For the past several years, I have had the pleasure of attending the Cornell Extension of Seneca County Outdoor Field day in mid-May. I enjoy explaining the science of geology, the role of geologists, and a bit about the three major rock groups and the rock cycle to 6th graders from schools throughout the county.
Classrooms of students rotate through ten different “venues” during the day of outdoor science. I get 17 minutes with each group. Then, they get 3 minutes to move to the next station. Each left the overall event with a better understanding of the world around them and from the Geology session they all leave with a horn coral from Lord’s Corner, a 385 million-year-old Middle Devonian invertebrate fossil.
This is a wonderful event that I have been a part of for many years. The coordinator of the event gave each presenter this note when we arrived.
On behalf of ot the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Seneca County and Seneca County 4-H Youth Development, we would like to say Thank You. By presenting a workshop at Outdoor Education Field Day, you and your organization have contributed greatly to our 6th-grade students and our community overall.
This year we have a most impressive group of presenters, to include local conservation groups, state and federal agencies, wildlife managers, scientists, non-profit organizations, nature centers, and more. The communication and outdoor education efforts taking place today serve as a representation of natural resource conservation, STEM education, and youth development at its finest.
Outdoor Education Field Day has been a part of this community for more than half a century, and we appreciate your being a part of that legacy. Thank you for your participation and support!
Nathan Kennedy, 4-H Development Educator Cornell Cooperative Extension of Seneca County
In return, I thank Nathan and the CCE for inviting me to participate. Rest assured I have marked the third Wednesday in May on my calendar for 2020. There will be a new batch of 6th graders to visit.