BZS Schools' Programme
GASS - Generating Academic Success in ScienceLiving Classroom
Ocean Education
Natural History Classes
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Education Officer
Dr Stephanie Toro
edofficer@bzs.bm
Natural History Classes
Natural History Classes are available only on special request and if availability permits. These classes are not connected to any international standards. Typically these classes highlight organisms that are located at BAMZ or can be seen around our local environments. These classes are subject to the availability of resources and educators, as well as the time of year.
Classes
Students will share prior knowledge of amphibians specifically frogs and/or toads. The class provides an introduction to the life cycle of amphibians and the opportunity to observe live toads, understand what they eat, where they live, how they protect themselves and why they should be protected from harm and pollution. Students will also tour the zoo to observe the habitats of amphibians.
Students role play the breakdown of a Super Continent (Pangaea) into the seven continents today. The children will observe a volcanic eruption and understand the various stages of Bermuda’s formation - sea level changes, coral reef formation; dune building which created Bermuda –an extinct volcanic island, capped by corals and limestone. Students visit the Museum to confirm knowledge of the formation of Bermuda
Students will share prior knowledge of birds; comparing different types of birds, eggs, nests, adaptation and survival. A tour of the Zoo to observe birds in their environment and note their various habitats, the ways birds display themselves, and adaptations they have to survive follows. Students also learn about Bermuda’s endemic birds and understand why it is important to protect them
Students share prior knowledge of rainforests - a habitat for a variety of plants, animals and humans. They will examine ways animals are adapted for survival in this environment, discover how the rainforest helps us, and learn why humans should protect and not destroy the rainforests. Students then tour the Zoo to observe the habitats and adaptations of our forest dwelling animals.
Students share their knowledge of reptiles including examples, where they live and how they survive. The children will learn about reptile adaptations and will participate in simple experiments which illustrate that reptiles are cold-blooded and show why they may hibernate during the winter. Students will be taken on a tour to view resident reptiles in the Zoo.
Students will hear the fascinating story of the Cahow, thought to be extinct until it was rediscovered in 1951. Students will also learn about steps taken to protect and increase the cahow population by Dr. David Wingate and Jeremy Madeiros. When available, students will view the ‘live streaming’ of a cahow nest to see what the bird looks like in its natural environment.
Students will discuss Bermuda as an island surrounded by an ocean habitat. They’ll learn that some animals live on the bottom, some hide in the coral reefs, and some swim in the open water. Students will then tour the Aquarium to see various invertebrates and fish and how they all have different roles to play in keeping our reefs healthy.
Students will learn about the three groups of turtles - tortoises, terrapins and sea turtles. They’ll see and feel turtle and tortoise shells and a turtle skull. Students will view how turtles lay their eggs and understand the struggle for survival of their young. Students will then tour the zoo to view the various turtles.
Students will see a video of whales in action and learn about some of their behaviours. They’ll also learn about the structure of a whale, the various types of whales and the foods they eat. Students will see skeletons of whales, understand that whales are mammals like humans, and why they should be protected.