First graders at Betsy Ross School welcomed a special visit from the Trailside Museum of Natural History (Forest Preserves of Cook County) for an engaging, hands-on presentation that brought our learning to life.
This visit connected directly to our English Language Arts and Science units focused on how animals and plants change and grow. In class, students have been reading stories about life cycles, and the Trailside presentation gave them a chance to apply that learning through real-world examples.
Trailside staff arrived with a collection of natural artifacts including deer antlers, shed snake skin, insects, a bat specimen in a jar, and even otter and skunk pelts/skins. These hands-on materials helped students explore how different animal body parts and adaptations can offer protection and support survival in the wild.
Teachers Mrs. Perry and Ms. Trbonja were especially impressed by how students participated by sharing what they already knew, asking thoughtful questions, and making connections back to classroom learning. It was wonderful to hear students confidently use vocabulary and concepts from our units while engaging with the Trailside team.
We’re grateful to the Trailside Museum of Natural History for bringing this memorable learning experience to our school and helping our students deepen their understanding of the natural world!