The Campbell County Environmental Education Center conducts school programs where youth interact with science through the environment.  Arne Duncan, former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education, indicates, “Right now, in the second decade of the 21^st century, preparing our students to be good environmental citizens is some of the most important work any of us can do.  It is for our children and our children’s children, and generation yet to come.”

In September and early October 2017, 1027 third and fourth grade students from 15 elementary schools attended field trips at the Environmental Education Center because “there is a mountain of evidence that environmental education is a powerful way to teach students.  Over 100 studies found that it provides transformative learning opportunities that bring tremendous results and engage young people in the world around them in meaningful, collaborative ways.” – Dr. Nicole Ardoin, Stanford University Graduate School of Education and Woods Institute for the Environment.  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.

48 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 to 3^rd grade NGSS for plant and animal interdependence and is our only opportunity for practical application of the standards in the real world.  The hands-on activities and experiencing different ecosystems truly impacts learning.” – Johnson Elementary School 3^rd grade teachers, Fort Thomas, KY.  “Students get to see animals up close, when they may not get this chance anywhere else.  Always very useful to help bring our standards more to life!  The use of vocabulary is very intentional and purposeful.  The activities helped the students to understand and apply each concept.” – Crossroads Elementary 4^th grade teachers, Alexandria, KY.  “Today we covered 4 units. The students were engaged in content that would take half a year to teach.” – Lincoln Elementary 4^th grade teacher, Dayton, KY.  “Presenting students with authentic experiences leaves such memorable impressions upon students’ minds.  I can tell that you have thoughtfully planned lessons that align to NGSS.” – Grandview Elementary 4^th grade teacher, Belleuve, KY.  The field trip was beneficial to students’ education because it, “encouraged possible career choices”. – Grant’s Lick Elementary teacher, Grant’s Lick, KY.  The lessons further aligned with our school’s curriculum because they, “offered career ideas for students who like science.” – Silver Grove Elementary 4^th grade teacher, Silver Grove, KY.