Some of the best lessons are learned live! Like when a hawk, falcon, and owl are perched just a few feet away.
Thanks to an Excellence in Education grant, every fourth-grade student at Kings Beach Elementary had the opportunity to experience science in an unforgettable way through a live presentation from Raptor Adventures. The classroom visit transformed concepts like ecosystems, adaptations, food webs, and conservation into something students could see, hear, and remember.
During the presentation, trained and licensed educators introduced students to live birds of prey, along with feathers, skulls, and owl pellets that helped bring each lesson to life. Students explored how internal and external structures help animals survive, learned about raptor behaviors, and discovered why these incredible birds play such an important role in healthy ecosystems.
Teacher Justin Ockinga integrated the visit into a broader cross-curricular unit, with students reading, writing, discussing, and building on their learning before, during, and after the presentation. By connecting science with language arts and collaborative academic conversations, students were able to deepen both their understanding and their curiosity.
Beyond the science standards, the grant created an engaging learning opportunity that reached students with a variety of learning styles and backgrounds. Seeing raptors up close sparked excitement, strengthened knowledge retention, and inspired conversations about wildlife conservation and environmental stewardship that extended well beyond the classroom.
With just $300, this grant provided every fourth grader at Kings Beach Elementary with an experience that turned abstract science concepts into lasting memories. It’s another example of how community support for Excellence in Education empowers teachers to create meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities that leave a lasting impact on students.
You can help us fund grants like these by donating here!