OXFORD, Miss. \u2013 Fifth-graders can learn all about the importance of trees beginning Jan. 9 through an educational series sponsored by the University of Mississippi Museum.<\/p>\n
\u201cTrees are Terrific: Restoring Our Own Trees through Service,\u201d is part of the Saturday Science Days program at the museum. It is geared to teach students everything about trees through hands-on activities and projects. The classes will be held at the University Museum from 10 a.m. to noon every Saturday from Jan. 9 to April 17. Registration is free, but class size is limited to 20 and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.<\/p>\n
The activities are designed to correlate with the National Science Education Standards. Students will learn how trees produce food and energy for people and wildlife, how properly selected and planted trees conserve energy, about tree classification and more.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe class is intended to meet the educational standards, but in a fun way,\u201d said Holly Bethune, museum educator. \u201cThey\u2019ll be doing lots of hands-on projects.\u201d<\/p>\n
One project that students will work on is developing a poster to compete in the annual Arbor Day National Poster Contest. This year, students will design a poster that conveys the theme \u201cTrees are Terrific … and Energy Wise!\u201d The museum will provide a panel of judges that will choose a winning poster to compete at the state level.<\/p>\n
Bethune believes it is important for students to learn about trees and their impact on the environment.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe environment is such an important part of our lives and these students are the ones who are next in charge,\u201d Bethune said. \u201cWhen they have some sort of understanding about trees, they can ask themselves \u2018Am I wasting too much paper?\u2019 and \u2018Are the products I use environmentally safe?\u2019 This series is a way of increasing environmental awareness, but it\u2019s also a way of making them completely tree savvy.\u201d<\/p>\n
To register or for assistance related to a disability, contact the University Education Division at 662-915-7205.<\/p>\n
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