The Loveland Living Planet Aquarium’s Rainforest Van brought some serious "wow" factor to the classroom. The students didn't just learn about the rainforest—they practically lived it for an hour. Here is a recap of their wild Friday!
🐍 The stars of the show were definitely the animal ambassadors. It’s one thing to see a picture in a textbook, but it's a whole different experience to touch them. We had Tricolored Traveler: Students got up close and personal with a beautiful Kingsnake. These are classic "mimic" snakes, using their bright colors to look like more dangerous species while actually being quite gentle. The "Hissing" Guest: The kids met the Madagascar Hissing Cockroach (often called the African Cockroach). These guys are the "clean-up crew" of the forest floor. Despite the "ick" factor some adults might feel, the students looked incredibly brave as they reached out to touch their smooth, hard exoskeletons. The Multi-Legged Guest: Brave explorers got to touch a Giant Millipede. Seeing the kids' faces go from "unsure" to "fascinated" as they feel those tiny legs is always a highlight of these visits.
🌿 The presenters didn't just talk at the kids; they got them moving! The whole class has their arms high in the air. This is a classic exercise to demonstrate the Layers of the Rainforest, likely mimicking the tall trees of the Emergent Layer or the thick Canopy. You can see the "Layers of the Rainforest" banner in the background, helping the students visualize where their new animal friends live—from the dark, damp forest floor to the sunny treetops.
💡 Programs like the Rainforest Van are incredible because they foster empathy for wildlife at a young age. By touching a snake or a millipede, these students are replacing fear with curiosity and respect for the natural world.