Students participating in education program.

Submitted by: John Bilotta, University of Minnesota Extension Educator, Carlton County, (952) 361-1828

It is not surprising that in today’s classroom there is an integration of science, math, chemistry and other principles into teaching around the topics of the environment and natural resource communities we live and interact in. Education in these areas is often supported by experiences outside the traditional classroom. In fact, over 75% of the counties in Minnesota support environmental field day programs involving students in grades 4-6. The impact to thousands of students has led to a new initiative in developing these programs around the Best Practices for Environment Field Days.

One such program is the “World of Wetlands and Water Education Program” developed in Carver County. This program debuted this past fall with an entirely new focus on wetlands and water. Using the Best Practices as a guide, a program and curriculum was developed that provided education and experience for students related to the interactions of wetlands and water.

The Program had four education modules developed around the following areas:

• Wetland Functions and Values
• Wetland Plant Inventories & Identification
• Water Quality Monitoring
• Wetland Plant Adaptation and Traditional Uses

Each module had unique learning goals and objectives and interactive learning activities for the students to perform. The program was held on and around the Green Heron Bog at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. One of the overriding ideas was that, as students spent the day circumnavigating the bog, they learned more and more about the interactions and elements of this wetland and its hydrology. By the end of their experience, it was hoped they would have a greater understanding not only of water, but of how the system works and functions, as well as the importance of this system to almost all walks of life.

Students participating in education program.

Over 420 sixth-graders participated in the journey from September 20-24, 2004. Many of the students continued their experience back in the classroom through a variety of methods, including designing wetland puzzle posters, writing essays, and the standard classroom testing procedure.

The program is coordinated by the University of Minnesota Extension Service with an extensive list of local and state partners. If you would like more information about this program, you can contact John Bilotta at the contact address information listed above. There are many programs like this one all over the state. To find out if programs like this are available in your watershed or local area— contact your Extension Regional Center. If you are a part of lake or watershed association— there may be ways for you to support activities like these or get involved yourself.

Enriching the science curriculum of K-12 education will lead to better educated citizens of tomorrow. Programs like this also complement the adult education opportunities the Extension Service provides through its Shoreland Education Program. Combined, the impacts will be better informed citizens and hopefully more responsible use of the natural environment around us, including the shores of Minnesota’s lakes and rivers.

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