March is Women's History Month, and all month we will be learning about women who made contributions to science and the arts. This week, we are learning about women who loved and studied animals; some to learn more about them, and some who were inspired to create art featuring them. We know a lot more about chimpanzees, gorillas, sharks, reptiles, and more because of the curiosity of women scientists. In many cases, they learned and shared things we had never known before about these animals! Women artists created beautiful art pieces to express their respect for and relationships with animals. Attend a program and be inspired to learn more about animals!
READ: So, You Want to Work with Animals? By J. M. Bedell
Introduces readers to the diverse fields that work hands-on with animals of all shapes, sizes, and species. From what classes to take in school to exploring what these jobs are really like--the fun stuff, the hard stuff, and even the gross stuff, this book reveals the steps it takes to pursue a childhood dream. Whether animals are big or small, domestic or wild, there are many careers that provide rewarding experiences such as: veterinarian, zookeeper, wildlife photographer, K9 officer, marine biologist, and more!
PLAY: Animal Observation Bingo
Sharpen up those observational skills! Visit here to print out a seasonal (spring, summer, winter, or fall) bingo card, or create your own. Then, look around your backyard or walk around your neighborhood and mark off on your bingo card the animals, animal food, and animal habitats that you see. Don't forget to yell, "BINGO!" when you complete a row!
EXPLORE: Visit a Zoo, Virtually or In Person!
Take a field trip to the zoo! With over 2,000 animal species and 1,000 rare plants, there's something for everyone to explore at the Jacksonville Zoo!
Can't make it to the zoo? Bring the zoo to you! You can do a virtual field trip with the San Diego Zoo! With live cams of 13 different animals, you can explore the habitats and habits of tigers, pandas, koalas and more!
Check it out here: https://kids.sandiegozoo.org/videos
Talk about it: Which was your favorite animal? Why? What kinds of things do they do? What did you notice about their habitat?
JOIN: Attend a program virtually or in person!
View all school-age programs and events offered this week.
For virtual programs, registration is required to receive the Zoom link; use the link in the program information to register.
For in person programs, registration is required; if space allows, walk-ins will be admitted. Use the link in the program information to register.
Jax Student Poetry Contest
This year, Jacksonville will have existed as a city for 200 years! To celebrate the Jacksonville Bicentennial, the City is having a Jax Student Poetry Contest and you can enter to win! The contest is for Grades 4-12 and the theme is “Looking back, moving forward.” The top three poems from three age groups will win cash prizes!
Submit your poems by April 30th to enter – find out more in our Jax Studen Poetry Contest blog post.
