Family Fun Day
On November 16th my almost 9 year old and I visited Archbold Biological Station. The station had a family day scheduled. There was maybe about 17 of us that showed up. At first we entered a conference room. As everyone was walking in Evan (our tour guide) requested for everyone to sit in a circle. Then he explained that every child was going to have an opportunity to be a "scrub jay"or a "predator." The "scrub jay" was going to be blind folded, given a flashed light, and placed in the center of the circle. The bird's job was to protect its nest from predators. Every time the "scrub jay" would hear a sound he would have to point the flash light toward the sound. If the light touched the "predator" he was "caught" and would go hungry.
After this fun and education game, we all went outside to play another game. Now the "scrub jays" were going to collect nuts for the winter. Evan took the group to a sandy area and gave everyone 10 minutes to find and bury 10 nuts.
Once all of the "scrub jays" had buried their nuts, we all went back to the pavilion. Here Evan showed the group a box with items in it. These items were things found in that particular habitat. This scavenger hunt took us up and down one of the main trails found at the Archbold Biological Station.
Before the day ended, all of the "scrub jays" were sent back to the sandy area. They were all instructed to try to find where their nuts were buried. This educational game helped the children understanding how difficult it was to try to remember where all of their nuts were. The activity assisted them in understanding that the scrub jays have keen memory. The scrub jay would have to remember where he buried his nuts months before so he will be able to survive the winter months.
Recommended donation for Special Events: $5 per adult, $1 per child.
We had such an amazing time. My daughter LOVED the whole experience and is wanting to go back.
For more information on Archbold Biological Station please click here Archbold Biological Station.
Archbold Biological Station
On November 16th my almost 9 year old and I visited Archbold Biological Station. The station had a family day scheduled. There was maybe about 17 of us that showed up. At first we entered a conference room. As everyone was walking in Evan (our tour guide) requested for everyone to sit in a circle. Then he explained that every child was going to have an opportunity to be a "scrub jay"or a "predator." The "scrub jay" was going to be blind folded, given a flashed light, and placed in the center of the circle. The bird's job was to protect its nest from predators. Every time the "scrub jay" would hear a sound he would have to point the flash light toward the sound. If the light touched the "predator" he was "caught" and would go hungry.
After this fun and education game, we all went outside to play another game. Now the "scrub jays" were going to collect nuts for the winter. Evan took the group to a sandy area and gave everyone 10 minutes to find and bury 10 nuts.
Once all of the "scrub jays" had buried their nuts, we all went back to the pavilion. Here Evan showed the group a box with items in it. These items were things found in that particular habitat. This scavenger hunt took us up and down one of the main trails found at the Archbold Biological Station.
Before the day ended, all of the "scrub jays" were sent back to the sandy area. They were all instructed to try to find where their nuts were buried. This educational game helped the children understanding how difficult it was to try to remember where all of their nuts were. The activity assisted them in understanding that the scrub jays have keen memory. The scrub jay would have to remember where he buried his nuts months before so he will be able to survive the winter months.
Recommended donation for Special Events: $5 per adult, $1 per child.
We had such an amazing time. My daughter LOVED the whole experience and is wanting to go back.
For more information on Archbold Biological Station please click here Archbold Biological Station.
Archbold Biological Station
123 Main Dr.
Venus, Fl, 33960
p. 863-465-2571
f. 863-699-1927
