During the summer of 2024, the Boyle County Cooperative Extension Office, including the Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) Agent, embarked on an impactful partnership with local Family Resource and Youth Service Center Coordinators from both the Boyle County Public School System and the Danville Independent School System. This collaboration arose from a shared commitment to addressing educational needs and enriching the learning experiences of students in the community.
The partnership facilitated numerous meetings where staff from both the extension office and the school systems engaged in thoughtful discussions about the specific educational needs of students. They identified key areas of interest, particularly in wildlife and environmental education, and set out to develop engaging programs that would enhance students’ understanding of these subjects.
In a significant move to integrate practical learning experiences, the ANR Agent collaborated closely with 7th and 8th-grade science teachers at John W. Bate Middle School. This collaboration aimed to bring real-world applications of science into the classroom, making the learning process more interactive and meaningful. Recognizing the importance of hands-on learning, the ANR Agent organized a series of educational sessions focused on local wildlife and ecosystems.
To enrich these sessions, the ANR Agent reached out to a professor specializing in stream ecology and herpetology to borrow various live specimens for classroom presentations. This effort resulted in a fascinating array of animals, including a Corn Snake, Western Hognose Snake, American Toad, Eastern Box Turtle, and various salamanders. These specimens not only captivated the students’ attention but also provided a tangible connection to the concepts they were studying.
On August 30th and October 3rd, the ANR Agent delivered engaging presentations, showcasing the borrowed specimens and discussing their ecological roles in detail. Students were encouraged to interact with the specimens, fostering curiosity and a deeper appreciation for wildlife. Through these interactive lessons, students learned about the importance of biodiversity, the roles different species play in their ecosystems, and the need for conservation efforts. Between the two sessions 254 students were present.
The impact of these sessions was significant; 100% of the students present demonstrated an increase in their knowledge of wildlife and its ecological importance. This educational initiative not only enhanced the students’ understanding of science but also inspired a greater appreciation for the natural world around them. The success of the program underscored the value of community partnerships in enriching educational experiences and fostering a love for environmental stewardship among young learners.
