Wildlife Conservation
- Jan 08 2025
- 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
- $100
Location
These homeschool classes are geared for students ages 9-14. Classes will explore the fields of wildlife biology, marine biology, ecology, and environmental science. Each session includes 4 Wednesday classes in the same month, and each class is from 10 AM – 1 PM. Schedule of activities are listed below.
Ages: 9-14
Time: 10 AM – 1 PM. Drop off & pickup are located at the Visitor Center.
Cost: $100 per child, for 4 week session in the same month. Spaces are limited!
*Registration online only*
SESSION 1: September 4, 11, 18, & 25, 2024 – SOLD OUT
Wednesday, September 4
Activity: Anole Survey Hike & Camouflage animals
Description: The students will learn about the importance of camouflage for wildlife and how animals can mimic plants in order to blend in and survive. The class will conduct a survey of many species of lizards found throughout the estate.
Wednesday, September 11
Activity: Scat Hike & Edible scat
Description: Discover how animal scat can help study and monitor the health of an ecosystem by analyzing the contents of scat found in the wild. The students will craft animal scat using edible item like cookies and candy to mimic real animal scat and the contents found within.
Wednesday, September 18
Activity: Owl Pellet Dissection & Bird Feeder Craft
Description: The class will lean about native owl species and gain insight on their digestive functions through an owl pellet dissection. The students will craft a bird feeder that they can take home to attract birds at home.
Wednesday, September 25
Activity: Birdwatching & Bird Identification Guide
Description: Students will observe local birds in their habitat and learn how to identify and survey their species and population. The class will document the observed birds and create a field guide they can reference in the future.
SESSION 2: November 6, 13, 20, & 27, 2024 – SOLD OUT
Wednesday, November 6
Activity: Hardwood Hammock Hike & Solution Hole Weathering Experiment
Description: Students will learn about the Hardwood Hammock habitat and the abundant wildlife found within. The class will learn about the formation of solution holes found in the hardwood hammock habitat.
Wednesday, November 13
Activity: Mangrove Boardwalk Hike & Wind powered Boats
Description: The class will explore the mangrove forest habitat and its importance to the coastal wildlife. The students will learn to harness the power of wind in this experiment that teaches them about sail boats.
Wednesday, November 20
Activity: Pine Rocklands Hike & Rocket Launch
Description: explore the endangered habitat of pine Rocklands and the keystone species found within. We will explore the scientific method as the class builds a rocket powered by a chemical reaction.
Wednesday, November 27
Activity: Tram Ride to Salt Marsh & Balloon Cars
Description: Students will be taking a tram ride to the northern addition of Saltmarsh habitat at the Deering Estate to see how the ecotones look up close and personal. Students will also learn about potential and kinetic energy as they build balloon cars.
SESSION 3: January 8, 15 , 22 & 29, 2025
Wednesday, January 8
Activity: Shelter Building & Bush craft Skills
Description: The class will collaborate to build a survival shelter using natural materials available to them and learn how to identify useful native plants that can provide food or medicine in a survival situation.
Wednesday, January 15
Activity: Solution Hole Hike & Water Filtration
Description: The students will Solution holes by cutler creek to discover how these geological formation create watering hole for wildlife. The class will also learn to build a rudimentary water filtration device using natural resources in their surroundings.
Wednesday, January 22
Activity: Edible Plant Hike & Fire starters
Description: The students will learn how to identify local edible plants that have been used by south Florida natives for many years. That class will also learn how to make a fire starter that can be vital to start a campfire in most weather conditions.
Wednesday, January 29
Activity: Intro to Fire Making & Campfire and S’mores
Description: Discover the many fire building techniques that allow you to start a fire in most conditions. The class will also get to enjoy a real camp fire and roast marshmallows over a fire as they make s’mores.
SESSION 4: March 5, 12, 19, & 26, 2025
Wednesday, March 5
Activity: Butterfly Feeders & Butterfly Survey Hike
Description: The students will learn about butterfly behavior and feeding patterns as we hike to explore the natural habitat of local butterflies. The class will also learn how to make butterfly feeders that can attract many butterfly species.
Wednesday, March 12
Activity: Terrarium & Ethnobotany Hike
Description: The class will learn about the many uses of the native local flora and how it benefited the people that have called south Florida home throughout many years. We will also be learning how to build a terrarium with the local plants that we learn about.
Wednesday, March 19
Activity: Seed Bombs and Gardening
Description: We will be learning about seed dispersal strategies that have helped us bring plants to remote and isolated areas to promote reforestation. The class will also learn about gardening techniques that can attract pollinators.
Wednesday, March 26
Activity: Pollinator Field guide & Wildflower Hike
Description: the students will make a field guide with the most common pollinators. The class will also hike and explore the local wildflowers that benefits from a thriving population of pollinators.
To receive emails for class updates and supplemental material: Please email RJ at [email protected]
Please note, scheduled activities are subject to change.
Check out our other Homeschool Programs here.
Registrations is via Miami Dade County Park Link. Create your account today by clicking here.
Questions? Contact Us