Smithsonian's National Zoo Live Web Cams
3/23/25
Mackenzie Regan
Today I took a virtual field trip to Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute Live Web Cams. They have live cams of the pandas, naked mole rats, lions, and elephants at their park. As an animal lover, I absolutely loved it and recommend it! I spent some time on each of the cams, as well as the different angles for each animal. I unfortunately didn't see the lions, but I did see the pandas, elephants, and naked mole rats. It is so intriguing to watch these animals in their habitats, blissfully unaware of their audience! The naked mole rat was running around, sniffing, and scratching. He reminded me of my pet guinea pig. The elephants seem to be enjoying just standing, swaying their trunks back and forth. I watched a panda bear eat a plant for a while, and then really quickly climb a tree. I was so surprised at how quickly he climbed it. If you zoom into the right rocks in the picture below you can see the panda eating the plants!
As an animal lover, I am obsessed with this virtual activity. It is definitely something I will use as an educator in my classroom as well. I feel watching these live cameras of animals would definitely bring joy to my students, and I can even use it as a Fun Friday or positive incentive activity. It would also be great for a unit about wildlife conservation, which I did my Global Goals lesson plan on. I definitely recommend anyone reading to take a few minutes and go check this website out!
I wrote my blog on this museum and I didn't see this part! It sounds so interesting, and I like your idea of using it as a reward like a fun Friday! This could be something the students can look forward and would enjoy working toward especially for younger grade bands!
ReplyDeleteMy blog was on the San Diego Zoo, so I am happy to be able to learn about another zoo's live cameras through your blog! That panda is adorable and it is cool to see him eat because the pandas through my blog are being cute and just relaxing. I also liked your idea on implementing virtual tours in a class for "fun fridays" to allow students to enjoy exploring the world we live in!
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