"Guardians of the Animals"
4th or 5th grade - Residential
This program is designed
to give students an introduction to the natural world through
the eyes of native vertebrates. Ecological concepts such as adaptation,
competition, and symbiosis come to life as students learn to see
forest, lake, and meadow ecosystems as homes. The program culminates
in an "all-species parade" as students transform themselves
into the mammals, fish, birds, amphibians and reptiles of the
Northeast.
Jewish teachings about the intrinsic worth of each species and
the prohibitions of Tzaar Baalei Chayyim, in their development
of an appropriate relationship with non-human creatures. Through
their Brit Chayyot, a covenant with animals, students pledge
to make both personal behavior changes and communal commitments
to protect local animal habitats.
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