TheMarshallCountyConservation District of Oklahoma andtheOSUExtension Office came together for the fourth and fifth graders of Madill and Kingston schools. They had six areas set up inside the community building in Madill where classes rotated through different hands-on activities. The kids gathered fun facts along the way while learning just how important they are in helping to keep this land grand.
Inside, the students found information on how important pollinators, like butterflies are. They had a delicious way to get information about soil types – each student tried the edible soil - and how each layer plays an important role in how to get the best quality soil possible. Then, students were directed into the dark room to learn about the life unseen by the naked eye. Looking through a microscope into an unseen world full of life, they were introduced to a newfound curiosity.
They learned about the water cycle and made bracelets to remind them that the planet is in a constant state of recycling and purification. Then, they made their way to a fun assortment of recycling materialswheretheylearned how to sort and recycle on their own. This step showed them how important it is that everyone does their part to help the planet stay healthy, clean and reuse whatever materials possible.
As they exited the building, they were welcomed by Keegan Varner, of the OSU Extension office, to a trailer full of sand and a working water system.Hehadbuiltthem a bridge with little cars going across for a fun example on how water can erode quickly if not maintained correctly and how important the rivers and the dams are.
Thepumpcameonandthe sandwashedaway.Anyguest could see that the students had a great time learning.
The MCCD of Oklahoma is located at 800 Cedar Drive in Madill. Misty McClure, District Manager, said this even was important for the future of the environment.
“We want kids and the community to be excited about conservation,” Mc-Clure said. “We want to promote recycling and agriculture.”
The Choctaw Nation joined in on the conservation efforts by making recycling bins available to the public, at the Marshall Co. Conservation District location, that can be accessed around the clock.