The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is a government agency dedicated to conserving and protecting New York’s natural resources, as well as enhancing the health and safety of the people of the state. The DEC Environmental Education unit also aims to communicate their message to the people of New York, to help the citizens become more knowledgeable and responsible for the environment around their community.
Lockhart students had the pleasure of learning from DEC representatives, Ms. Scales and Ms. Z. Students learned about animal groups and what makes them special and unique. Students were able to share their stories, asking questions as well as petting some smooth and furry friends.
First-graders were introduced to live animals and animal artifacts. Students learned about the great diversity of animals in our community and around the world. They were introduced to a box turtle named Gertrude, a blue-tongue skink named Darwin, a chinchilla named Sushi, as well as a hedgehog named Pina, just to name a few. Stories were shared, and students were told how to handle a wild animal if one is seen in their neighborhood. All very different, but Ms. Scales and Ms. Z talked about each of their habitats and the animals' defenses.
Second-graders were told a story about a day in the life of a squirrel. Then shared the same story about a day in the life of a dog. They were asked to compare the stories and discuss how a squirrel and dog got their food, and how they spent their day. Students learned a big word: “domesticated”. Students were given a picture of an animal and they had to categorize it as a wild animal or a domesticated animal with the help of a story board. They learned about Gertrude and were taught to never keep a wild animal as a pet. They even got to meet and pet Sushi, the 2nd softest animal in the world!
Third-graders learned about reptiles which coincides with their classroom science unit. They met and had the opportunity to pet Gertrude, as well as Ludwig the boa constrictor. They got to touch and see a taxidermy alligator up close, and feel a snake’s shedded skin.
Fourth-graders learned about wild defenses, and how animals have specific defense mechanisms to protect them from predators, including skin or shell that is camouflage such as a stick bug, or a peacock that opens its feathers to make them look bigger. A narrated power-point presentation offered colorful examples; and props including horns, scales, shells, quills and fur were on display. Topics discussed included camouflage, armor, predator-prey relationships, warning colors, venom, and spines, just to name a few.
Fifth-graders learned about vertebrates. There were lots of animal skeletons on display, including a fish, toad and a pigeon. Students were engaged and had lots of questions, they got to touch the shell of a snapping turtle, meet the poisonous cane frog, as well as pet Gertrude, the box turtle. Always such a fun and interesting day when the DEC visits Lockhart each year.