STRUCTURE & FUNCTION 2013- 2014

Four Winds Training Workshops

2013-2014 

STRUCTURE & FUNCTION 

 Tuesdays 8:30-10:30 at SATEC 

September 10th -  The Buzz on Bees

When you watch bees flying from flower to flower gathering nectar and honey, you can see what it means to be "busy as a bee." Honeybees have a complex social structure that is fascinating to study. We'll look at the anatomy of bees, study their honeycombs, and discover the different roles within the hive. And of course, we'll enjoy a sweet snack, thanks to the hard work of the honeybee.

October 8th - Tremendous Trees

Most of us have a favorite tree, one we watch change through the seasons and grow through the years. But what makes a tree a tree? We'll look at the different parts of a tree and how these work together to produce energy for growth, move water from root to twig, make new rings of wood. If you could interview your favorite tree, what questions would you ask it? 

November 12th - Skulls and Diet

What can we tell about an animal by looking at its teeth, the structure of its skull, the shape and size of its eyes? Skulls tell us a great deal about the habits of an animal. We'll look at a variety of skulls to compare herbivore and carnivore adaptations, thinking about what the shape and structure tell us about the animal itself.

January 14th - Bird's Bodies

Bird's bodies come in a gazillion shapes, sizes and colors. Each bird species is adapted to survive in its own particular environment. Looking at different birds and comparing their characteristics and behaviors gives us a wonderful opportunity to see how structure and function go hand in hand in the natural world.

March 18th - Calling all Owls
Imagine the challenge of finding a tiny mouse in the grass in the dark. Now imagine that if you don't find it, you'll be very, very hungry! As nocturnal predators, owls face some challenges in finding food and a mate. We'll look at some of the characteristics that help owls be successful. And we'll determine where on the food chain owls fit when we dissect a pellet to see what these nighttime hunters are eating.