Overcoming Fear. Reason for the program Fears right here and now

Transcription

1 Barbara Croonquist Joshua Hammari

2 Overcoming Fear Reason for the program Fears right here and now

3 What is Reptile JEOPARDY? Zoo-type animal presentation Added game show twist = evaluation One-on-one interaction with animals

4 Program Goals Friendly BLM introduction with a WOW factor Foster reptile appreciation Elicit respect and safe behavior around reptiles

5 Audience Originally developed for inner-city kids age 8-12 Now used with a variety of ages and in a variety of settings Ideal: 1 class of kids, grades 2-6

6 Key to Success: Know your audience!

7 Supply List: Live reptiles, replicas, pictures Table & Tablecloth Recycle bin Display board Category headers (laminated or in page protectors) Point sheets (5-100pt, 5-200pt, 1-300pt, laminated or in page protectors) Push pins or tacks Color card sets Bell Paper and pencil for keeping score Misc. props or pictures (never too much snake shed) Hand sanitizer

8 Setup: Table with branded tablecloth Put reptiles out of sight Set up backboard and close it Arrange any additional props Bring an assistant, if possible Seat students with walking space between rows

9 Presentation Introduction to BLM Tell the audience about the game to be played and to listen for answers in the talk 2 main characteristics of reptiles Talk about native vs. non-native Animal Etiquette 101 (if touching animals)

10 Presentation (continued) Bring out animals one-at-a-time (touch or no touch) If Jeopardy! is not played, show extra animals Play Jeopardy! OR one-on-one interaction with animals

11 Tips & Tricks Encourage audience interaction, but maintain control Never force a person to touch an animal or tease them for not touching an animal Ask lots of questions get your audience thinking

12 Tips & Tricks (Continued) Relate similarities and differences between reptiles and humans to stimulate understanding Use live animals, but also use interesting props such as skeletons or snake skin Keep your program moving Desert tortoise hibernate and are then unavailable. Use this as a learning opportunity, and substitute with props

13 Let s Play Jeopardy! How it s done Divide group into 2 teams Pass out colored cards so each team has a match of each card Choose an adult judge/scorekeeper Explain game instructions (see handout) When playing Reptile Jeopardy!, make sure team discussions are quiet enough so answers are not revealed to the other team Watch for bullying. Keep the game lighthearted and encourage contestants.

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15 Program Variation 1 Situation: Kids are young Solution: Instead of Reptile Jeopardy!, present a reptile show-and-tell with animal interaction during the presentation or afterwards. Another option is to assemble kids in a circle and let the animals behave naturally within the circle. This can work for older kids too.

16 Program Variation 2 Situation: Group is too large or out of control Solution: Assess if Reptile Jeopardy! or animal interaction will work during the program. If you can get extra help, then bring all animals out at the end of the program for one-on-one interaction.

17 Program Variation 3 Situation: Group is too advanced in their knowledge Solution: Go ahead and play Reptile Jeopardy! and test their skills. Be Flexible!

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19 Conclusion We have found that animals represent a strong language without speaking. They have enabled us to create memorable interactions with visitors and groups who otherwise would not remember the Bureau of Land Management. We have also fostered an appreciation for a class of animals that many fear due to myth and misunderstanding by encouraging positive and knowledgeable interaction with the creatures themselves.

20 Thank you! Barbara Croonquist Bureau of Land Management California Desert District Joshua Hammari Bureau of Land Management California State Office