Pocono News Section

College Students Use Earth Day to Teach

College Students Use Earth Day to Teach - Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at 2:13PM EST

Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Tuesday, Apr 22, 2008 @ 02:13pm EST
CLINTON TWP., LYCOMING COUNTY- Environmental awareness was the topic Tuesday at Penn College, which was using Earth Day to highlight the dangers now facing all of us.

About 40 second graders from Salladasburg Elementary took part in the Earth Day activities at Penn College's Earth Science Center. They took advantage of some gorgeous weather, hiking from one location to another, learning new lessons about wildlife and the environment.

College seniors in different majors, such as Cody Creveling, took turns teaching. His speech on snakes was a hit with the kids, who even got to hold some of them. "We're pretty much talking about native Pennsylvania snakes and how to tell if they're venomous or not, what to do if you're bitten. We're showing them pictures of what happens if you are bitten by a venomous snake, and the precautions you can take," he said.

Some of the other lessons included safe tree climbing, more information on wildlife and habitat preservation, and a stop at the sawmill. Faculty members say they enjoy watching their students turn teacher, imparting the knowledge they've gained here to another generation.

Forest Technology Professor Dennis Ringling said, “I think it's quite rewarding. I strongly believe in the fact that if they understand and know the concept, they should be able to explain it to another individual."

And the students we spoke with clearly got the message. When asked why it’s important to protect the earth, Makenzie Butler said, "Because it's nice and it will turn out to be beautiful and not all yucky.”

Penn College invites a different elementary class each year- to take part in Earth Day activities.