While it was far from their natural habitat, four exotic animals got a chance to meet with Eastside Connections students in kindergarten through second grade Monday, as part of the school’s science, technology, engineering and math program.
Potawatomi Zoo education programs manager Jane Sablich said the South Bend-based zoo partners with schools to give students a chance to meet the animals and learn something, too.
“We are looking to inspire and introduce them to animals,” Sablich said. “Hopefully they care a little bit more about the natural world and conservation.”
This is Eastside Connections’ third year of offering the STEM program. The exploratory lessons officially kicked off in February, with the dissection of sharks. Throughout the semester, students will have the chance to learn about a variety of science related topics from sea life and exotic animals to outer space and forensic science.
On Monday, Sablich introduced students to four creatures: an African bullfrog, two lesser hedgehog tenrecs, the bald python and the armadillo.
Sablich taught students how each animal adapts to its environment and wards off predators in unique ways.
“When you look at the animal, they always have some adaptation, something they are doing or something that is on their body,” Sablich said. “Whether it is the camouflage that is going to match their specific habitat or help them to stay safe from predator.”
Bonnie Prenkert’s kindergarten class was the first to see the
animals.
Prince Charming, the African bullfrog, felt a little intimidated as he was pulled from a container in front of students. As a result, Sablich said the frog was puffing himself full of air so as to let others know “he was the biggest frog in the room.”
Among the traits that make the amphibian unique, Sablich said the creature can breathe and drink through its skin.
Students also got to touch the prickly hairs of two baby tenrecs. The animal’s habitat is in Madagascar. The hard, pointy hairs are used as a self-defense against predators.
“It is like they are wearing a coat of toothpicks,” Sablich said.
She asked students to imagine biting into their favorite food, only to find a mouthful of toothpicks.
“Ow, that would hurt and I probably would not want to eat them anymore,” Sablich said.
Some students wanted to know if the tenrec could shoot its spines at their enemies, but Sablich said the hairs acted more as armor.
With one of the two tenrecs cupped in her hands, Sablich gave students the chance to reach out the quills.
Tenrecs’ coats also help to camouflage them with the dirt and trees, Sablich told students.
Students also felt the scales of the sub-Saharan ball python.
The final animal students got to meet was the armadillo. When Sablith set the armadillo in the middle of the circle of students, the children watched as the animal slowly peeked from its shell and then began to explore the classroom.
As each animal was revealed, students could hardly contain their excitement.
Sablich said to help everyone feel connected to creatures near and far they make multiple visits to schools, as well as multiple venues including the library, senior homes and festivals.