Wildlife Cirriculum Development

Many of us today are stuck in our cubicles or classrooms, glued to the computer or TV. Most kids are more interested in the internet than the trees in their front yard. And why not? The internet gains them access to sites that are engaging and interesting. It helps them with homework answers, entertains them with games and live video. With this in mind Alter Enterprise has developed a curriculum for this new “fun” way of learning. We are bringing interactive nature curriculum to schools.
We do that by providing educators with remote-viewing technology to teach students about their natural surroundings. Imagine being able to bring your curriculum to life, and show students firsthand how animals live and act. Use our pictures and videos to demonstrate how birds raise their young, or to distinguish between species of deer and bear. Show students how animal corridors are used by skunks and cougars, and teach them about the secret ways of seldom-seen wildlife.
Students “become” wildlife biologists to practice the skills of a scientist and complete a research project about the mammals of Western Montana. They can link directly with Condon Wildlife Cams (condonwildlifecams.com) to learn about real wildlife being monitored on a continual basis in the mountains of Montana. Using the website as a reference and research tool, teachers lead students in learning about habitat, body structure, food, range, distinguishing characteristics, tracks, skills of field biologist, and phenology as it relates to Montana wildlife. Our current activities are geared primarily to the 4th/5th grade learning level.
Our curriculum helps teachers use technology in the classroom in conjunction with the hands-on tools in our trunk. What is the “Trunk”? This box of materials includes animal bones and pelts as well as a wildlife monitoring camera. Students can set up their own camera to discover what goes on in “Sam the hamsters” cage when no one is there or what animals may be living in the park behind the school. The curriculum aims to keep learning going long after the trunk is returned through continual access to a Montana wildlife monitoring program (condonwildlifecams.com).
By working in concert with educators and conservation-minded landowners, Alter Enterprise is helping to educate a new generation of students who are knowledgeable about and care for the natural environment.