This engaging outdoor activity will allow students to experience first hand the stress that winter places on many of our iconic animal species. Building on the Late February Nature Guide's example of white-tailed deer this simulation allows students to further investigate some of the species' key adaptations for winter survival.
Students become white-tailed deer and measure the physiological stress that navigating deep snow has on their bodies. Analysis and discussion of the data students collect, presents a clear picture of the importance of deer yards.
In addition to providing a meaningful outdoor learning opportunity in February, this activity should be of particular interest to teachers exploring ecosystems, limiting factors, population dynamics or adaptation during the winter months.
The activity will also prove useful for physical education and outdoor pursuits teachers as well.
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