Chronicles: My Father's World Perfect Biomes Field Trip

We're at the point in the Exploring Countries and Cultures curriculum from My Father's World where we are studying ecosystems and biomes. We're still exploring North America. These are somewhat abstract ideas for kids to grasp so I've read books, gotten books from the library, shown pictures, given examples and had them give examples according to their understanding, but it still wasn't sinking in. As an educator at heart I know this means a field trip is in order. Of course, the obvious place to go seems like the zoo, but in 100 degree temps and strict budgets that wasn't an option. So, where can a family go for a minimal price and get an up close look at ecosystems, their plants and animals and even possibly, climates without sweltering in the unbearable sun? Cabela's, of course!

No, not of course. Schools aren't hankering for a chance to show their students taxidermal animals frozen in a replica of their habitat surrounded by the gear that got them in the predicament to begin with. Still, for a small homeschool group it makes so much sense. We've been there before to check out the wonderfully delicious fudge and fantasize about the off-road vehicles and inventive camping equipment, but we'd never seen it through the eyes of a scientist studying animals' system of survival.

We set off on our fifteen minute journey down the road. I had the boys take their clipboard, a sheet of drawing paper, and a pencil. It's kind of awkward, but on a weekday afternoon it's not too crowded so it's pretty inconspicuous. We headed inside and our first stop was the giant aquarium. This is an underwater biome in which kids can see the systems up close. To be honest, I was surprised that they were seeing it all with new eyes. I made them responsible for creating a space on their paper for this system and had them list the types of fish that were able to live together in the aquarium without competing for food or life. They listed the fish and saw them again for the first time because for the first time I had given the task a tangible purpose. They examined whether or not this had to be a fresh or saltwater aquarium based on the fish and turtles that were there. They also tried to understand the role the different fish play. It was off to a great start.

Next we went to the mountains. No, not really. We went up the escalator to the animals that were situated atop a replica of a mountain. Here they were able to see the many animals that live in mountainous areas. They quartered off a section of their paper and began to write about the animals in this area. They discussed the survival skills of the animals here and the jobs they must have in the environment. Again, to see it this way was pretty exciting for them.

They were all pomp and circumstance as we made our way back down the escalator to check out the canyon animals. The discovery of how they were very similar to the mountain animals brought about the discussion of what is a canyon and why the mountains and canyons would share so many of the same animals. As they observed and talked they were coming to some profound conclusions. I could have told them these things, but for them to see it in front of them and make discoveries was more science based and it was a different kind of learning that proved more effective.

Our family always enjoys seeing the arctic area. The polar bear is always the star, but this time they were made to wonder how the arctic fox and polar bear cohabit the same ecosystem. This caused them to think of how each of these animals can live in this climate and not be able to thrive in others. Thoughts and ideas were coming non-stop on this journey and I felt it was one of the best science lessons of the year.

We rounded out the trip in the African savanna, which happens to be a family favorite. There's a humongous African elephant that astonishes us every time we're there. Not only that, but the animals of the savanna are actually in life form, very close. Of course, the animals are closer than we could get to them in any regular zoo so they can see adaptations, defense mechanisms, and interaction in the circle of life. Once they've gathered information on the most exciting animals, some plants, and the proposed climate of the ecosystems we're ready to get some tasty fudge and go. 

We've actually never been camping or hunting or fishing. I suppose we're not really an outdoors family in that sense, but Cabela's has proven to be an excellent place to go for family fun on days when the goal is not primarily learning, as well as when it is. I would recommend it to any homeschool family who wants to teach this subject to young children. It beats the heat and allows ample opportunity to discuss and discover. Just don't leave without some fudge!