EXPLORING NATURE YOUR WAY
Activity Sheet
5992 Quince Road Memphis, TN 38119 Reservations: 901-636-2221 or [email protected]
Explore at your
pace based on your
curriculum needs.
Available with
changing scenery
year-round.
Vocabulary
Adaptation
Camouflage
Diversity
Endangered
Exotic
Extinct
Food chain
Food Web
Forest
Habitat
Lake
Life cycle
Marsh
Meadow
Metamorphosis
Native
Nocturnal
Predator
Prey
Seasons
Survival
We’re on the Web! Find us at: memphismuseums.org
Program Summary
Students learn about the natural world by touring the Visitor Center environmental exhibits, Lichterman’s habitats - Lake, Marsh,
Forest, Meadow, the demonstration gardens, and by going to see the live animals and displays in the Backyard Wildlife Center.
Objectives are based on your curriculum. Here are some suggestions to consider:
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Describe the different habitats at the Nature Center
Identify native trees and plants found in our area and how they may be used by animals,
insects and humans
Identify native animals found in our area and where they may live
Recognize adaptations of native wildlife for survival
Understand the differences between predator and prey
Become aware of human impact on the natural world
Explain metamorphosis and changes in insect and animal life
Explore the gradual, on-going seasonal changes from colorful leaves to animal behavior
Teacher Tip:
A Naturalist Notebook helps students
discover the natural world and is a place to
take notes on animal, plant, weather and
seasonal activities at 15 stops on the trails.
Ask how you can add this valuable tool to your
program. A scavenger hunt may aid student
participation and can be requested from the
reservation’s department, prior to your trip.
Investigate the cycle of an ecosystem, from lake to forest, and fires impact to the cycle
Pre or Post Visit Activity Suggestions
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Make a list of animals that you can expect to see or did see in each of the Nature Center habitats, the Memphis area and why you
might not see them even though they are there (nocturnal / diurnal).
Discuss the type of clues in nature — paw prints, animal scat, nests or animal trails.
Make a list of native plants or animals and talk about the damage caused when exotic species invade.
Talk about how some animals have adapted to live with and benefit from living with humans: opossums, raccoons, squirrels, mice
Brainstorm ideas for making your own backyard wildlife friendly.
Have students write about or draw a habitat including the plants and animals who live there.
Supports Curriculum Standards Related To:
Tennessee
Arkansas
Mississippi
Science I, 1, 2, 3, 5
Science 1, 2, 3, 4
Science 1a/b, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e
Tennessee
Arkansas
Mississippi
Soc St. G, H, TN
Soc. St. 3, 5, 6
Soc. St. G/I, A, CR, HR
Exploring Nature Your Way
Page 2
During your visit, use the map and ideas to enhance your student’s learning experience.
Look for fallen and rotting logs. Ask
students what they think happened
to the tree. What will the log look
like in 1 or 2 years? Ask what signs
suggest animals live there.
What kind of life does the meadow
support? How does this wildlife fit
together in a food web or chain?
Is a meadow a temporary or
permanent plant community?
What native plant can grow
in many different forms and
causes you to itch?
How do the layers of a forest ensure
animals can co-exist? Which
animals live in each layer? Why are
so few animals seen in the daytime?
How do animals benefit from living
in, under and around a tree?
Why do some
animals prefer the
marsh over the lake
or a moving stream?
A quiet place for
discussion and
bird watching.
What adaptations
do lake animals
have to live? How
does the adaptation
benefit the animal?
Fern Trail
Lichterman is a certified
arboretum. Use one of our
trail maps to locate various
species. Compare and
contrast the size, shapes,
and colors of bark and
leaves.
As you walk, ask
students to use
their senses to see,
hear, feel and
smell.
Stop to talk about the
specific habitats you
will be walking through lake, marsh, meadow,
forest.
Identify native animals, current and former.
Talk about why some animals are
endangered or extinct. Explore seasons,
changes, and metamorphosis.
Walk out into the trees.
Talk about the layers of
the forest.
See live animals and learn
about where they live.
Informational sign
Bridge out