Session 1 May 25

We started the morning with a a review of the major causes of species endangerment (H.I.P.P.O.). Then we put the clues from yesterday together to make the next riddle symbol which was for the bird station. We found the missing information for our Animal Classification book and learned about the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker, which is an endangered bird in Georgia. They needed this information in order to understand the game. There were toilet paper rolls painted and labeled as Old Pine, Young Pine, Water, Ants, Wood beetle, etc. These were different resources the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker needs in order to survive. The exploreres needed to knock down and collect a certain amount of these resources to win. The hardest tube to hit was the "Mate". There were only 3 since they are endangered and it would be difficult to find a mate. It was a close game but after one team was victorious, Norma read the clues to open a puzzle box which had the symbol to the next station.

Then we had to put our adventure on hold while we went to gardening class with Ms. Melissa. She talked about pollinators and the importance of them for growing food. She also shared how she came up with a solution for letting pollinators in and out of the greenhouse. Lastly, the explorers got to help create a pollinator flower patch. They each got a cup of wild native flowers to plant and cover with straw.Afterwards, we turned on the sprinkler for anyone that wanted to get a little wet.

Then after snack, we returned to our mission to collect all the information needed for our books. We hiked to the fish station, placed fish on a map of Georgia according to information about them. The reward was a U.V. flashlight that they used to find secret arrows through the forest. The arrows (which could only be seen with the U.V. light) led to the last symbol for the day (Mammal station). After quite a hike back, each explorer recieved an endangered mammal to act out and everyone else guessed what their mammal was. Once their animal was guessed correctly, they each got a puzzle piece.

Once put together, the puzzle showed the Reptile symbol. Acting as prey, explorers had to cross the field and collect three food tokens without getting "eaten" by the Predator (the endangered Eastern Indigo Snake).

After lunch, we went to the creek. This time we took some digging tools and containers for catching and observing water beetles. Several explorers held a baking contest, others tried catching water beetles, minnows and little crawfish.

Lastly, we discussed and voted on the conflict for the play and started writing the beginning of it.