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Youngsters Can Explore and Connect with Nature via "Earth Musings" at Horn Field Campus

September 11, 2009

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MACOMB, IL - - Western Illinois University's Horn Field Campus (HFC) Earth Musings program offers elementary, middle and high school students an opportunity to explore and connect with the local natural world.

These guided programs, which meet various Illinois Learning Standards, include:

Fluttering Friends, grades K–3, program length: 1–3 hours;

The Great Energy Pursuit, grades 4–6, program length: 1–3 hours;

Putting a Price Tag on Biodiversity, middle school students, program length: 2–3 hours; and

Be a Watershed Inspector, high school students, program length: 2–3 hours.

One chaperone is needed per 12 students, and programs are offered Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays throughout the academic year (September–May).

Each of the programs provides trained student guides and encourages learners to make their own discoveries rather than imposing learning. Information about applicable Illinois Learning Standards is available by contacting WIU's recreation, park and tourism administration (RPTA) department at (309) 298-1967.

"These guided activities are a mutually educational experience," explained Emily Schoenfelder, graduate assistant at Horn Field Campus. "Trained WIU student guides learn from participants and fill needed education and experience requirements, while participants experience the enthusiasm and fresh perspective of the guides. Young students will also learn lessons directly from their interactions with the natural world, and we can tailor a program to a meet a group's specific needs," she added.

Registration is required three weeks in advance and cost per program is $15. For more information, contact Horn Field Campus at (309) 833-5798. To register, call the RPTA department at (309) 298-1967. Learn more about WIU's Horn Field Campus at wiu.edu/RPTA/HFC/.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing