Each
program is designed for 15 - 25 students at a time,
lasts 30 - 45 minutes, and can be adapted for most ages and abilities.
Programs
in Park Classroom
HERPS
ALIVE
Students
are introduced to reptiles and amphibians through the use of live
animals, bones, skins, and discussion. This hands-on lecture compares
these two classes of animals.
BIRDS
OF A FEATHER
Students
learn about the wide variety of adaptations in birds and their use
in identification. They are then led on an outdoor bird search using
binoculars.
FOSSIL
DIG
This
program defines fossils and their formation in the changing South
Carolina landscape. Students are able to search outside in the sand
for real fossils and keep their finds.
Programs
in Nature Center
FROM
WORMS TO WINGS
This
program examines the life cycle and ecology of butterflies using both
live and preserved specimens. The lesson continues at the giant butterfly
sculpture and includes a tour of the Butterfly House.
FISH
STORY
Using
skulls and mounts, this program explores the various features of fish
that are necessary for life underwater. Students are also given a
tour of our Aquarium to see live examples.
FLOWER
POWER
Students
discover why plants have flowers and fruit and why some are carnivorous.
Then they tour the gardens in and around the Butterfly House to find
examples of what they have learned.
BIG
BUG HUNT
Students
explore a fallen log to discover native arthropods at work in the
food chain. They will then view exotic examples such as tarantulas,
giant millipedes, and hissing cockroaches.
Programs
Outside or in Exhibits
SWAMP
SAFARI
The
best way to see a swamp is by boat. Enjoy a safe ride through the
black water as our staff paddles large flat-bottom boats among the
cypress trees. Look for alligators, turtles and birds.
DIP
NETTING
Students
can fish from the edge of the swamp with long-handled strainers for
the entire program. They are able to study aquatic life close-up and
identify the plants, fish, and insects that they have captured.
BLOW
UP THE SWAMP
The
program begins with a short session of dip netting, then students
view their catch magnified through a video scope (in park classroom
or nature center). Adaptations and lifecycles are discussed.
CREATURE
FEATURE
See
more and have your questions answered on this guided tour of the Butterfly
House, Aquarium, Crocodile Isle, and/or Reptile Center. Good for groups
that don't have time to visit these buildings as a self-guided activity
after the programs, they can tour them as one of their guided programs.
Return
to Cypress Gardens Main Page
Education
Main Page (Scheduling Information)
