Refuge Environmental Education Field Trips

Attention School teachers, Scouts and Homeschoolers! Come out to the Wildlife Refuge for a FREE field trip! Ranger Toni Westland can tailor your trip to fit what you're studying in the classroom OR pick from one of the programs below. Each lesson incorporates a variety of hands-on activities into every class. Through multi-sensory experiences, audience interaction, fun animal biofacts and meaningful contact with Refuge Staff, all participants may experience a new awareness and appreciation for the natural world

• September - May (Monday - Friday) 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• NOT FRIDAYS- Wildlife DRIVE is CLOSED
• 2-3 hour trips preferred
• FREE
• Ranger led experience inside our educational center and outside in the estuary
• Multiple Classes
• Classroom pre-visit by Ranger can be arranged

School Outreach Opportunities

Don’t have enough money for a field trip? Don’t worry; visit the Refuge without ever leaving your classroom! The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge Ranger or Staff member will bring the Estuary to you! Schedule a visit from a Refuge Ranger to supplement your classroom curriculum. See topic ideas below.

• September - May (Monday - Friday) 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Friday’s preferred
• 60-minute program
• FREE
• Multiple Classes & grades preferred from each school
• Special Needs - The programs can be adapted to serve the special needs classes

 

Grades K-12 Topics

All of the following programs can be adapted for any grade level and ability.

J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge & Refuge System

Never been to the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island? What is a Wildlife Refuge? Let a US Fish and Wildlife Refuge Ranger bring the refuge to your site in this interactive PowerPoint Presentation.

Sunshine State Standards

• Pre K-2 SC.D.2.1
• 3-5 SC.G.2.2.1; SC.G.2.2.2; SC.G.2.2.3
• 6-8 SC.G.2.3.1; SC.G.2.3.3; SC.G.2.3.4
• 9-12 SC.G.2.4.5; SC.G.2.4.6

 

Importance of the Estuary

Explore the Mangrove Estuary, sometimes referred to as the “nursery of the sea”. Learn about the animals that live there and the importance of this critical habitat. Discuss and pass around animal artifacts found there.

Sunshine State Standards

• 3-5 SC.B. 2.2.1; SC.B. 1.2.1; SC.F. 1.2.2; SC.G.1.2.4; SC.G.1.2.6
• 6-8 SC.D.1.3.2; SC.D.1.3.4; SC.D.2.3; SC.D.2.3.1; SC.D.2.3.2; SC.G.1.3; SC.G.1.3.4; SC.G.1.3.5; SC.G.2.3; SC.G.2.3.4

 

Reading in the Refuge

A Refuge Ranger will bring an educational book to read to your class, followed by a short program about an animal found in the estuary. Designed for younger students. Topics include: gopher tortoises, alligators, ospreys, pelicans, butterflies, horseshoe crabs, sea turtles, owls, etc.

Sunshine State Standards

• Pre K-2 SC. F.1.1.1; SC.D.2.1.1; SC.G.1.1.4; SC.G.2.1.1

 

Our Feathery Friends

Birds of the Estuary What makes a bird a bird? Learn to identify and interesting facts about the different wading birds of the Ding Darling Refuge. The ranger will use bird parts to demonstrate how they use their specialized beaks to find food and their feathers for camouflage.

Sunshine State Standards

• Pre K-2 SC.F.1.1.4; SC.F. 2.1.2; SC.G.1.1.1
• 3-5 SC.G.2.2.1; SC.G.2.2.2; SC.G.2.2.3
• 6-8 SC.G.1.3.2
• 9-12 SC.F.1.4.2

 

Nocturnal Animals

While you were sleeping, you missed a lot! When the sun goes down, many animals are just starting their day! Become a nightwatcher and see how our five senses compare to those of nocturnal animals. Learn about Florida Owls and dissect an owl pellet.

Sunshine State Standards

• K-2 SC.F.1.1.3; SC.H.1.1.5
• 3-5 SC.G.1.2.5; SC.H.3.2.4

 

Florida ’s Wacky Wildlife

Join us as we explore Florida’s habitats and discover the plants and animals that live in our own backyard! Your students will create a poster and present their findings to the rest of the class.

Sunshine State Standards

• K-2 SC.F.1.1.1; SC.G.2.1.1
• 3-5 SC.G.1.2.; SC.G.1.2.3; SC.H.1.2.3
• 6-8 SC.D.1.3.2; SC.F.1.3.1

 

Magnificent Manatees

Come with us on a rare underwater adventure as we visit the world of the Florida Manatee. A short video will be seen followed by an interactive program on these marvelous mammals.

Sunshine State Standards

• K-2 SC.F.1.1.1; SC.F.2.1.1; SC.G.2.1.1; SC.G.2.1.2
• 3-5 SC.G.1.2.2; SC.G.1.2.5; SC.G.2.2.3
• 6-8 SC.G.1.3.2; SC.G.2.3.3; SC.G.2.3.4

 

Amazing Adaptations

Plants and animals adapt to their environment in many ways. Join us as we visit with a variety of species found in South Florida and discover the special behavioral and physical characteristics which allow these living treasures to survive in their natural habitats. A manatee’s muscular lips, the spoonbill’s bill and horseshoe crab with many sets of eyes are examples of amazing animal adaptations.

Sunshine State Standards

• K-2 SC.F.1.1.2.; SC.F.1.1.3.; SC.F.2.1.2
• 3-5 SC.F.1.2.2; SC.H.1.2.3; SC.G.1.2.2; SC.G.1.2.3; SC.G.2.2.1; SC.G.2.2.2; SC.G.2.2.3
• 6-8 SC.F.1.3.7; SC.G.1.3.2
• 9-12 SC.F.1.4.2

 

Animal Classification

What makes a penguin a bird? Do all animals have a backbone? We will discover the answers to these questions and many more as we explore classification in the animal kingdom.

Sunshine State Standards

• K-2 SC.F.1.1.5 3-5 SC.G.1.2.2
• 6-8 SC.G.1.3.3
• 9-12 SC.G.1.4.1; SC.G.1.4.2

 

Circle of Life

Students will be introduced to food webs as they explore the plants and animals of Estuary. The class will build a food web and learn how our complex environment stays in balance.

Sunshine State Standards

• 3-5 SC.B.2.2.1; SC.B.1.2.1; SC.G.1.2.4; SC.G.1.2.5; SC.G.1.2.6; SC.G.1.2.7
• 6-8 SC.D.1.3.2; SC.D.1.3.4; SC.F.1.3.1; SC.G.1.3.4; SC.G.1.3.5

 

Animals in Jeopardy

Endangered Species The habitats of animals throughout the world are disappearing. Some species are in critical condition, yet others are on the comeback. Learn about Florida endangered species. There is hope as we examine this difficult issue and what we can do to help.

Sunshine State Standards

• K-2 SC.D.2.1.1
• 3-5 SC.B.2.2.2; SC.H.3.2.4
• 6-8 SC.G.2.3.1; SC.G.2.3.4; SC.D.2.3.1; SC.D.2.3.2
• 9-12 SC.D.2.4.1

 

Fabulous Flyways

Bird Migration It doesn’t have to be International Migratory Bird Day (celebrated May each year) to celebrate and learn about animal migration. Which bird travels the farthest? Teachers will receive a packet with learning activities that focus on the world of migrating birds.

Sunshine State Standards

• K-2 SC.F.1.1.1; SC.F.1.1.3; SC.F.1.1.4; SC.G.2.1.1; SC.G.2.2.2
• 3-5 SC.B.2.2.1; SC.H.1.2.1; SC.G.2.2.2

 

Who was Ding Darling?

What is a conservationist? How can we all be conservationists in our lives? Learn about Jay Norwood Darling’s life and his impact on the Refuge in this interactive PowerPoint Program given by Refuge Staff.

Sunshine State Standards

• 3-5 V A.E.1.2.1
• 6-8 VA.C.1.3.1; VA.C.1.3.2; VA.E. 1.3.2
• 9-12 VA.C.1.4.2

 

Monofilament Madness!

Humans impact the earth in many ways. Our marine environment is affected greatly. How long does it take for trash to break down? Work together as a class to assemble a marine biodegradable timeline and find out! Learn about recycling and discuss how we can make a change for the better. Let’s conserve wildlife and wild places for many years to come.

Sunshine State Standards

• K-2 SC.D.2.1.1; SC.G.2.1.2
• 3-5 SC.D.2.2.1

 

I Want to Work in the Outdoors!

Students will explore the career opportunities that as a US Fish and Wildlife Service Federal Refuge Ranger has to offer, and will participate in activities that will help to prepare them for finding a job in today’s world. Students will have the opportunity to engage in a question and answer session with a Refuge Ranger.

*Career Preparation Emphasis Curriculum – students will be introduced to a variety of Park Ranger careers through hands-on activities and will take part in a mock interview process with the Refuge Ranger.

Sunshine State Standards

9-12 SC.G.2.4.5; SC.G.2.4.6; SC.H.3.4.4; SC.H.1.4.7

 

Jr. Duck Stamp Program

Learn about the importance of wetland habitats, wildlife refuges, through the Jr. Duck Stamp program. Get children excited about ducks and migratory birds while participating in the Jr. Duck Stamp program. Learn more at www.fws.gov/duckstamps.

Sunshine State Standards

• K-2 VA.E.1.1.1
• 3-5 VA.D.1.2.2; VA.D. 1.2.3
• 6-8 VA.D.1.3.1; VA.E.1.3.1

Learn about the Federal Junior Duck Stamp Contest

2008 Florida Federal Jr. Duck Stamp Winners

 

Children's Conservation Cartoon Contest

As part of the annual J.N. "Ding" Darling Birthday Celebration and Wildlife Refuge Week - middle school students from six area schools had the opportunity to follow the legacy of the renowned editorial cartoonist, Jay Norwood "Ding" Darling.

Doug MacGregor, editorial cartoonist for The News-Press and Toni Westland, Environmental Education Specialist from the Wildlife Refuge visited area schools: Cypress Lake Middle, Edison Park Expressive and Creative, Lexington Middle, Pine Island Elementary, Sanibel School, and Three Oaks Elementary. They spoke about conservation, history of the wildlife refuge system, "Ding" Darling, history of cartooning, and how to create an editorial cartoon. Then students went to the task of creating their own cartoons. MacGregor and News-Press staff members judged over 60 final entries and chose first and second place winners for each of the six area schools.

Throughout history, editorial cartoons have been drawn to inspire and provoke thought. The following cartoons are created by area school children and do not necessarily represent the opinions of The News-Press or the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge.

Please re-visit this site for 2008 winners in October!

 

Environmental Education Guide	Alligator Coloring Book