It's Field Trip Time For the Kids at Vernon Elementary School
Every Vermonter looks forward to the sound of Spring Peepers (those little green frogs that sing their hearts out) in March and April, signalling that Spring is finally here. And if you haven't already investigated where those sounds are coming from, well you really need to get started. For the last few years, Vermont Woods Studios has been affording this opportunity to the third graders at our local school, Vernon Elementary. They get to spend some time outdoors in the forest and we get to go along for the ride. It's great fun!
Are You Smarter Than A Third Grader?
What do you know about a vernal pool? Our young friends were surprisingly knowledgeable after having studied the subject with their awesome teachers, Lisa McKenney and Marcia Woodruff. They knew all about the life cycles and food webs of creatures like the spotted salamander, fairy shrimp, wood frog and even something that's (seriously) called a "giant water bug". Students set up field laboratories, explored the vernal pool and kept detailed notes on their findings. Then they shared their discoveries with the class. Pretty impressive!
We want to thank Kristina Weeks and the other dedicated eco-educators at Bonnyvale Environmental Education Center BEEC in West Brattleboro for conducting our vernal pool exploration and for the ongoing conservation work they do in Southeastern Vermont. We are happy to support it! Learn more about our involvement with our local community here.
