Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Becoming Wildlife Scientists


Wildlife scientists study wildlife to learn how they live and interact with the environment. These scientists may focus on one wildlife species or a group of species during their studies. They record observations made with their senses and other tools.

Help your kids become wildlife scientists. Lead our students on a walk in the neighborhood around your school or building or a nearby park to look for wildlife. Encourage students that to use their eyes and ears to watch and listen for any signs of animal life (animal movement, calls, tracks, tunnels, droppings, etc.).

Ask students record their observations.
Where do you see wild animals?
What are the animals doing?
How do the animals react?
What signs of animals do you see?

Encourage students to pretend they are trying to observe wildlife in different habitats like wildlife scientists do.
  • crawl through a small cave to observe a bat
  • wade through a marsh to get closer to a beaver’s dam
  • hike through woods thick with trees and vines looking for a woodpecker

Helpful Websites

Famous Wildlife Biologists
Iowa Public Television: The Fisheries Biologist

Missouri Department of Conservation - Conservation Career: Wildlife Biologist
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks: State Wildlife Biologist
PBS Kids - Real Scientists: Wildlife Biologist
Wildlife Biologist Profile