Throw your learning experience to the WOLVES!
The Wolf Conservation Center is excited to offer distance learning programs to classes, camps, rotary clubs, corporate groups, and more. Choose from a variety of program topics, ranging from animal adaptations to critically endangered wolf recovery efforts, and enjoy a 45-minute immersion into the wild world of wolves!
Each program can be supplemented for classroom-based lesson plans and offers an in-depth look at wolves and their ecological importance. Programs are suitable for elementary – college aged students and align with various Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Programs are also suitable for adults and the general public.
Reserve a session by emailing info@nywolf.org! A flat rate of $100* is required to reserve one 45-minute program. Sessions can be taught via Skype, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Hangout, and more. Note: Attendees will not see live footage of wolves during these programs.
*Is your NY school district entitled to receive a reimbursement on a percentage of the cost for eligible environmental education programs? Learn more from PNWBOCES Environmental Education Contracting Services.
Attendees will learn:
Program Options:
Wolves of North America
Learn about North America's wildest residents - wolves - during an education session with a WCC wolf expert. Students will be exposed to the history, ecology, and biology of wolves, and will learn about the current challenges facing wolf recovery across the United States. An emphasis will be placed on endangered species recovery programs for critically endangered red wolves and Mexican gray wolves. This program is suitable for students in elementary, middle, and high school and can be tailored to meet specific course requirements.
This program is also suitable for adults.
Key Concepts: Ecosystem, habitat, species, food web, carnivores, human impact, conservation
NGSS: 3-LS2-1, 5-LS2-1, MS-LS2-2, HS-LS2-6
Saving A Species
At one point, Mexican gray wolves and red wolves were declared to be extinct in the wild. Through intensive efforts, such as captive breeding and wild releases, these wolves have resumed their rightful places on the wild landscape. The Wolf Conservation Center participates in the Species Survival Plan (SSP) and Recovery Plan for the critically endangered Mexican gray wolf and red wolf. But what does this really mean? Join a WCC wolf expert to learn what it takes to help save a species from the brink of extinction. Students will get an inside look at the process of matching potential breeders, what criteria must be met to recommend wolves for release into the wild, the husbandry challenge of caring for animals that we rarely see and how it feels to help Mexican gray wolves and red wolves resume their rightful place in the wild. This program is suitable for high school and college students.
This program is also suitable for adults.
Key Concepts: Endangered species, conservation, reintroduction, human impact, reproduction, genetics
NGSS: HS-LS2-6, HS-LS4-5
Animal Adaptations
Wolves are found in a variety of environments, from the icy tundra of the Arctic to the woodlands of the southwest. How are they built to survive in these locations? Join a WCC wolf expert to learn about wolf superpowers - how their ears, feet, legs, and coats are all specially designed to allow a wolf to thrive in its native habitat. This program is suitable for elementary students.
Key Concepts: Habitat, environment, food, water, shelter, survival, adaptation, carnivores
NGSS: 1-LS1-1, 3-LS2-1, 3-LS4-2, 4-LS1-1
Nature's Course: Wolves of Isle Royale
Isle Royale is both a national park and a national forest, but it is also home to a wolf population that is slowly recovering from the brink of extinction. Join a WCC wolf expert to analyze the causes of the drastic decline in the wolf population and the National Park Service's recent collaborative efforts to restore not only the island's wolf population but the fragile ecosystem as well.
This program is geared towards middle school - college aged students and adults.
Key Concepts: Ecosystem, traits, competition, food webs, human impact, disease, conservation
NGSS: 5-LS2-1, MS-LS2-1, MS-LS2-2, MS-LS2-4, HS-LS2-6
Getting to Know the (Wild) Neighbors
Take a hyper-local look at the wildlife all around us. Students will be introduced to a handful species native to the area, as well as some fun facts about each of them! Discussing concepts such as native versus invasive species, perceptions surrounding certain critters, ecological roles, and how we can help preserve the wildness of our “neighbors”. This program is suitable for elementary students. Specific to the northeast U.S.
Key Concepts: Ecosystem, species, native vs. invasive, food webs, ecological roles
NGSS: K-LS1-1, 2-LS4-1, 3-LS2-1,