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Hooker Oak Elementary School

Hooker Oak Elementary School

Benefits of a School Nature Area

A nature study area facilitates learning about:   
 
Life's diversity

1. plant types
2. worms
3. spiders
4. many insect types
5. fish
6. frogs
7. reptiles
8. birds
9. mammals

Plant life cycles
1. Annual
2. Perennial with a resting stage
3. Deciduous shrubs and trees
4. Evergreen shrubs and trees

Animal life cycles
1. Metamorphosis by insects and amphibians
2. Nesting and parental care by birds and squirrels

Specific adaptations of plants and animals
1. drought tolerance
2. shade or sun adaptations
3. specific pollinators: adaptations of both plant and the animal pollinator
  • wind
  • moths
  • butterflies
  • hummingbirds
  • bees
4. Bird beaks for different food types
5. Selection of specific host plants by butterflies
6. Plant seed dispersal: animals vs. wind

Needs of wildlife
1. food
2. water
3. nest sites
4. cover from predators and weather

Stewardship of natural resources
1. Respect for other forms of life
  • as unique and interesting entities
  • as valuable agents in the ecological balance
2. Garbage composting
  • nutrient cycles
  • soil requirements
  • ecological role of decomposers and earthworms
3. Recycling materials to generate money for the area