Online Wildlife Academy

There’s a mystery to be solved at Northwest Trek! Investigate clues left around the park to determine what animal is living where, and discuss how different animals survive in the wild.

Lesson length: 45 minutes, may be extended to one hour as needed for questions and answers

Platform: Video conference via webcam/desktop using Zoom (other platforms may be available for group bookings)

Age: 5-8 years

Includes:

• Naturalist introduction and brief overview of Northwest Trek
• Recorded observation of a Northwest Trek animal
• Interactive drawing component to engage learners
• Observations on what tools animals use to survive in the wild
• Q&A throughout the program

Standards Alignment:

• Kindergarten: K-2-LS1-1, K-ESS3-1
• 2nd Grade: 2-LS4-1, K-2-ETS1-2
• 3rd Grade: 3-LS4-2
• 4th Grade: 4-LS1-2
• 5th Grade: 5-ESS3-1

In this program, explore the history of the first bird-like creatures on Earth and what they have in common with today’s diverse bird species. Discover what makes a bird a bird through an interactive lesson with a naturalist featuring bird biofacts and videos of some of the birds that live at Northwest Trek.

Lesson length: 45 minutes, may be extended to one hour as needed for questions and answers

Platform: Video conference via webcam/desktop using Zoom (other platforms may be available for group bookings)

Age: 5-8 years

Includes:

• Naturalist introduction and brief overview of Northwest Trek
  Recorded observation of a variety of birds
• Discussion of what makes an animal a bird and how they are different from other types of animals
• Q&A throughout the program

Standards Alignment:

• Kindergarten: LS4.D
• 1st Grade: LS4.D
• 2nd Grade: LS4.D
• 3rd Grade: LS1.A
• 4th Grade: LS1.A
• 5th Grade: LS1.A

Discover how animals benefit from their habitat and how animals can actually have positive impacts on the places they live! Learn what we can do to make sure there are healthy habitats and animals here in the Pacific Northwest.

Lesson length: 45 minutes, may be extended to one hour as needed for questions and answers

Platform: Video conference via webcam/desktop using Zoom (other platforms may be available for group bookings)

Age: 8-12 years

Includes:

• Naturalist introduction and brief overview of Northwest Trek
• Recorded observation of three different animals and their habitats
• Discussion of what animals need to survive in their habitat and how that is similar, or different, to what humans need
• Q&A throughout the program

Standards Alignment:

• Kindergarten: LS4.D
• 1st Grade: LS4.D
• 2nd Grade: LS4.D
• 3rd Grade: LS1.A
• 4th Grade: LS1.A
• 5th Grade: LS1.A

Discover what it really takes to survive in the wild, and explore the many different physical and behavioral features animals have to not only help them survive, but to thrive in their habitats!  Discover some of the amazing ways animals are able to survive through this interactive lesson with a naturalist featuring animal biofacts and videos.

Lesson length: 45 minutes, may be extend to one hour as needed for questions and answers

Age: 8-12 years

Includes:

• Naturalist introduction and brief overview of Northwest Trek
• Discussion of what it means to survive, what animals need to survive in the wild
• Recorded observation of animals to highlight survival skills
• Q&A throughout the program

Standards Alignment:

• Kindergarten: LS4.D
• 1st Grade: LS4.D
• 2nd Grade: LS4.D
• 3rd Grade: LS1.A
• 4th Grade: LS1.A
• 5th Grade: LS1.A

Do you ever wonder if animals can get bored?

• Explore why it is important for animals to have enrichment in their lives and how the staff at Northwest Trek keep the animals in their care both mentally and physically challenged every day. Learn how simple activities and homemade items can keep all animals in human care, including our own pets, active and engaged. Collect supplies at home to create your own animal enrichments!

Lesson length: 45 minutes, may be extended to one hour as needed for questions and answers

Platform: Video conference via webcam/desktop using Zoom (other platforms may be available for group bookings)

Age: 13 +, can be altered for college or adult groups

Includes:

• Naturalist introduction and brief overview of Northwest Trek
• Recorded observations of Northwest animals
• Discussion of different types of enrichment, how to make them and why they are important
• Q&A throughout the program

Standards Alignment:

• Kindergarten: K-2-LS1-1, K-2-ETS1-1
• 1^st Grade: 2-PS1-2
• 3rd Grade: 3-LS4-4, 3-5-ETS1-1
• 4th Grade: 4-LS1-2
• Middle School: ETS1-1

Are you interested in working around animals? How can your passions and skills help wildlife? Join a naturalist as we explore different careers at Northwest Trek and learn how the skills you are currently mastering as students will help you find your dream job. This program was created with Career and Technical Education requirements in mind and showcase individual skills, group skills, and community and career skills.

Lesson length: 45-60 minutes, may be extended up to one hour as needed for questions and answers

Platform: Video conference via webcam/desktop using Zoom

Ages: 13 +, can be altered for college or adult groups

Includes:

• Naturalist introduction and brief overview of Northwest Trek
• Introduction to different zoo careers
• Recorded interviews with different staff members at Northwest Trek
• Real life examples of skills applications, including animal observations and data collection

Is this program interactive?

• Yes!
• Participants will be immersed into Northwest Trek in this live experience, and each program includes built-in Q&A time.

What technology is required?

• All you need is internet access and device with speakers! Having a camera and mic will allow the participants to be seen and heard during the program, but it is not required.

What is Zoom?

• Zoom is a video conferencing software, and it is a simple and easy way for participants to connect with Northwest Trek using minimal technology.
• It can be used across Windows, Mac, Linus, Zoom Rooms and H.323/SIP room systems.
• Zoom does not require any special administrator credentials in order to run, and you will not need to download anything prior to your scheduled program.

What happens once I book?

• You will receive an email confirmation within 3 business days once the request is processed by Northwest Trek staff. The week before the program is scheduled, a Northwest Trek staff member will send a link with the Zoom login information.

Can you tailor a program to fit my class curriculum?

• If you have special topics of interest you’d like to learn more about that is not listed here, please reach out to [email protected].

Cancellations:

• Programs are available on a first come first served basis. Attempts to reschedule programs may not be able to be arranged.
• If a group encounters technical problems on the scheduled date of a program, there will be a 15-minute grace period after the scheduled start time to determine if the problem can be resolved. If not, the program will be canceled, and reasonable attempts will be made to reschedule the program.
• Inclement weather, technological problems on our end, and any other uncontrollable factors will be taken into account. In the event of weather-related park or school closings, every reasonable attempt will be made to reschedule the program.

NOTE: Recording of the lesson is not allowed.