Raptor Adaptations: In this program, groups will be led by Cascades Raptor Center’s trainers and educators through an exploration of the observable physical characteristics and behaviors that allow raptors to survive in their habitat and how that habitat helped to drive the development of those characteristics. Guests will be able to meet and make observations up close with one of our charismatic raptor ambassadors and interact with touchable raptor biofacts in an outdoor classroom environment to learn about the unique features and tools that raptors use to be successful in their environment. After the staff guided exploration and ambassador encounter, students will be provided with a self-guided activity where they will use their new raptor knowledge to follow clues about the characteristics of one of our avian ambassadors and find which aviary (house) they live in here at Cascades Raptor Center and learn what kind of habitat they are best suited for outside of human care.
*Designed for Oregon curriculum standards for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades.
Raptor Senses: In this program groups will be led by Cascades Raptor Center’s trainers and educators through an exploration of the five senses that make raptors such capable predators and survivalists. Guests will be able to meet and make observations up close with one of our charismatic raptor ambassadors and interact with raptor biofacts that exhibit the body parts that make their highly tuned senses possible. After the staff guided exploration and ambassador encounter, students will be provided with a self-guided activity where they will use clues to match the described senses with one of our avian ambassadors and compare and contrast those senses with the senses of other avian ambassadors that live here as a part of Cascades Raptor Center’s education team.
*Designed for 4th grade Oregon curriculum standards.
Ecosystem Services: In this program groups will be led by Cascades Raptor Center’s trainers and educators through an exploration of ecosystem services: what they are, what they do, and the ecosystem services that raptors provide. Guests will be able to meet and make observations up close with one of our charismatic raptor ambassadors and interact with raptor biofacts that exhibit the body parts that are the tools raptors use to play their role in our ecosystems and provide those services. After the staff guided exploration and ambassador encounter, students will be provided with a self-guided activity where they will use clues to match the described ecosystem services with one of our avian ambassadors and compare and contrast those with other roles that are played by other species represented by avian ambassadors that live here as a part of Cascades Raptor Center’s education team.