Creek Ecology Days: In the Spring
Fourth grade boys inspect aquatic insects |
Creek Ecology Days: In the Spring, students from multiple classrooms come together to learn about creek ecology. Groups of students rotate through environmental education stations designed by college
students, the Program Coordinator, teachers, and community members. Creek Ecology Days are planned to reinforce standards and units that meet the objectives of teachers, and link with what is being taught
in the classroom. Examples of stations include a wildlife station with wildlife loaned by DFG or the Chico Creek Nature Center. A Native American station, designed by a Mechoopda tribe member, uses Indian
artifacts as visual aids and hands-on activities to demonstrate how the Mechoopda Indians once lived in harmony with nature along Big Chico Creek and explore how this was possible. A knowledgeable staff
member leads a discovery hike where the students are encouraged to discuss what they have learned by participating in the program throughout the year. Students enthusiastically participate in an aquatic
invertebrate station where they investigate, classify, and are taught lifecycles of aquatic invertebrates that are integral to the health of the riparian community. This day of activities opens doors
to life-long learning and curiosity.
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