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Partnerships are Key to Starting Environmental Education Program at Prime Hook NWR
Northeast Region, May 3, 2005
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Bugs? Creepy-crawlies? No?we?re talking about INSECTS! Nearly 100 second-graders from H.O. Brittingham Elementary School in Milton, Delaware became young entomologists on May 3rd and 4th, 2005 when they participated in the newly developed educational program on insects at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge. Using the framework of the State of Delaware curriculum standards, this pilot program encouraged students to become scientists by collecting insects in several habitats including a creek, open field, and forest. As real-life scientists do, students then participated in a discussion that allowed them to record their observations and compare and contrast various insects using field guides. One student wrote in their evaluation of the course, ?I learned how to be a scientist? and another student talked to the cameraman from a local CBS affiliate, WBOC-TV16 about her experiences on the refuge. The insect program for second grade students is a pilot program that will serve as a model to develop additional educational programs in the future. Prior to this project, field trips were conducted on an as needed basis. Nearly a year ago, we began strategizing ways to provide a high quality educational program to local students that focused on natural resource topics, adhered to the state curriculum standards, and provided a sound message about our National Wildlife Refuge System. Partnerships played a significant role in the development of this initial program including the Environmental Careers Organization (ECO), Cape Henlopen School District, Friends of Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Volunteers of Prime Hook, Milford Lions Club, and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. More specifically, Lindsey Kneten, who interned at Prime Hook through the ECO program, was instrumental in kick starting the program, making key contacts with local school districts, and scheduling meetings to begin program development. Linda Gregory, who serves as the Coalition Science Specialist with the Cape Henlopen School District, offered valuable insight about the state curriculum standards and shepherded the program to its success. The Friends of Prime Hook continued their support for environmental education by paying for the transportation fees of the students and also providing additional financial support for materials such as field guides, nets, collecting jars, and other equipment. Members of the Friends and volunteer group at Prime Hook including Glenn Garner, Rob Craig, Sally Fintel, Joyce Lindsay, and Lou Archdeacon were instrumental in every step of the way in the development of this program. And this program would not have been successful without the volunteers who trained and led these students to discovering the world of insects. They include: Lou Archdeacon, Jane Brandt, Jean Charles, Jane Cox, Rob Craig, George Ford, Glenn Garner, Joyce Lindsay, Lucy & Tom Mehl, and June Connor. The Milton Lions Club also provided financial support for materials. This insect program will again serve as a model for future programs focusing on a wide range of topics. We are currently evaluating the program, making necessary adjustments, and eagerly anticipating the preparation of our next topic. As for now, we are celebrating our accomplishments!

Contact Info: Jennifer Lapis, (413) 253-8303, jennifer_lapis@fws.gov



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