Teaching first graders

Environmental Science students hosted first graders from Prairie View Elementary School in a morning of interactive learning at the Bethany wetlands.

The first-graders, who are studying habitats, rotated through four stations where they learned about different aspects of wetlands:

In the water study, Bethany students collected water samples and helped Prairie View students identify the different aquatic life present: insects such as dragonfly and damselfly nymphs, leeches, aquatic snails, tadpoles, and various plants.

Another group walked around the wetlands discovering the different plants and animals that live nearby. They found a nest of duck eggs, red-winged blackbirds, and inspected cattails growing along the water’s edge.

A third group used a hula hoop to designate an area of ground to examine more closely what kinds of flowers and insects were using this area.

A fourth group played games that helped them learn about predators and migration.

The exercise was mutually beneficial for both groups. While Prairie View students were learning about their natural world, Bethany students practiced leadership and teaching skills while reinforcing what they have already learned. Environmental Science teacher Amy Thut says, “We learn best by teaching others. Our classes have benefited from numerous guest speakers and field trips, so hosting Prairie View students was a way for us to give back to the community. It was delightful to see the enthusiasm of young children observing the natural world.”