With two field trips from local schools, the Phinizy Center for Water Sciences has hosted its 100,000th student on Tuesday, May 9.
To honor this impressive milestone, Greenbrier Elementary School and Glascock County Middle School students were invited to celebrate with Phinizy educators, staff and board members by eating animal themed cupcakes.
Starting in 1998, Phinizy Center’s Education Department began conducting several hands-on environmental science focused field trips for K-12 and undergraduate students.
Prior to enjoying cupcakes at the end of their field trip, employees and Assistant Education Director Camilla Sherman taught students the significance of adapting to one’s environment, the important services wetlands provide to their community, how to identify some specialized plants and the key characteristics scientists use to determine if an area is a wetland.
“They get to see things in real life that maybe they only saw in pictures in the classroom, and being able to do that allows students to make connections that maybe previously they didn’t fully understand,” said Sherman. “It’s about helping them realize that nature isn’t something they need to be scared of, but it’s actually something they should enjoy. They even begin to feel like it’s something they need to protect – the natural resources within their environment … We hope they end up growing up to be better informed citizens, and able to make better decisions in order to help protect the environment.”
Students were able to explore several other scientific concepts through interactive investigations that encouraged students to utilize their five senses while learning.
“Environmental education has become vital in our world as ever increasing demand for natural resources continues to place pressure on the ecosystems around us. Of all of the services that our programs provide, I am most proud of the real impact we are able to have on the development of our youth in the surrounding communities as they learn to take care of, and enjoy the natural resources that we are called to be good stewards of,” said Project Manager for ESG Operations and Phinizy Center board member Percy Nolan. “We believe our programs are ‘best in class,’ and invite any and all to come experience our educational offerings.”
Sherman said the swamp plans to continue inviting many more future students to investigate their local wetland, and improving their Education Department with creative and fun activities.
“For over 20 years, Phinizy has offered positive outdoor learning experiences for students that have inspired careers in science and a deeper appreciation of our natural communities, while enhancing classroom learning and helping teachers reach learning standard goals,” said Phinizy Center’s Education Director. “The magic at the swamp continues, and we look forward to reaching our next 100,000 students.”
Phinizy Center field trips are provided throughout the school year and during the summer months. For more information or to book a field trip, call 706-796-7707 or email education@phinizycenter.org.
