The Staten Island Zoo is inviting middle school students to be part of a brand-new, four-week program, made possible through a grant from Time Warner Cable, on ecology and conservation. The program includes special guided tours of the Zoo's exhibit and a field trip to Wolfe's Pond Park.
After exploring the Zoo's varied and unique animal exhibits, keeping journals from an exploratory visit to Wolfe Pond's Park, and applying newly learned mapping and journal skills, the program culminates in a performance of "Jeopardy" at the Zoo's popular Spooktacular event in October.
The focus of the four weeks' exploration is on ecology (the interaction of habitat and animal) and conservation. Different habitats will be explored along with animal adaptations needed in these habitats. Skills like ethograming and mapping will be taught and discussions on how field studies are done in habitats will be practiced.
Hands on exploration and interactive activities are planned for the four weeks, including designing and preparing for an interactive "Jeopardy" game with topics on "Ecology/Conservation." A trip to Wolf's Pond will enable the participants to investigate three habitats: pond, bay and forest. Exploration of the Zoo's exhibits (ocean, tropical forest, desert, savannah) as habitats will also be included.
This Saturday, weekend program is open to any interested child in the 6th, 7th, or 8th grade. The program will run from 10-3pm on Sept. 25, Oct. 2, Oct. 9, Oct. 16 and culminate in a presentation at our Spooktacular Event on Sat., Oct. 23 from 4-9:30pm and Sun., Oct. 24 from 4-9pm.
The program will accommodate up to 25 students. Each participant will be able to invite two guests (without charge) to one night of Spooktacular to see their performance and experience an amazing game of "Jeopardy" that will enable the students to share with Spooktacular guests all they have learned through the HABITREKING program.
Each participant will get a Habitreking t-shirt and baseball cap.
Pre-registration required; the fee is$50 non-member; $35 for members. For further information or to register, please contact, 718-442-3174 X 33.
