|
Last modified: Tuesday, February 24, 2009 4:21 PM CST
Workshop to teach fourth graders about Red River
by Anna Jauhola • Daily News
This spring the Wahpeton Parks and Recreation Department and Chahinkapa Zoo will offer a river education class for fourth-grade students in the area. The class, called Red River Water Workshop, will take place May 6 in Chahinkapa Park and on the river.
Nine years ago, the Fargo-Moorhead Riverkeepers started a similar program. Parks and Recreation Director Wayne Beyer said after visiting with the Riverkeepers, he and others in Wahpeton were sure they could give the same education in the Twin Towns.
By working with the Riverkeepers, the Parks and Recreation Department and the zoo were able to obtain funding to support the Red River Water Workshop.
Chahinkapa Zoo Director Kathy Diekman is also helping to make the class become a reality. She and Beyer met with Zimmerman Elementary Principal Norma Nosek last year to determine which grade would benefit most from the class. Through looking at grade curriculums, Nosek said fourth would benefit the most because they learn science through more hands-on activities like building boats of aluminum foil. They also learn about the needs and functions of plants, investigate problems, and learn about water cycles and currents. One project they work on is making a model of the water cycle.
There will be several stations during the class and will cover a good range of subjects. One station will cover the Web of River Life, another will cover river pollution called River Crime Lab. Others will cover the Red River's history and show the powers of water with active game sessions.
"We're very excited. It's a first time event that we hope will continue for many years," Diekman said.
|
