GROUNDWATER EDUCATION STARTS WITH STUDENTS
Extension Education
Brian Haller
CEA-STAFF CHAIR
University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service
SEARCY
Abstract
Groundwater education starts with teaching students the concepts of groundwater and its importance to all of society. School enrichment programs have been successful for many years in teaching students the importance of many subjects. Groundwater education is a perfect fit for school enrichment programming. Most schools have frameworks to guide curriculum and groundwater education is a subject that will fit most frame works in science. Seventh and eighth grade students were taught using three different methods. The methods included lecture, demonstration and problem solving. An Power Point© presentation was developed to explain and illustrate groundwater and it’s concepts. The use of a groundwater model was incorporated to demonstrate how groundwater flows and how easily it can be polluted. The third method used, involved curriculum from the Project Wet book. It involved a scenario of a town being mysteriously poisoned from contaminated groundwater. The students worked in groups to solve the mystery based upon facts given. The activity not only taught about groundwater but the effects of jumping to conclusions without solid facts or evidence. The program has been conducted since 2008 to over 300 students. After the program, 90% of students stated to have an increased knowledge of groundwater.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: B.W. Haller, K.F. Martin
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Haller, B. County Extension Agent - Staff Chair, University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, White County, Arkansas, 72143
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Martin, K. County Extension Agent - Agriculture, University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, White County, Arkansas, 72143