Science Standards – Post-Visit Activities
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After your visit to LondonDairy Alpaca Ranch, we suggest having your students complete some of the following activities to integrate, apply and synthesize the knowledge gained from the visit with their present class and other subject areas, stimulate creative thinking, questioning, and problem solving. Educators, please adjust these accordingly to adapt to your particular students and their unique needs.
Elementary level students
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Draw a picture of an alpaca. Label some of the important physical features of an alpaca that make it different from other kinds of animals.
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What kinds of special adaptations do alpacas have to help them survive in the mountains and on grasslands?
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What is a “cria”? What is special about it? About how much should it weigh at birth? Are there ever twin crias?
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What kinds of tools and technology does an alpaca rancher need and why?
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Discuss and give examples of the “flight or fight” response in animals. How does it apply to alpacas? What is meant by “herd mentality?” How does it help alpacas to survive?
Middle/ Junior High level students
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What are some of the unique characteristics of alpacas? Make a T-chart or Venn diagram to compare and contrast alpacas with other domesticated or farm animals.
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Alpacas are “camelids.” What other animals are they related to? How are alpacas similar and different from other camelids?
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Alpacas are referred to as “herd” animals. What does this mean? What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a “herd” animal.
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What does the word “gestation” mean? What is the gestation period for an alpaca? How does this compare to a human?
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What kinds of tools or technology does an alpaca ranch would need and why?
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Name at least three ways science is used daily in alpaca ranching.
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Why are alpaca ranchers very concerned with genetics?
High School students
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Alpacas are uniquely adapted to their native South American environment. What are some of those adaptations? How do those help or hinder them in Wisconsin’s climate?
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Alpacas are “camelids”. What unique characteristics do camelids share? What other animals are they closely related to? What differentiates alpacas from other camelids?
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How does alpaca ranching affect local ecosystems?
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Alpacas do not have an estrus cycle. What is this? What is the benefit of not having one? What does it mean to be an “on demand breeder?” As an alpaca rancher, how must this issue be managed?
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How is technology is used daily in alpaca ranching? What are some important tools routinely used on the ranch and why?
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Make an individual list and then a class list of how science is used daily in alpaca ranching. What kinds of science-based decisions are made on an alpaca ranch?
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Would alpaca ranching be a possible career for you? Why or why not. Make a T-chart or Venn diagram to evaluate the positives and negatives of being an alpaca rancher.
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How does genetics play a big role in alpaca ranching? What are some areas of concern and attention in genetics related to alpacas?
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Research: what are some current bio-ethical issues in alpaca ranching?