THE OUTSIDE IS A field trip program WONDERS OF THE WHITETAIL AND ALL OF THE OUTDOORS

TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE at the DEERASSIC PARK EDUCATION CENTER! Students will experience the wonders of the outdoors, use their senses to explore the woods and fields, and learn about Ohio’s state animal, the whitetail deer, all while having fun on the park’s beautiful 117 acres. Our mission is to reconnect youth with the outdoors and all of nature through our innovative and exciting educational programs. Students are divided into groups of no more than 15 students each and rotate through four learning stations to allow for a hands-on, quality outdoor learning experience. Our qualified presenters bring years of outdoor experience, knowledge and passion for the outdoors to inspire students in lifelong learning.

Field Trip Details

• Wonders of the Whitetail Students visit our live deer herd and learn fascinating facts about the whitetail deer, including its interrelationship with humans through history, and life cycle and habits.

• Take A Walk On The Wild Side An interpretive walk using all senses to explore the environment, including creek exploration, magnifying glasses, moment of silence, a brief lesson in outdoor safety, and a predator/prey riddle game.

• Oh, Deer! A fast-paced activity where students act out being deer in a population study exploring effects of limiting factors on a species within an environment.

• Eco-Explorers On this walk, students learn how ecosystems are interrelated, gain awareness of limited resources, and identify species.

THIS PROGRAM HELPS MEET THE FOLLOWING 5TH GRADE ACADEMIC CONTENT STANDARDS:

SCIENCE/EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCES

• Explain how the supply of many non-renewable resources is limited and can be extended through reducing, reusing and recycling but cannot be extended indefinitely.

• Investigate ways Earth’s renewable resources (fresh water, air, wildlife and trees) can be maintained.

SCIENCE/LIFE SCIENCES

• Trace the organization of simple food chains and food webs.

• Summarize that organisms can survive only in ecosystems in which their needs can be met (food, water, shelter, air, carrying capacity and waste disposal).

• Support how an organism’s patterns of behavior are related to the nature of that organism’s ecosystem, including the kinds and numbers of other organisms present, the availability of food and resources, and the changing physical characteristics of the ecosystem.

• Analyze how all organisms, including humans, cause changes in their ecosystems and how these changes can be beneficial, neutral or detrimental.

SCIENCE/SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

• Investigate positive and negative impacts of human activity and technology on the environment.

This program takes place entirely in the outdoors, and is seasonal. The program runs 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Students pack their own lunch. Please contact Program Director Toni Kellar at 740-435-3335 or tonikellar@deerassic.com  for scheduling. Cost is $5 per student. Financial assistance may be available.

Presented by The National Whitetail Deer Education Foundation

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve your school through our educational programs.

THE NATIONAL WHITETAIL DEER EDUCATION FOUNDATIONis a non-profit, independent organization dedicated to promoting respect and compassion for the whitetail deer through innovative educational programs.

The Foundation’s mission is to inspire lifelong learning and a sustained curiosity and respect of all the outdoors, for all ages, particularly youth.

The NWDEF supports the DEERASSIC PARK EDUCATION CENTER, 117 acres near Salt Fork State Park on US 22 east of Cambridge, Ohio. It is easily accessible and near the intersection of Interstates 70 and 77.

DEERASSIC PARK EDUCATION CENTER is home to a herd of spectacular whitetail deer and the location for field trips highlighting hands-on outdoor education. It will be the future home of the Ohio Whitetail Hall of Fame Museum.

The NWDEF annually presents the Deerassic Classic, a fundraising event that has drawn 15,000 people to the Foundation grounds.

The NWDEF was founded by Dean Ziegler, lifelong outdoorsman and nationally recognized expert on the whitetail deer. 

Our educational programs are designed to help you meet state Academic Content Standards in Science and Social Studies.