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Goat Watch!

Activity

Observe Behavior and Body Language

Find a comfortable spot near the boer goats and choose one to observe. Quietly watch one for 5–10 minutes. What is your goat doing? Are they walking, eating, playing, or resting? Do they interact with the other goats? Try to write down or draw at least five different behaviors you notice. Now ask yourself: Did your goat repeat any behaviors? Did they interact with other goats the same way each time? How did their body language change?

Science Seed

Welcome to the world of ethology: the scientific study of how animals behave! Just like humans, animals have routines, moods, and ways of communicating. Goats are social animals, and their body language, vocalizations, and actions all tell a story. Are they nibbling grass because they are hungry or bored? Are they head-butting to play, or to say “back off, buddy”? When scientists study behavior, they often use “ethograms,” charts that list different behaviors an animal might do. By watching closely and recording patterns, we can figure out if an animal is healthy, what kind of social life it has, or even how it feels. You are doing real animal research just like a field biologist!

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earn Badges

Badges can be earned through hands-on experiences within each of the 16 branches of science, or “Science Slices.” You can earn a badge in each branch of science by doing four activities in these categories. We also encourage participants to keep a Nature Journal to record their memories, and to express themselves creatively through writing or drawing after each activity. We recommend that each child (and parent if they’d like) write or draw in a journal after each activity, with expectations of your children that match their age (the goal is self-expression, not perfection).

Explore Perez Elementary School

join Families in Nature

It is our vision to inspire all families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists. Becoming a member of Families in Nature will give your family the opportunity to have adventures in nature, experience field science, develop as youth conservation leaders, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Memberships are free for everyone.

Who are we?

Families in Nature works to create opportunities for nature connection with the purpose of sparking a deep love and desire to protect, conserve and restore the environment. Our mission is to connect children and their families to nature and to each other through time spent learning, playing, and volunteering outdoors. It is our vision to inspire ALL families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists.

Perez Elementary School is named in honor of Lance Cpl. Nicholas S. Perez, who gave his life in service to his country. Perez is a supportive learning community with a focus on service. At Perez, we believe effort creates ability and all students will learn at high standards if they are given clear expectations, taught using best practices adapted to their unique needs and provided extra time and resources as needed. Perez students have numerous opportunities to serve their school, community and environment. They receive powerful instruction in the core curriculum areas, as well as in technology, art, music, physical education, and health.

This project was made possible by The Powell Foundation.