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(66) The Impact of One Conservation Field Day for Youth
Nathan J. Meyer, University of Minnesota Extension, Cloquet MN; Barb Liukkonen, Minnesota Sea Grant and University of Minnesota Extension, Saint Paul MN
Wayne Seidel, University of Minnesota Extension and Lake & Cook SWCD, Two Harbors MN
Session: Poster session
Conservation field days are a traditional and timely approach to education, supporting youth in making informed decisions about environmental issues. Results of a recent assessment of one Minnesota event support the positive impact that Extension can create through field days.
As part of the University of Minnesota’s Best Practices for Field Days program, an impact assessment was conducted for the Lake County, Minnesota Natural Resources Field Day. Each May since 1998, all county sixth graders have attended this one-day event to explore the natural and cultural resources of their region.
All Lake County 7th, 9th, and 11th graders (n=352) were surveyed about what they learned at the field day, and if they perceived doing anything differently as a result of the event. Most students remembered the event (e.g., 81% of 11th graders in Silver Bay), and many were able to recollect detailed aspects of activities. Thirty-five percent said they did something different in their lives after attending the field day. Almost all of those (99%) indicated they continue that behavior change.
In addition to surveys, focus groups were also conducted with students, participating teachers, and presenters. Students reliably described behavior changes and details about what they learned, and underscored the importance of the sense of place in increasing their awareness about the value of natural and cultural resources.
Teachers and presenters found great value in the field day. Teachers described how they integrate the field day into their curriculum, and presenters indicated it helps them accomplish the goals of their profession, achieve county priorities, and introduce students to the work they do.
Evaluation results were used to revise the 2007 field day, and will guide future changes to integrate the event more fully into classroom activities.
Nathan J. Meyer, University of Minnesota Extension
Regional Center, Cloquet
179 University Road
Cloquet, MN 55720 USA
Phone: 218.726.6473, Fax: 218.879.0857
Email: meyer179@umn.edu
POSTER-FINAL ABSRACT