Teacher Resources for Distance Learning

Are you interested in teaching kids about wild animals and the principles behind conservation? Would you like to be able to share Salato’s mission with students in your brick and mortar or virtual classroom? If so, this resource is for you! Pick a program and join one of our professional conservation educators as we explore the wondrous wildlife of Kentucky.

Created just for teachers and parents, these short videos and worksheets provide simple and engaging activities to enhance your curriculum. They are also great pre-fieldtrip exercises! Kids who return 2 completed activity sheets will get a free KDFWR sticker, while supplies last. If you are able to visit in person, be sure to sign your class up for one of our formal classroom programs for a more in depth learning (Stickers and classroom programs are not being offered during the Covid-19 disruptions to operations).

We will add new resources as they are created so check back with us! If you have questions or comments, please connect with us: salato@ky.gov.

Winter Bird Migration

Have you ever noticed that you see different types of birds at different times of the year? Learn how and why many bird species change locations with the changing seasons in this video about migration.

Related Salato Exhibit: Backyard Viewing Area

Grades: 4

Activities:Matching, Word Bank and Maze(15 minutes)

Kentucky Academic Standards :

• 3-LS1-1: Develop models to describe that organisms have unique and diverse life cycles but all have in common birth, growth, reproduction, and death.
• 3-LS4-2: Use evidence to construct an explanation for how the variations in characteristics among individuals of the same species may provide advantages in surviving, finding mates, and reproducing.
• 3-LS4-3: Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular habitat some organisms can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot survive at all.
• 4-LS1-1: Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.
• 5-PS3-1: Use models to describe that energy in animals’ food (used for body repair, growth, and motion and to maintain body warmth) was once energy from the sun.

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Black Bear in Winter

Did you know that black bears spend the winter months in torpor, which is not a true hibernation? In this video you will learn about this and other features that support their survival.

Related Salato Exhibit: Black Bear

Grades: 4

Activities:Fill in the Blank (15 minutes)

Kentucky Academic Standards :

• 4-LS1-1: Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.
• 4-LS1-2: Use a model to describe that animals receive different types of information through their senses, process the information in their brain, and respond to the information in different ways.
• 5-PS3-1: Use models to describe that energy in animals’ food (used for body repair, growth, and motion and to maintain body warmth) was once energy from the sun.

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Kentucky’s Fish in Winter

Have you ever wondered where the fish go when it gets cold? What happens to fish when the water freezes over? Watch to find out!

Related Salato Exhibit: The Living Stream

Grades: 4

Activities:Information Recall and Creative Drawing (15 minutes)

Kentucky Academic Standards :

• 3-LS2-1: Construct an argument that some animals form groups that help members survive.
• 3-LS4-3: Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular habitat some organisms can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot survive at all.
• 4-LS1-1: Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.
• 4-LS1-2: Use a model to describe that animals receive different types of information through their senses, process the information in their brain, and respond to the information in different ways.

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The Build of a Box Turtle

Discover how Kentucky’s only terrestrial turtle is designed for life on the land, and built differently than its aquatic cousins! Then use your creativity to color your very own box turtle, or test your newfound knowledge about this turtle’s unique design and characteristics.

Related Salato Exhibit: Eastern Box Turtle

Grades: 2 - 4

Activities:Information Recall and Creative Drawing (15 minutes)

Kentucky Academic Standards :

• 2-LS4-1: Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats.
• 3-LS4-3: Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular habitat, some organisms can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot survive at all.
• 4-LS1-1: Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.

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Habits of a Secretive Snake

Learn about one of the more uncommon snakes in Kentucky and how they have adapted to a unique lifestyle! Afterwards, put your imagination to the test by creating your own snake from a table of options.

Related Salato Exhibit: Northern Pine Snake

Grades: 3 - 4

Activities:Quick Quiz with Creative Drawing (15 minutes)

Kentucky Academic Standards :

• 3-LS4-3: Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular habitat some organisms can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot survive at all.
• 4-LS1-1: Construct an argument that plants, and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.
• 4-LS1-2: Use a model to describe that animals receive different types of information through their senses, process the information in their brain, and respond to the information in different ways.

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Lunchtime with America’s Largest Mammal

Watch an up-close feeding and learn why we have bison in the United States - not buffalo! Then put your problem solving skills into action by unscrambling key words and putting them in the correct blanks.

Related Salato Exhibit: North American Bison

Grades: 4 - 6

Activities:Word Scramble (15 minutes)

Kentucky Academic Standards :

• 4-LS1-1: Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.
• 5-PS3-1: Use models to describe that energy in animals’ food (used for body repair, growth, and motion and to maintain body warmth) was once energy from the sun.
• MS-LS2-2: Construct an explanation that predicts patterns of interactions among organisms across multiple ecosystems.
• MS-LS2-5: Evaluate competing design solutions for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services.

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Get to Know the Common Snapping Turtle

Gain some insight into the basics of one of the most recognizable turtles in the state. Then, see if you can pick out some key features to compare and contrast the common snapping turtle and the alligator snapping turtle!

Related Salato Exhibit: Warm Water Aquarium

Grades: 2 - 4

Activities:Compare and Contrast (15 minutes)

Kentucky Academic Standards :

• 2-LS4-1: Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats.
• 3-LS4-2: Use evidence to construct an explanation for how the variations in characteristics among individuals of the same species may provide advantages in surviving, finding mates, and reproducing.
• 4-LS1-1: Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.

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Mis-snake’n Identity

The Eastern milk snake is a common Kentucky species, but one that is often misidentified. Learn more about this harmless snake, and how it earned the name "milk snake." Afterwards, test your knowledge, and use your creativity to design your very own Eastern milk snake!

Related Salato Exhibit: N/A

Grades: 2 - 5

Activities:Information Recall (15 minutes)

Kentucky Academic Standards :

• 2-LS4-1: Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats.
• 3-LS4-2: Use evidence to construct an explanation for how the variations in characteristics among individuals of the same species may provide advantages in surviving, finding mates, and reproducing.
• 3-LS4-3: Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular habitat some organisms can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot survive at all.
• 4-LS1-1: Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.
• 4-LS1-2: Use a model to describe that animals receive different types of information through their senses, process the information in their brain, and respond to the information in different ways.
• 5-LS2-1: Develop a model to describe the movement of matter among plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment.

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A Quality Home for Quail

Learn about the small game bird nicknamed “fire bird” and how their habitat lead to that name. After, put your knowledge to the test and see if you can accurately solve the crossword puzzle.

Related Salato Exhibit: The Bluegrass Prairie

Grades: 4 - 6

Activities:Crossword Puzzle (10 minutes)

Kentucky Academic Standards :

• 4-LS1-1: Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.
• 5-PS3-1: Use models to describe that energy in animals’ food (used for body repair, growth, and motion and to maintain body warmth) was once energy from the sun.
• MS-LS2-1: Analyze and interpret data to provide evidence for the effects of resource availability on organisms and populations of organisms in an ecosystem.
• MS-LS2-4: Construct an argument supported by empirical evidence that changes to physical or biological components of an ecosystem affect populations.
• MS-LS2-5: Evaluate competing design solutions for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services.

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Mother Nature’s Mousetrap: The Red-tailed Hawk

Red-tailed hawks take the day shift of pest control by feeding primarily upon small mammals and rodents. Learn more about these hunters, and get a close look at Salato’s non-releasable red-tail, in this Creature Feature.

Related Salato Exhibit: Raptor Aviary

Grades: 4 - 6

Activities:Word Bank and Search (7 minutes)

Kentucky Academic Standards :

• 4-LS1-1: Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.
• 4-LS1-2: Use a model to describe that animals receive different types of information through their senses, process the information in their brain, and respond to the information in different ways.
• 5-LS2-1: Develop a model to describe the movement of matter among plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment.
• MS-LS1-8: Gather and synthesize information that sensory receptors respond to stimuli by sending messages to the brain for immediate behavior or storage as memories.
• MS-LS2-2: Construct an explanation that predicts patterns of interactions among organisms across multiple ecosystems.

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Black Bear Training Career Chat with Corrie!

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to train our big black bear? Or maybe you’ve thought about what it’s like to prepare our animals food? Complete this worksheet for an inside look at our Animal Care Specialist job!

Related Salato Exhibit: Black Bear

Grades: 4 - 5

Activities:Q & A (15 - 20 minutes)

Kentucky Academic Standards :

• 4-LS1-1: Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.
• 4-LS1-2: Use a model to describe that animals receive different types of information through their senses, process the information in their brain, and respond to the information in different ways.

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TOADally FROGtastic!

Have you ever wondered what is the difference between a frog and a toad? How do you tell them apart? Learn all about these fascinating amphibians in this creature feature. Then, use what you learned in an activity where you become the frog and leap to find your froggy features.

Related Salato Exhibit: Frogs and Toads of Kentucky

Grades: k - 2

Activities:Interactive Game (15 minutes)

Kentucky Academic Standards :

• K-LS1-1: Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.
• K-ESS3-1: Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants and animals (including humans) and the places they live.
• 1-LS3-1: Make observations to construct an evidence-based account that young plants and animals are like, but not exactly like, their parents.
• 2-LS4-1: Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats.

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Spooky Wildlife: The Not So Scary Truth

There are many misconceptions that persist about Kentucky’s wildlife, and many species that are considered spooky are simply misunderstood. Join us as we bust myths that surround some of Halloween’s key players!

Related Salato Exhibit: Nocturnal Wildlife Exhibit

Grades: 3-6

Activities: N/A

Kentucky Academic Standards :

• 3-LS4-2: Use evidence to construct an explanation for how the variations in characteristics among individuals of the same species may provide advantages in surviving, finding mates, and reproducing.
• 3-LS4-3: Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular habitat some organisms can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot survive at all.
• 4-LS1-1: Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.
• 4-LS1-2: Use a model to describe that animals receive different types of information through their senses, process the information in their brain, and respond to the information in different ways.
• 5-LS2-1: Develop a model to describe the movement of matter among plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment.
• MS-LS1-8: Gather and synthesize information that sensory receptors respond to stimuli by sending messages to the brain for immediate behavior or storage as memories.
• MS-LS2-4: Construct an argument supported by empirical evidence that changes to physical or biological components of an ecosystem affect populations.

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Creepy Crawlies of Kentucky

Did you know that many of the crawling critters that give people the creeps are actually very helpful? Tune in to more about some of Kentucky’s chilling invertebrates, and how they’re beneficial!

Related Salato Exhibit: Insect Specimen Exhibit

Grades: 3-6

Activities: N/A

Kentucky Academic Standards :

• 3-LS4-2: Use evidence to construct an explanation for how the variations in characteristics among individuals of the same species may provide advantages in surviving, finding mates, and reproducing.
• 3-LS4-3: Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular habitat some organisms can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot survive at all.
• 4-LS1-1: Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.
• 4-LS1-2: Use a model to describe that animals receive different types of information through their senses, process the information in their brain, and respond to the information in different ways.
• 5-LS2-1: Develop a model to describe the movement of matter among plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment.
• 5-PS3-1: Use models to describe that energy in animals’ food (used for body repair, growth, and motion and to maintain body warmth) was once energy from the sun.
• MS-LS1-8: Gather and synthesize information that sensory receptors respond to stimuli by sending messages to the brain for immediate behavior or storage as memories.
• MS-LS2-4: Construct an argument supported by empirical evidence that changes to physical or biological components of an ecosystem affect populations.

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Cicadas: The Sound of Summer

Have you ever wondered about the insect responsible for the high-pitched buzzing you hear during the summer months? Learn about the culprit behind the noise.

Related Salato Exhibit: Insect Cases

Grades: 3-5

Activities: Maze (3 minutes)

Kentucky Academic Standards :

• 3-LS1-1: Develop models to describe that organisms have unique and diverse life cycles but all have in common birth, growth, reproduction, and death.
• 3-LS4-2: Use evidence to construct an explanation for how the variations in characteristics among individuals of the same species may provide advantages in surviving, finding mates, and reproducing.
• 4-LS1-1: Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.
• 4-LS1-2: Use a model to describe that animals receive different types of information through their senses, process the information in their brain, and respond to the information in different ways.
• 5-LS2-1: Develop a model to describe the movement of matter among plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment.
• 5-PS3-1: Use models to describe that energy in animals’ food (used for body repair, growth, and motion and to maintain body warmth) was once energy from the sun.

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Ephemeral Wildflowers: Gems of the Forest

An early spring hike reveals some of Kentucky’s fleeting wildflowers. Learn what makes them so special.

Related Salato Exhibit: Ephemeral Garden and Hiking Trails

Grades: 4 - 5

Activities: Blended Learning Exercise (15-20 minutes)

Kentucky Academic Standards :

• 4-LS1-1: Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.
• 5-LS1-1: Support an argument that plants get the materials they need for growth chiefly from air and water.

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Creating Native Habitat

Join Nikki in Salato's waystation! Learn techniques for creating a native habitat to attract Kentucky’s pollinators and gain some knowledge about the conservation of Monarch butterflies. This program celebrates Pollinator Week but can be enjoyed anytime.

Related Salato Exhibit: Monarch Waystation

Grades: 3 - 6

Activities:Life Cycle Chart and Creative Drawing (20 minutes)

Kentucky Academic Standards :

• 3-LS4-2: Use evidence to construct an explanation for how the variations in characteristics among individuals of the same species may provide advantages in surviving, finding mates, and reproducing.
• 3-LS4-3: Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular habitat some organisms can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot survive at all.
• 3-LS4-4: Make a claim about the merit of a solution to a problem caused when the environment changes and the types of plants and animals that live there may change.
• 4-LS1-1: Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.
• 5-LS2-1: Develop a model to describe the movement of matter among plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment.
• 5-PS3-1: Use models to describe that energy in animals’ food (used for body repair, growth, and motion and to maintain body warmth) was once energy from the sun.
• MS-LS1-6: Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for the role of photosynthesis in the cycling of matter and flow of energy into and out of organisms.
• MS-LS2-1: Analyze and interpret data to provide evidence for the effects of resource availability on organisms and populations of organisms in an ecosystem.
• MS-LS2-3: Develop a model to describe the cycling of matter and flow of energy among living and nonliving parts of an ecosystem

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Bears in Children’s Literature

Join us for a closer look at how bears are commonly portrayed in children’s literature. Believe it or not, many fictional bear stories actually have a bit of truth to them!

Related Salato Exhibit: Black Bear Exhibit, Bear Aware Exhibit

Grades: 4

Activities: Maze (5 minutes)

Kentucky Academic Standards :

• 4-LS1-1: Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.
• 4-LS1-2: Use a model to describe that animals receive different types of information through their senses, process the information in their brain, and respond to the information in different ways.

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Pollinators in Children’s Literature

Pollinators like bees and butterflies often play care-free and flighty backup roles within children’s literature. In reality, these animals face many challenges during their lifecycles. Join us as we identify two stories that paint a more accurate picture of what it’s really like to be a pollinator!

Related Salato Exhibit: Insect Cases and Salato Garden Areas

Grades: 4

Activities: Maze (5 minutes)

Kentucky Academic Standards :

• 4-LS1-1: Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.
• 4-LS1-2: Use a model to describe that animals receive different types of information through their senses, process the information in their brain, and respond to the information in different ways.

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Snakes in Children’s Literature

Have you ever read stories that feature snakes as villainous characters? In this video, we will shed light on some of the common misconceptions surrounding snakes and their portrayal in popular literature. After watching, we hope that you’ll have a better understanding of how in real life, snakes are friends and not foes!

Related Salato Exhibit: Indoor Snake Exhibits

Grades: 4

Activities: Crossword Puzzle (10 minutes)

Kentucky Academic Standards :

• 4-LS1-1: Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.

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Bobcats in the Bluegrass

Have you ever seen a bobcat in the wild? They’re more common than you might think! Learn about their adaptations and what allows them to be successful hunters.

Related Salato Exhibit: The Bobcat Exhibit

Grades: 3 - 5

Activities: Fill in the Blank (10 - 15 minutes)

Kentucky Academic Standards :

• 3-LS4-3: Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular habitat some organisms can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot survive at all.
• 3-LS4-2: Use evidence to construct an explanation for how the variations in characteristics among individuals of the same species may provide advantages in surviving, finding mates, and reproducing.
• 4-LS1-1: Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.
• 4-LS1-2: Use a model to describe that animals receive different types of information through their senses, process the information in their brain, and respond to the information in different ways.
• 5-LS2-1: Develop a model to describe the movement of matter among plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment.

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Deer Hunting for Restoration

Could you imagine our state without white-tailed deer? If it weren’t for human intervention that would have been the case. Watch to find out more!

Related Salato Exhibit: Restoration and White-Tailed Deer

Grades: 5

Activities: Blended Learning Exercise (15 minutes)

Kentucky Academic Standards :

• 5-ESS3-1: Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth's resources and environment.
• 5-LS2-1: Develop a model to describe the movement of matter among plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment.

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Bugling for Restoration

Did you know that Kentucky has the largest elk population east of the Mississippi River? Learn about the efforts to restore this game mammal.

Related Salato Exhibit: Elk Enclosure

Grades: 4 - 5

Activities: Blended Learning Exercise (15 - 20 minutes)

Kentucky Academic Standards :

• 4-LS1-1: Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior and reproduction.
• 5-PS3-1: Use models to describe that energy in animals’ food (used for body repair, growth, and motion and to maintain body warmth) was once energy from the sun.
• 5-ESS3-1: Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment.

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