Kohl’s Wild Theater Teacher Packet

Wild Wisconsin

Photos by ZSM/Richard Brodzeller

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Table of Contents

What is Kohl’s Wild Theater? ............................................................. 1

General Overview of Wild Wisconsin .................................................. 2

Animal Information ............................................................................ 4

Discussion Questions and Activities .................................................... 6

About the Artists ................................................................................ 7

What is Kohl’s Wild Theater?

Kohl’s Wild Theater (KWT) is made possible by a partnership among Kohl's Cares, the

Milwaukee County Zoo, and the Zoological Society of Milwaukee. This program provides

conservation-themed theater performances using drama, songs, and puppetry to children and

their families both at the Milwaukee County Zoo and within our community. Since 2011, Kohl’s

Cares has committed $2.5 million to bring these performances to area schools.

The KWT outreach program, a division of the Zoological Society’s Conservation Education

Department, offers 4 different shows about a variety of topics. Our plays and musicals are

approximately 30-45 minutes long, performed by professional actors, and include stories about

animals and environmental conservation. KWT performances are very similar to attending a play

at a traditional theater, but there will be many times when the audience can be a part of the show

through group participation. There will not be time during the performance for the actors to go

over curriculum or to review information. After the performance, if time permits, the actors will

take a few minutes to answer questions from the audience. Please note, there are no live

animals in KWT shows.

All of our performances are developed for an elementary school audience. Elements of our

shows are entertaining for adults and younger children, but the educational information presented

is targeted for grades 1-5.

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Wild Wisconsin

Summary

This 40-minute performance includes two 15-minute plays about animals found right here in

Wisconsin. The first play, The Mysterious Case of the Disappearing Bees, follows detective Jo

Appletree as s/he helps a honey bee in search of her missing colony. Appletree travels around

Milwaukee and gets some help from B-Fly the butterfly (probably the coolest butterfly you will

ever meet), a queen bee, and an entomologist. Audiences learn about the real-life mystery of

disappearing bees (colony collapse disorder) and what they can do to help these important

pollinators in their own neighborhood.

The second play, The Great Wisconsin Zoo-per Bowl, is based on an imaginary football game in

which animals from different Wisconsin habitats “compete.” A whooping crane from the

wetlands referees the match and keeps the crowd “ka-rooing” for more excitement. The two

players in this game are a wolf from the forest and a badger from the prairie. Audiences learn

about how these animals are adapted to survive in their natural habitats. But who will win the

game? If we do our part to protect Wisconsin’s habitats, everyone wins.

In addition to these two 15-minute plays, there is also a 5-minute puppet show about the ornate

box turtle and what the Milwaukee County Zoo has done to conserve this local endangered

species through a “Head Start Program.”

Target Age Range

Most appropriate for grades 1-5 and families with children of all ages.

Theater Etiquette

Before the performance, please take a moment to review good theater etiquette with your

students. It is important that students are respectful to the actors during the show. It is a good

idea to remind students not to talk during the performance, but encourage them to participate

when directed to do so by the actors.

Educational Concepts

Bees and Butterflies:

- Bees and butterflies are important pollinators and can be found in Wisconsin.

- Pollination is the process of transferring pollen from one plant to another. This process

gives plants the ability to reproduce.

- Bees are exceptionally good pollinators because their bodies make contact with a flower

when they walk across it. A lot of pollen can attach to a bee’s body as it travels from

flower to flower. Bees also collect excess pollen to store in their hive during the winter.

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- Honey bee hives include a queen bee. The queen lays all of the eggs for a hive. The

queen mates with male "drone" bees and the hive is constructed and maintained by

female "worker" bees. If a bee colony is failing or “collapsing” (see below for

information on colony collapse disorder) beekeepers often find only a queen bee left

behind and uncared for. - An entomologist is a scientist that studies insects. In 2006, entomologists began to notice

a phenomenon called “colony collapse disorder” (CCD). CCD is defined by the sudden

disappearance of all bees from a hive. Entomologists and other scientists are still unsure

of the exact cause of CCD. Likely contributors include the use of pesticides, the transfer

of diseases between bees, and their lack of access to native plants and flowers.

- Children can help bees from home by planting many different types of flowers in their

backyard or neighborhood. The best plants for local bees are species native to Wisconsin,

such as goldenrods, milkweeds, and sunflowers. For a more comprehensive list, see

www.xerces.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/xerces_bee_plants_upper_midwest.pdf.

Ornate Box Turtle Conservation:

- The ornate box turtle is an endangered species found in Wisconsin.

- Most ornate box turtles in the wild are eaten by predators in their first year. Other threats

include cars, loss of habitat, and people illegally taking the turtles as pets. - The Milwaukee County Zoo has helped increase the number of wild ornate box turtles

through a program called “Head Start.” In this program, ornate box turtle eggs are

collected from the wild and incubated at the Zoo. When the eggs hatch, the babies are fed

in a way that allows them to grow faster than they would in the wild. In just ten months,

the turtles grow to the size of a five year old turtle in the wild. The turtles are then

released back into the wild. Since they are far larger after their “head start”, there is less

risk that they will be eaten by predators.

Wisconsin Habitats:

- Wisconsin is home to many different habitats, including forests, prairies, bogs,

grasslands, sand dunes, rocky shorelines, cliffs, meadows, and more.

- Many animals have physical and behavioral characteristics (adaptations) that allow them

to survive in specific environments. Some adaptations are listed in the “Featured

Animals” section of this study guide.

- One of the most endangered habitats found in Wisconsin is the oak savanna. Oak

savannas are characterized by open grassland with oak trees scattered across it.

- Areas of Wisconsin’s wetland, forest, and prairie habitats are at risk due to human

encroachment. As habitat areas shrink, it becomes harder for some of Wisconsin’s native

animals to survive over time.

- Kids can help by volunteering for conservation organizations that assist in habitat

restoration. Further information can be found on page 6.

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Featured Animals

Bees (Apinae):

- There are over 20,000 species of known

bees across the globe and they can be found

on every continent except Antarctica. - The common honey bee (Apis mellifera) is a

European species that was brought to

North America by European settlers.

Many honey bees are now moved around the country by commercial beekeepers that rent

bee hives to farmers to assist in crop pollination. - Honey bees live in colonies. A colony of bees consists of a queen bee, worker bees

(female) and drones (male). When a hive becomes too crowded, the queen will leave the

hive with some of the other bees to create a new colony. Others will stay behind and a

new queen will be instated. Most honey bees in a colony will hibernate during the winter. - Bumble bees are different from honey bees. Bumble bees store pollen, but not as much as

honey bees. Bumble bees are larger than honey bees and are particularly good at

pollinating crops because of “buzz pollination.”

- Buzz pollination occurs when a bumble bee attaches its jaws to a flower and vibrates its

wings. This action is an effective way to release pollen from many different kinds of

plants.

Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus):

- Monarch butterflies are one of the most recognizable butterflies in North

America, but they can also be found around the globe.

- There are about 17,500 different species of butterflies found across the

world. Butterflies can be found on every continent except Antarctica.

- Many butterflies survive by drinking nectar from flowers. Butterflies

pollinate flowers, plants, and crops as they fly from one flower to another.

Ornate Box Turtle (Terrapene ornata):

- Ornate box turtles are omnivores that spend most of their time on land away from water.

- Ornate box turtles are recognizable by the distinct yellow markings on their

shell.

- Ornate box turtles are endangered in Wisconsin. As humans move closer to

the turtles’ habitat, there is increased risk that the turtles could be hit by a car

or illegally taken as a pet.

Honey bee (left) and bumble bee (right).

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Gray Wolf (Canis lupus):

- The gray wolf, sometimes called the timber wolf, can be found in the central and northern

forests of Wisconsin. A wolf pack’s territory can range from 20-80 square miles.

- Gray wolves are adapted to be excellent runners. They have wide feet and when they run,

their feet walk in a straight line. This is different from domestic dogs, which walk with

their feet going side by side.

- Gray wolves have 42 sharp teeth with jaws powerful enough to crush bone. This is

helpful when hunting animals such as deer, beavers, rabbits, and other small mammals.

- Gray wolves define their territory by leaving scent marks. Scent posts are created by

wolves urinating on trees, much like pet dogs scent-mark fire hydrants.

- By the end of the 1950s, wolves had been completely hunted out of Wisconsin. In 1974,

the wolf was given protection under the Endangered Species Act. A small population of

Minnesota wolves was then able to slowly migrate back into Wisconsin. By 2004, wolves

were no longer considered endangered in Wisconsin. In 2012, federal protections were

dropped as the gray wolf population is no longer at risk of extinction.

American Badger (Taxidea taxus):

- Badgers are native to Wisconsin and can be found in prairies,

grasslands, or other open areas with loose soil.

- Badgers are well adapted for digging in the ground. They have long

claws and inner eyelids to keep dirt out of their eyes.

- Badgers are carnivorous and will eat small animals found underground such as rodents,

ground squirrels, lizards, other small animals and bee hives.

- Like its relative the skunk, a badger has a scent gland that can release a strong odor. The

badger uses this smell to detour threats from people or predators.

Whooping Crane (Grus americana):

- The whooping crane is one of the most endangered birds in North America. In

the 1940s it was estimated that only 15 whooping cranes existed in the wild.

Today there are about 600 whooping cranes. - Some whooping cranes live in the wetlands of Wisconsin during the warm

months, then migrate south for the winter. Whooping cranes have long legs,

which make them well adapted to find food in shallow wetland habitats. - Whooping cranes are excellent at making noise. They make a “ka-roo”

sound that can be heard for two miles. - In an effort to reintroduce whooping cranes to the wild, scientists “dress

up” as cranes (see image) and teach young captive-hatched cranes how to

survive by demonstrating what an adult bird does to “imprinted” birds. An adult whooping crane (above) and a

juvenile whooping crane being taught to

survive in the wild by a scientist (below).

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Post-Performance Discussion Questions: 1) In The Mysterious Case of the Disappearing Bees, detective Appletree was trying to figure

out why the bees were disappearing. What would the world be like if there were no bees?

Would our lifestyle have to change? What would we need to do differently if we didn’t

have bees to help us?

2) In the show, we learned about how the Milwaukee County Zoo has worked to protect

ornate box turtles through a “Head Start program” (more information is on page three of

this study guide). Ornate box turtles are endangered and native to Wisconsin. Can you

think of any other animals that are endangered? Why do you think that animal is at risk?

Can you think of something scientists could do to help that species? Is there anything you

could do to help from home?

3) In The Great Wisconsin Zoo-per Bowl we learned about many different habitats found in

Wisconsin. How many different habitats have you visited? How many different kinds have

you found in Wisconsin? How many other types have you seen outside of the state? How

were these habitats similar? How were they different? Can you think of what types of

animals were best suited to live in those habitats?

Activities:

1) Design a garden. Each student can go home and look for a location in their backyard or

neighborhood where they could plant a garden (this could include a windowsill garden).

Research which native flowers could be planted and what they would need to survive. If

you take a trip to the Milwaukee County Zoo then you could get some tips by visiting our

butterfly gardens found in the farm area. Or try this link from the UW-Extension master

gardening program: http://milwaukee.uwex.edu/files/2010/05/BflyHabGardng05091.pdf

2) Organize a park clean-up day. If a local park isn’t accessible to the class, you can also clean

up a playground or other outdoor area.

3) Research a conservation organization that works to protect local animals and habitats. See

list below for some suggestions.

Suggested conservation organizations that help protect Wisconsin’s animals

and habitats:

- Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation: www.xerces.org

- The Wisconsin Master Gardener Program: http://wimastergardener.org/

- Milwaukee Riverkeeper: www.mkeriverkeeper.org

- Savanna Oak Foundation: http://oaksavannas.org/

- Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin: http://www.wisconservation.org/

- The Zoological Society of Milwaukee: www.zoosociety.org/conservation

For more information on Kohl’s Wild Theater, you can see our

website at wildtheater.org or email us at kwt@zoosociety.org.

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About the Artists

MELANIE WEHRMACHER (Playwright) has written a significant body of work for museum

theatre as a writer for the Science Museum of Minnesota, the Central Park and Bronx Zoos, and

the NY Hall of Science. Other writing credits include Reminiscences (Jackson Rep), The Mail

Play (Looking Glass), The New York Times (Baobab Groove), Experiment (Secret Theatre), and

her solo shows Trip (Provincetown Playhouse), and Hotdish with a Hot Dish (Creative Center.)

Awards include the Jig Cook Playwriting Award, Sam French Festival semi-finalist, a Field

Work residency, and Best New Play (KC/ACTF). Ms. Wehrmacher is a member of the

Dramatists Guild of America.

JOHN TANNER (Composer/Sound Designer) is one of the principals of Tanner-Monagle,

with years of experience in scoring, arranging and music composition for television, radio,

industrial video and theatre. His commercial music has won numerous awards, including Golden

Reel Awards; Telly Awards; national, regional and local American Advertising Federation

“Addys.” He has written original scores and designed sound for theatrical productions at the

Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, Yale Repertory Theatre, American Player’s Theatre, Cincinnati

Playhouse in the Park, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, First Stage Milwaukee and many others.

DAVE MCLELLAN (Director) joined the Zoological Society in 2010 to begin development of

Kohl’s Wild Theater. Since that time, Dave has directed 13 original plays and musicals for the

Zoo, as well as many short skits and exhibit interactions. Prior to moving to Milwaukee, Dave

spent a year working as a conservation educator for the Walt Disney Company in Orlando, FL.

Before moving to FL, he was a company member and assistant director with the Wildlife

Theater, performing regularly at the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo and Queens Zoo in NYC.

Other selected theater credits include the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Ford’s

Theater, Round House Theater, Imagination Stage, Surflight Theater, Capital Repertory Theatre,

Cape Rep Theatre, and Universal Studios Florida. Dave now resides in Wauwatosa with his wife,

Mary, and two children, Angela and Johnny.

STEVE BARNES (Set/Props Designer) is a Racine-based set designer who has designed for

the Milwaukee Rep, First Stage Children’s Theatre, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Renaissance

Theatreworks, In Tandem Theatre, as well as Lawrence University and the Racine Theatre Guild.

Steve holds an MFA in Scenic Design from Purdue University.

ANDREA BOUCK (Costume Designer) is a recent MFA graduate in costume design from the

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She now manages the Costume Shop at First Stage

Children's Theatre in addition to designing costumes for other area theaters.

THE ACTORS - KWT employs numerous professional actors that perform many different roles

in our various shows. Casting changes with each performance, but if you want to learn more about

each individual actor you can see their bios at http://www.wildtheater.org.