“Environmental education is a process that allows individuals to explore environmental issues, engage in problem solving, and take action to improve the environment. As a result, individuals develop a deeper understanding of environmental issues and have the skills to make informed and responsible decisions.” – United States Environmental Protection Agency. In September and early October of 2019, the Campbell County Extension Agent for Natural Resources conducted 16 school field trips at the Campbell County Environmental Education Center.  1017 second, third, fourth, and seventh grade students learned about animal structures, functions, and roles in ecosystems by interacting with live raptors and reptiles.   They experimented with solar powered devices and learned about renewable and non-renewable resources. The importance of plants to humans as oxygen producers, foods, and medicines were reinforced through a plant identification scavenger hunt in the wetland area.  24 Northern Kentucky University (NKU) college students in an Orientation to Environmental Careers Course were provided with an overview of an environmental educator’s career pathway and tour of the Center.  The lessons during the field trips focused on Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Kentucky Academic Standards.

49 teachers completed post-field trip evaluations. They overwhelming rated the value of the field trips as highly effective. Commenting, “It is unbelievable how well this trip fits with our interdependency unit. We could never reenact the ecosystem information in the classroom.” “Alignment to 3^rd grade NGSS is perfect.” – Johnson Elementary School, 3^rd grade teachers.  “I thought the lessons went above and beyond our school’s curriculum.  I really liked the solar energy lesson and the solar powered toys the kids played with.  This would be a great idea for our new STEAM lab.” – St. Therese School, 4^th grade teacher.  “Students can recall their experiences today when we learn this content later in the school year.”  “Students were very engaged and asked lots of questions.  Seeing living things in their own habitat is important for students to learn how to care for the environment and protect living things.”  “The focus on caring for the environment helps students become responsible citizens.” – Reiley Elementary School 4^th grade teachers.

NKU college students said, “This job is about constant improvement of self.  Teaching kids the wonders of nature would be a fulfilling aspect of this job. I think I would enjoy working at an education center.”  “This helped me realize that in this career there is a lot of working with the community that goes on and you really work with them and make the area better.  It isn’t about what you do personally, it’s about how you get others involved that will make a lasting impact.”