Biology Farm Camp: For Curious Kids

"How do you tell a girl earwig from a boy earwig?" At first I thought my daughter was telling a joke but no, she had the answer! The kids had found an earwig during Biology Farm Camp and so teacher-biologist-farmer Kat shared some interesting tidbits about the insect. And that's not the only living thing my kids will look at differently after spending five hours on the farm with Kat!

I stopped the campers as they left, to ask for one interesting thing they had learned. One eight-year old had to whisper because she wanted to tell her mom everything on the car ride home - "Birds are reptiles!" she told me, and gave a huge grin as she ran off. That was definitely a favorite. As the young farmers fed the chickens and checked for eggs, Kat explained how feathers evolved from scales, and pointed out the scale-y feet, the eyelids that blink up instead of down, and how they lay eggs like reptiles. (If you are a chicken-lover, that may take time to digest.) As they said 'good morning' to the horses, they learned that these large, majestic mammals used to be as small as a medium-sized dog. And they had five toes I was informed, along with an explanation for why and how they evolved to the hooves we are familiar with. Sweet Tristan, the resident donkey, brought the conversation to donkeys and mules. ​

Learning about wings and how to clip the flight feathers.

The day didn't just focus on the evolution of various farm animals. The Periodic Table is relevant on the farm as well, and Kat had the kids using pH strips to test acidity. I was informed that saliva is basic, and so is the inside of a horse's nose. I'll bet most people don't know that. These kids have learned some great conversation starters!​

Testing pH around the farm.

Farm chores woven with interesting information, pH testing, and a scavenger hunt; the day brought to life a whole new side of the farm. More information means more questions, but I'm okay with that. Now I have to go look for a picture of a 'zorse,' because this is the first I've heard of one!

There will be another Biology on the Farm Camp on July 14th. Just sayin'! (You can check out the Summer schedule for camps and classes here!)

Our guest blogger Sarah Cody is an educator, family herbalist, and homeschooling mother of three young girls that never run out of questions. Her family has been enjoying Laughing Buck Farm for at least five years now - from the orchard to the garden, coop to stables. This year she is managing the garden on the farm, growing vegetables as well as culinary and medicinal herbs. You can find her online at www.BirthPlayLove.com