Over 100 Elementary Students from Eastern Kanawha County to Participate in WVU Extension’s Outdoor Classroom with Focus on Earth Day

CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Over 100 4th-grade students from five elementary schools spanning Eastern Kanawha County participated in immersive learning beyond the confines of the traditional classroom. Hosted by WVU Extension 4-H, the annual outdoor classroom event provided students with invaluable hands-on experiences, enriching their understanding of various STEM disciplines and learning about sustainability.

“We conduct this event each year to encourage students to see learning beyond the classroom,” said Jocelyn Crawford, WVU Extension Agent, Kanawha County. “Providing students with hands-on activities allows them to learn in a different way, and they enjoy this type of experiential learning.”

The organization hosts several outdoor classrooms every Tuesday and Thursday in April/May. Today’s event is a corporate partnership with Arclin Amines, a manufacturer located in Belle. Arclin Amines has volunteered with WVU Extension 4-H with this event since 2022. In 2023, the company requested to sponsor a day for their area schools. The company will lead a STEM station focused on learning about liquid density but also will incorporate a reuse and recycling lesson for the students to connect to sustainability.

“It’s crucial for science to be accessible,” emphasized Heather Henson, Senior Chemist at Arclin Amines. “That’s why we design our STEM demonstrations using household items like vinegar and baking soda, enabling students and their guardians to replicate them easily at home. We’re thrilled to leverage this year’s outdoor classroom event to integrate sustainability principles and commemorate Earth Day alongside the students.”

Students participating in the Outdoor Classroom event will visit several stations during the event learning about biology by planting herb plants, healthy eating workshops, and more. The activity will teach students about liquid density and stacking liquids.

“We have an onsite recycling program at our facility, and in many of our STEM demonstrations, we emphasize the importance of reuse,” explained Henson. “Today, students will receive a Take-Home STEM kit guiding them on how a single plastic bottle can be repurposed for three additional experiments. We aim to instill habits of reuse and recycling in their everyday lives, starting right here at this event.”

The elementary schools participating in today’s event are Belle Elementary, Cedar Grove Elementary, Chesapeake Elementary, Malden Elementary, and Pratt Elementary.

“Arclin has been a great partner with our organization with this event over the last three years,” said Crawford. “We are excited this year’s event could correspond with Earth Day to incorporate sustainability into the hands-on activities.”