With our outdoor activities curtailed because of wintry weather, we bundled up and headed north for a trip to the Bronx Zoo. Our students participated in an interactive educational program called “Patterns and Textures.” In the first exercise, the students identified different patterns on their favorite zoo animals and added these patterns to pictures. Then, we played a game called “What does it feel like?” Different items such as feathers and fur were placed in a covered can and the students had to describe how each felt. Finally, the students had the opportunity to meet and hold different types of animals.
The first animal we met was a young ball python. Everyone was very surprised to feel how warm and smooth his skin felt and how he got his name (by curling in a ball). The next animal to come out was the softest one, a chinchilla. We learned about his habitat and how he likes to take a bath in dust to keep his coat clean and healthy. While we were learning about the animals we kept hearing “hello, hello” from behind the wall. All were surprised when the handlers brought out a salmon crested cockatoo. She was very beautiful and quite a talker, greeting each of us with a friendly “hello.” Last to come out was a turtle with the most intricate pattern on his shell. He played hide and seek with us by sticking his head in and out of his shell.
After finishing our animal program we shared a delicious lunch which looked, smelled and tasted so good.We had a wonderful day and we are looking forward to a return trip to the zoo this spring to learn more about our animal friends.
