Wildlife Studies

Fishing & Fish ID

Overview:  What better sport to experience first hand than at Smith Mountain Lake!  Students will learn about the anatomy (internal and external) of fish to identify different fish that call SML home.  Students will sample the lake using a seine net to check the diversity of the lake.   Using simple rod and reel poles and live bait, students will experience the art and sport of fishing.

Principles:

• Identify internal and external components of a freshwater fish
• Learn to use a basic rod and reel pole and live bait to catch fish
• Identify local Virginia fish using field guides and dichotomous keys
• Discuss fish populations and diversity

Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs):

• 3rd-8th Grade Virginia Science SOLs
  • 3.5, 3.6, 4.5, 4.8, LS.4, LS.5, LS.7, LS.8, LS.9, LS.10

Outrageous Ornithology

Overview: With their beauty, color, songs and flight, birds have provided great inspiration to people throughout the ages.  No wonder bird watching is one of the fastest growing forms of outdoor recreation in the US!  Many people find it fascinating to watch these flying creatures, often marveling at some of their unusual and comical behaviors.

Principles:

• Use a key or nature guide to identify common Virginia wildlife
• Understand growth patterns and transformations of wildlife
• Observe the behavior of the wildlife in its natural surroundings
• Identify and observe the roles of wildlife within an ecosystem
• Understand the effects of human impact on wildlife
• Discuss and recognize identifying features of birds

Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs):SOLs

• 3rd-8th Grade Virginia Science SOLs
  • 3.4, 3.5, 3.8, 3.10, 4.5, 4.8, 5.5, 6.9, LS.4, LS.5, LS.7, LS.8, LS.9, LS.10
• 4TH-7TH Grade Virginia Visual Arts SOLs
  • 4.1, 6.9, 7.11

Wildlife Ecology

Overview:  All animals need four essential things to survive: food, shelter, water and space.  Animals develop adaptations, physical and behavioral, to aid in fulfilling these needs.  Students will discover the importance that animals play in the ecosystems they inhabit and the importance of their adaptations in their survival.

Principles:

• Use a key or nature guide to identify common Virginia wildlife
• Understand the growth patterns and transformation of wildlife
• Observe the behavior of wildlife in its natural surroundings
• Identify and observe the roles of wildlife within an ecosystem
• Understand the effects of human impact on wildlife

Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs):

• 3rd-7th Grade Virginia Science SOLs
  • 3.4, 3.5, 4.5, 5.5, 6.9, LS.4, LS.5, LS.7, LS.9, LS.10, LS.11

Wooly Bears, Worms & Weevils

Overview:  Students will examine anatomy, life cycles, adaptations, classifications and the role of insects, worms and other creepy crawly organisms.  They will see these animals in action in our Riparian Buffer Butterfly Garden, compost bins and live animal exhibits.  Outfitted with hand lens, students will continue their adventures by observing native Virginia insects in their natural habitat.

Principles:

• Use a key or guide to identify common Virginia wildlife
• Understand the growth patterns and transformations of wildlife
• Observe the behavior of wildlife in its natural surroundings
• Identify and observe the roles of the wildlife within an ecosystem
• Understand the effects of human impact on wildlife

Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs):

• 3rd-8th Grade Virginia Science SOLs
  • 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.8, 3.10, 4.5, 4.8, 5.5, LS. 5, LS.8, LS. 9, LS.11, LS.12