Gainesville —
Nearly 200 students from Gainesville’s Robert E. Lee Intermediate School were treated to the benefits of an “outdoor classroom” through the school district’s annual trip to Leeper Lake, conducted Oct. 22 through Oct. 26.
The guides were faculty members Tracy Henry, Christa Hawk, Wayne Molsbee and B.J. Banks. This was a curriculum-based outdoor learning experience. Topics such as erosion, root systems, wildlife and water conservation were discussed.
This was the fourth annual Leeper Lake trip; the students who attended were able to take learned classroom ideas such as plant reproduction, growth, adaptation, geology and plant identification and then further absorb this knowledge in a hands-on setting. The event was made possible by a grant from the Gainesville Independent School District Education Foundation and the coordination of Leeper Lake Inc.
“Our fifth grade science department at Lee has, yet again, done a terrific job to provide our students an opportunity for learning that is second to none,” said faculty member Henry. “Lee intermediate School students had the opportunity to spend a day learning in the outdoors at Leeper Lake. Students spent one day in immersive field experiences provided by an outdoor classroom bountifully supplied with a variety of living plants and animals.”
Henry added that the children participated in activities that carried their attentions beyond regular everyday classroom learning and provided them with a unique experience-based experience.
“Firsthand, they received the science knowledge and skills that are essential to their education in a rich learning environment,” Henry said. “Students had the opportunity to study the flora, fauna and geology of the Leeper Lake area.”
Henry added that she guided the instructional team along with Hawk. Day camp activities included hiking; investigating examples of weathering, erosion and deposition; identifying native plants and animals; and introducing species and creating casts from animal tracks.
The students used journals to record their observations and to reinforce learning. The journals were later filed and will be used back in the classroom as a review and assessment tool.
All activities, Henry added, are intended to engage the students in understanding the complexities of a natural ecosystem.
“We made it through pouring rain, hot and cold temperatures, but the kids had a great time and, hopefully, learned a lot,” she said.
Local News
Related Photos
-
Students from Gainesville’s Robert E. Lee Intermediate School participated in an “outdoor classroom” during the Gainesville school district’s annual trip to Leeper Lake. The educational field trips were conducted Oct. 22 through Oct. 26. Courtesy photo
-
Nearly 200 students from Gainesville’s Robert E. Lee Intermediate School recently participated in a week of visits to Leeper Lake. Participants engaged their learned classroom lessons about plant reproduction, growth, adaptation, geology and plant identification in a hands-on setting. The event was made possible by a grant from the Gainesville Independent School District Education Foundation and the coordination of Leeper Lake Inc. Courtesy photo
Guest Book
Lee Intermediate students visit 'outdoor classroom'
- Local News
-
-
Unemployment rate down in Cooke County
Recent Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) data shows favorable changes in the local unemployment rate and civilian labor force since the start of 2013, with officials giving equal credit to Cooke County’s strength of industry and proximity to larger cities.
-
Cooke County EMS facility underway
Staff photo by Greg Russell
High summer heat hasn’t slowed down construction of a new Cooke County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) facility, now under build at the intersection of Chestnut and Church streets in Gainesville. -
Circus clown performs at library storyhour series
Free circus tickets will be available to the ‘greatest show on earth’ as the Cooke County Library (CCL) and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus (RBABB) have teamed up to promote the library’s summer reading program during a performance Monday by Kelly the Clown at The Little Theater on the North Central Texas College campus.
-
Lions Club holds officer installation
The Gainesville Lions Club is roaring into the summer with the installation of new officers Friday evening at the Landmark Bank building during the annual dinner ceremony.
-
Farm Service Agency accepting committee nominations
Cooke County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Scott Tiemann, announced that county committee election nominations begin June 17.
-
Council to hear name change for Weber Drive
An ordinance proposing a name change for Gainesville’s Weber Drive is set to get a public hearing during Tuesday’s regular city council meeting.
-
Drought continues throughout state
Despite the helpful torrents of rainfall received in Cooke County lately, many areas in Texas are still classified as being in drought status.
-
Missing child found safe near Callisburg
CALLISBURG — Wednesday’s disappearance of a 3-year-old girl from a rural residence near Callisburg prompted efforts from more than 45 law enforcement and public safety officers.
-
Kids learn equestrian skills at NCTC camp
The North Central Texas College (NCTC) equine department’s youth mini-camps are in full swing this month under the direction of NCTC equine science instructor Bill Kaven and equestrian team members.
-
Event benefits early childhood program
The fifth annual Kids Entertaining Kids events is scheduled for Saturday, July 27, 2013, at Sherman Municipal Ballroom, 405 N. Rusk St. in Sherman.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Unemployment rate down in Cooke County
Man Who Disrupted Flight Ranted About CIA
Feds: 7-Eleven Stores Exploited Immigrants
Fla. Teen Catches Ride With Whale Shark
G8 Leaders Huddle on Syria
Raw: Obama, Putin Meet at G8
Iran's Rowhani Urges 'Path of Moderation'
Daughter: Mandela Doing 'Very Well'
Investigators Probe Origin of Colo. Wildfire
Ex-NFL Star Chad Johnson Out of Jail
'Game of Thrones' Boosts N. Ireland
Raw: Prince Philip Leaves Hospital After Surgery
Zimmerman Jury Selection Turns to Media Exposure
Raw: FBI Meets Plane After Poison Threat
Family Tweets Say Kim Kardashian Gives Birth
US, EU Leaders Announce Free Trade Talks
