Wild Adventures: Third Graders Explore the Rainforest

Oakhill third graders took science learning on the road this week as they traveled to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo to take part in a unique field trip experience where they experienced the characteristics of the extraordinary habitats they have been learning about!

One of Oakhill’s signature units is the study of rainforests in third grade science. What better way to experience the rainforest and other extreme habitats than to spend time observing, exploring, and learning at one of the best rainforest exhibits in North America!

Prior to the field trip, students took a deep dive into rainforest learning. They studied the five layers of the rainforests and each layer's animals, plants, and habitat. They also mapped rainforest locations, learned about rainforest preservation, performed experiments about rainforest conditions, learned about rainforest products, and so much more!

Once students arrived at the zoo they were prepared to explore many of the extreme habitats they had been studying. At their time in the Lied Jungle, students experienced two layers of the rainforest; the canopy and floor. They spotted monkeys swinging from the treetops, encountered free-flying bats, and observed rainforest exhibits from Asia, Africa, and South America. 

Students also spent time working through various animal scavenger hunts in the extreme environments of the Desert Dome, including the award winning Kingdoms of the Night nocturnal exhibit, and the polar and coral reef sections of the aquarium. By experiencing these biomes in person and observing the animal and plant life that inhabits them, students were able to see how animal and plant life adapt to their environment. 

After lunch, laughs, and a chartered bus ride back to school, memories were made and learning was anchored. The Omaha Zoo field trip is an experience students always remember and helps really bring learning to life!