We started off talking to the program director, who told us all about the Nature Center. She told us about the animals we might spot there: beavers, red-winged blackbirds, swallows, muskrats, and snakes. Then she explained about the wetland, and why it is an important habitat.
After that, we started our adventure in the Nature Center Classroom, where we saw real specimens of creatures who were once alive, including a golden eagle! She talked to us about adaptations: the important features animals have developed and need in order to survive. Then, we got to dissect owl pellets. This was the best activity! We used tools and charts to uncover and then identify creatures owls have eaten. Some of us even found entire skulls of mice! It was pretty awesome.
After the owl pellet fun, we set out on a hike through the nature center, looking at the scenery, trying to spot wetland creatures, and just generally enjoying the outdoors. We learned firsthand about wetlands when it started pouring on us and we ran for cover under the trees!
We finished our fun with singing on the observation deck. We sang our way home. All the way from the Nature Center to the school, the bus rang with "Lean on me when you're not strong, and I'll be your friend. I'll help you carry on!" 4th grade field trips are the best!