Ecosystem Extravaganza: Adaptation & Change
- Grade Level: Kindergarten
- Location: Mile Square Park, Shipley Nature Center or Mt. San Antonio College
- Program Length: 2 Hours
- Standards Supported: NGSS K-LS1-1 • K-ESS2-2 • K-ESS3-1
- Cost: Visit our Program Fees page for more information!
During this immersive field trip, students become young ecologists as they investigate how plants, animals, and people interact with and change the environments around them. Through hands-on investigations, students meet live animal ambassadors, compare forest and desert ecosystems, and gather evidence to discover how living things adapt to survive while shaping the natural world.
Field Investigations
During the two-hour field trip, Kindergarten students will take part in the following investigations:
- Suitcase Challenge: Compare forest and desert environments while deciding what people need to stay safe and comfortable.
- Darkling Beetle Investigation: Meet a live darkling beetle and discover how decomposers help recycle nutrients and support healthy ecosystems.
- Ecosystem Boxes Investigation: Compare forest and desert ecosystems while exploring how plants, animals, and people interact with different habitats.
- Snake Investigation: Meet Gus the snake and investigate how camouflage and other adaptations help animals survive.
- Evidence Hike: Become a nature detective by gathering evidence of how plants and animals change their environments.
- Tortoise Investigation: Meet a live tortoise and explore how everyday actions, like properly disposing of trash, help protect wildlife and their habitats.
Ready to Join Us?
Ready to explore Ecosystem Extravaganza: Adaptation & Change with your students?