History and Environmental Fair
The 2013 History & Environmental Fair will be held Thursday, April 18. Once again this event is co-sponsored by the Shawnee County Conservation District and the Kansas Historical Society.
The annual event aims to teach students grades four through six how Kansans have been "living green" for generations. This event began as a way to highlight our wonderful nature trail. It has evolved into a celebration of our state's natural resources and an exploration into exciting new opportunities for using them.
Living "green" has become quite popular in today's world. It is a lifestyle defined by the three Rs: reduce, reuse, and recycle. These three Rs aim to reduce the amount of waste and, at the same time, get the most benefit from the things we use. By living green, people help to improve the environment and protect our resources for future Kansans.
Featuring:
- Evolution of the light bulb
- Peddling to power up a TV
- Playing water jeopardy
- Meeting animals that changed the world
- Mapping the natural landmarks of Kansas
What a great way to combine two such important subjects — history and the environment! —Topeka teacher
The connections between what we have discussed in our classrooms and what we saw was fantastic! —Emporia teacher
The History and Environmental Fair is designed to address the following Kansas standards:
Fourth grade Science
- Standard 6, Benchmark 2, the student understands the impact of human activity on resources and environment
Fourth grade Geography
- Benchmark 5, Indicator 1, student examines natural resource challenges and ways people have developed solutions as they use renewable and nonrenewable resources
Fifth grade Science
- Standard 6, Benchmark 2, student demonstrates an awareness of changes in the environment.
There is plenty of room so schools may come and go at their convenience but should plan at least two hours at the event and an hour in the museum. The fair will feature some 30 different hands-on activities, displays, and a nature trail that will educate students in many aspects of environmental issues. Information at the event will be suitable for students generally from the fourth grade and up.
The fair is organized such that each exhibitor has a display area. Teachers escort their class to each display where a 10-minute presentation is made. Teachers may choose to go to some or all of the displays. Each teacher will receive a packet of information and activities that can be used later in classroom.
There is no admission charge for the History and Environmental Fair.
The event will be held rain or shine.
Yearly more than 800 students from schools throughout northeastern Kansas participate in this educational event. Many thank yous go out to all the participants who donate their time and efforts to make this day a great yearly event.
View images from previous History and Environmental Fairs.
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