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Jeremy Gaston/Herald-Chronicle
Osage City and Marais des Cygnes Valley sixth-graders participated
in the Earth Awareness Researchers for Tomorrow's Habitat (EARTH)
program provided by the Osage County Conservation District and Osage
County’s K-State Extension office April 23 in Osage City.
Participating teachers were provided science experiments and supplies
to use throughout the school year. Each year in April, an EARTH
festival is held, with activities focused on reinforcing conservation
and environmental concepts.
This year’s participants were able to learn about the earth
with the Earth Balloon portable classroom. The Earth Balloon is
one of the largest and most accurate globes in the world. Students
enter the 20-foot diameter balloon through a zipper at the International
Date Line in the Pacific Ocean. The presenter provided information
on geography, earth science, environmental science and places in
the news.
Participants also learned about water properties, aquifers, animal
habitats, migration, and how to identify trees and tree seeds. Emporia
Zoo staff displayed a screech owl, ornate box turtle and a snake
for students to learn about and touch.
Funding for the program is through an Environmental Protection Agency
grant in conjunction with Kansas Department of Health and Environment
and K-State Research and Extension. This is the third year the program
has been offered.
For more information about the EARTH program, call the Osage County
Conservation District at (785) 828-3458. |
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