. The primary classes recently completed a module about animal habitats and this talk enhanced their learning experience.

Each class learned about how every wild habitat supplies its inhabitants with what they need to survive but how it also presents challenges that must be addressed. The students met a few of the animal ambassadors and discovered how their habitats provide basic needs, but also how environmental challenges are managed. 

The zoo brought along Giant African Millipedes which the children were allowed to touch. They felt how the exterior shell of the Millipedes was similar to their nail cuticles. The next animal, the colorful Cornsnake fascinated children who found some heart shaped patterns on its skin. Instead of the snake, the children were able to touch two different types of snake skins.

Screech Owl

The domestic rabbit was the last animal and each child got the opportunity to pet the soft furry animal. Children were very gentle and delicate when petting, many commenting on the beautiful eyes of the rabbit. 

Giant African Millipede

Keeping their voices low, the children excitedly watched as outreach coordinators brought out a Screech Owl. Everyone was surprised to learn that the owl's ears are not in its tufts as expected, but rather located asymmetrically on the side of its head. Children got to touch discarded owl feathers and examined a picture showcasing how the owl camouflages against tree bark.

Domestic Rabbit

The zoo visit went well and the children left the presentation excited about sharing their experiences at home, so I'm sure you heard all about millipedes, owls and rabbits at dinner that night.