Saturday, April 12, 2014:
Interfaces of Global Change Graduate Student Organization hosted a science outreach day at the SEEDS Nature Center* in Blacksburg, VA. The day of outdoor activities was titled “Passport to Discovery: a hands-on journey through the world of biological science and nature for children of all ages.”
Volunteers participating in this event included Interfaces of Global Change fellows, graduate and undergraduate students from the Hopkins and Belden labs, NRV Master Naturalists, and staff members from the SEEDS Nature Center. More than 200 participants were in attendance, including many local families as well as visitors who were in town for the weekend.
“Passport to Discovery” activity stations included:
- Owl pellet dissection
- Field techniques for young field biologists
- A live demonstration of the adaptations of anoles
- A live demonstration of native turtles and their local habitats
- Pond life: a plankton demonstration with dissecting scopes
- A touch tank of stream invertebrates: how to use a key to determine healthy vs. degraded streams
- A live demonstration of frog and salamander diversity
- A “passport” photo booth for young scientists
Mike Rosenzweig, director of the SEEDS* Nature Center in Blacksburg, had this to say:
“It was a wonderful day and I hope this can be the start of more collaboration with the Interfaces of Global Change Program… It’s a great opportunity for everyone to connect and reach out to the public.”
*Seek Education, Explore, DiScover – SEEDS®
Since 1995, SEEDS mission has been inspiring a natural curiosity and love for the environment in children and the young at heart through discovery learning, nature education, teacher support, and civic awareness.