Students Make "Tracks" in Cullman County

by Johnny Grantham, Cullman Soil and Water Conservation District, Cullman, Alabama

East Elementary 2nd graders recently experienced "Tracks," a conservation education program that was presented by the Cullman County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). "Tracks" is an interactive program that helps students learn about wildlife and its habitat.

Donnie Rice, SWCD Education Specialist, explained to the students about the feeding habits of the different animals, whether they are herbivores (plant eaters), omnivores (plant and animal eaters) or carnivores (animal eaters). Later they learned about how the animal’s feet helped them survive in their habitat.

SWCD DAC Pat Smith showed the students how to make their own animal track. They mixed Plaster of Paris, poured it into a dish, then applied a life-size artificial animal foot. Later the animal foot was removed to revel the animal track. After waiting several days for the plaster to dry, the students were able to take their animal "track" home with them.

As a part of our conservation education program, the Cullman County SWCD are available to present several different programs to elementary students throughout the county. These programs include Life in a Fishbowl, Animal Tracks and Habitat, the Enviroscape, Sammy Soil, and Water Cycle Bracelets. These programs are presented to students free of charge and all supplies are furnished.

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