Native Animal Adventures

Do you want to see a Bald Eagle up close? Have you ever seen a mole’s tunnels from below? Want to learn more about Missouri's native animals? Then you should visit Lakeside Nature Center like our kindergarten students did during their recent pond life field trip!

Photos from our Field Trip

In preparation for this field trip, kindergarten students have been immersed in a thematic unit about eggs and chicks where they have been incubating chicken eggs in their classroom. Through observing the incubation and hatching process up close, students have observed the life cycle of a chicken right in their own classrooms, analyzed and observed their important body characteristics, and have recently been comparing and contrasting similarities and differences between chicks, ducklings, and their respective habitats. As they wrap up their egg unit, they will dive into a thematic pond unit where they will learn more about pond habitats and the animals that live there. To showcase their learning, they will also create their own pond habitats. 

Lakeside Nature Center provided the perfect environment to connect these thematic units for our kindergarten students. Lakeside serves as an animal rehabilitation center and has many native birds that are residents or that are kept for observation during their recovery. The students had the opportunity to observe many birds and Missouri creatures up close! 

To begin their adventure, the kindergartners attended an animal presentation focused on pond life to help them build background knowledge for their upcoming pond unit. During the presentation they were able to take an up-close look at mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates that inhabit wetland environments. The animal that gained the best reaction was the opossum! Students observed its shy nature and interesting eating habits up close! The interesting animal facts learned will help them as they begin to plan their design for own pond habitats.

The students then explored all the center had to offer by going on an animal scavenger hunt where they touched animal fur samples, examined bones, rocks and fossils, and spent time observing many native animals, such as the Bald Eagle! They marveled at its wingspan and nest size, noticing the size difference between chicks and ducks! There was something to learn or see behind every corner, door, and flap!

The afternoon ended with a wildlife and habitat hike through many habitats such as the bottomland forests, limestone glades, wetlands, woodlands, and finished at the stream and pond. Throughout the hike students observed insects, native plants, and animal tracks! 

The Lakeside Nature Center offers animal education, guided hikes, volunteer events, and more! Come see them at 4701 E. Gregory Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64132.