The Campbell County Environmental Education Center conducts school programs where youth interact with science through the environment. “Science—and therefore science education—is central to the lives of all Americans, preparing them to be informed citizens in a democracy and knowledgeable consumers.  If the nation is to compete and lead in the global economy and if American students are to be able to pursue expanding employment opportunities in science-related fields, all students must have a solid K–12 science education that prepares them for college and careers.” – www.nextgenscience.org

In September and early October 2018, 868 third and fourth grade students from 13 elementary schools attended field trips at the Environmental Education Center because “Environmental education increases public awareness and knowledge about environmental issues or problems. In doing so, it provides the public with the necessary skills to make informed decisions and take responsible action.” – United States Environmental Protection Agency. At these field trips, students learned about interdependent relationships in ecosystems, structures and functions of animals and plants, and energy which prepare them for Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) testing.  They investigated the structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction in plants and animals by witnessing live plants and animals like reptiles and raptors. Students observed these living animals to learn how they are able to use their perceptions and memories to guide their actions. They conducted investigations with renewable energy sources, including solar energy, and discussed where energy and fuels come from and distinguished renewable resources. Students visited ecosystems, took inventory, and described using adaptations as examples of why some organisms can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot survive at all in a particular habitat.

38 post field trip evaluations were submitted by teachers indicating that the lessons were highly effective and very beneficial to students’ education. Teachers commented, “This trip aligns perfectly with the 3^rd grade NGSS for plant and animal interdependence. It gives us the opportunity to affordably get out in nature and apply what we’ve learned.” – Johnson Elementary School 3^rd grade teacher, Fort Thomas, KY. “This trip was beneficial to students’ education because it allowed them to experience plants, animals, and physical science. Students might not have other opportunities to observe solar panels and wild animals. This trip also teaches students what scientist do. Great career connections – loved zoologist in training.” – Reiley Elementary School 4^th grade teachers, Alexandria, KY.  “The field trip was much more engaging than most of what we can do in the classroom. Many real world applications.” Crossroads Elementary School teacher, Cold Spring, KY. “This students were given a hands on experience into four units that are covered in the 4^th grade. The lessons are engaging and a great review or preview for what we are learning at school” – Lincoln Elementary 4^th grade teachers, Dayton, KY. “The lessons were also hands on and had visual aspects to it. The kids I think were able to understand the lessons better with the interactive aspect of the lessons.” – St. Therese School, Southgate, KY. “This makes science come to life” – Moyer Elementary School 4^th grade teacher, Fort Thomas, KY.