Through video, live session and accompanying printable material, students will be introduced to the life history of the beaver and how beavers alter the landscape to provide important habitat for other wildlife. Explore adaptations for survival, what it means to be an herbivore, and characteristics of rodents. With just a few adaptations, watch what humans would need to become a beaver and live perfectly in an aquatic environment! 

This program explores key concepts in alignment with the following K–2 Science Standards, but can be adapted for use with other groups: 

K.L.1 Compare characteristics of animals that make them alike and different from other animals and nonliving things

1.L.1 Understand characteristics of various environments and behaviors of humans that enable plants and animals to survive

2.L.1 Understand animal life cycles

This program is designed to accompany the English Language Arts Grade 3 Module 2 on adaptations and the wide world of frogs. Students will explore the diversity of frogs and toad species in North Carolina, discover some amazing adaptations that our local anurans have for survival, and meet our live educational ambassador toad up close! This program is also available as an in-person outreach opportunity.

This program aligns with the following North Carolina Science Standards: 

2.L.1.1 Summarize the life cycle of animals:

• Birth
• Developing into an adult
• Reproducing
• Aging and death
   

2.L.2.1 Identify ways in which many plants and animals closely resemble their parents in observed appearance and ways they are different

5.L.2.2 Classify the organisms within an ecosystem according to the function they serve: producers, consumers or decomposers (biotic factors)

5.L.2.3 Infer the effects that may result from the interconnected relationship of plants and animals to their ecosystem

Through visual imagery, virtual specimen examination and virtual activities, students will explore the history of Longleaf forest uses, current management policies and biological features of the Longleaf Pine Forest ecosystem. Students will have optional crafts and research suggestions to provide further enrichment opportunities.

This program aligns with the following Science Standards for grades 3–5, but can be adapted for use with other groups:

3.L.2 Understand how plants survive in their environments

3.L.2.1 Remember the function of the following structures as it relates to the survival of plants in their environments:

• Roots – absorb nutrients
• Stems – provide support
• Leaves – synthesize food
• Flowers – attract pollinators and produce seeds for reproduction

4.L.1 Understand the effects of environmental changes, adaptations and behaviors that enable animals (including humans) to survive in changing habitats

4.L.1.1 Give examples of changes in an organism’s environment that are beneficial to it and some that are harmful

4.L.1.2 Explain how animals meet their needs by using behaviors in response to information received from the environment

4.L.1.3 Explain how humans can adapt their behavior to live in changing habitats (e.g., recycling wastes, establishing rain gardens, planting trees and shrubs to prevent flooding and erosion)

5.L.2 Understand the interdependence of plants and animals with their ecosystem

5.L.2.1 Compare the characteristics of several common ecosystems, including estuaries and salt marshes, oceans, lakes and ponds, forests and grasslands

5.L.2.2 Classify the organisms within an ecosystem according to the function they serve: producers, consumers or decomposers (biotic factors)

5.L.2.3 Infer the effects that may result from the interconnected relationship of plants and animals to their ecosystem

With a focus on turtles and snakes, this interactive program will explore different local species, reptile adaptations and what makes them special, their importance to the ecosystem, and aim to dispel some myths about this wonderful group of animals. Virtually “meet” some live animals and have a chance to ask your educator those questions crawling around in your head! 

This program aligns with the following North Carolina Science Standards: 

5.L.2.2 Classify the organisms within an ecosystem according to the function they serve: producers, consumers, or decomposers (biotic factors)  (frogs, toads, snakes as secondary consumers; turtles as both primary and secondary) 

5.L.2.3 Infer the effects that may result from the interconnected relationship of plants and animals to their ecosystem

Spiders are some of the most misunderstood creatures. We will investigate the life cycle, biology and benefits of this fascinating and important group of animals. Students will also have the chance to virtually see some live spiders collected from around the park.

This program aligns with the following North Carolina Science Standards: 

1.L.1.1 Recognize that plants and animals need air, water, light (plants only), space, food and shelter and that these may be found in their environment.

2.L.1.1 Summarize the life cycle of animals: • Birth • Developing into an adult • Reproducing • Aging and death

2.L.2.1 Identify ways in which many plants and animals closely resemble their parents in observed appearance and ways they are different

5.L.2.2 Classify the organisms within an ecosystem according to the function they serve: producers, consumers, or decomposers (biotic factors).

5.L.2.3 Infer the effects that may result from the interconnected relationship of plants and animals to their ecosystem.