0The students at Grantham Academy for Engineering had a wonderful opportunity on Friday, March 8th when the traveling naturalist John Boyd visited with them.
Students squealed and squirmed as Mr. Boyd removed the Madagascar Hissing Cockroach from its container, then walked around the classroom allowing them to examine and touch its back.
He continued to teach the students about several different types of animals including reptiles, amphibians, and mammals.
The students observed a tree frog, and then touched an American alligator, a rat snake and an Australian hedgehog.
As he introduced each animal, Mr. Boyd explained its habitat and characteristics. Through participation in this program students are made aware of some of the creatures found in nature not only in the United States, but in other countries as well. They are given knowledge of the ways to respect and protect the animals in their environment.
The Traveling Naturalist program is offered by Harris County Precinct One in an effort to enhance current science curriculum across the county. Other programs offered by the naturalist include: Bodacious Bats, Leaping Lizards, and Raptors of the Night (along with many others). The students involved in this program included science students and teachers at Grantham Academy. The Naturalist Program offers a rare hands-on experience with animals from the wild for both students and teachers.
