Video: Pontotoc, Lee Elementary Students Experience Hands-On Learning

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VERONA, Miss. (WCBI)- For more than 500 school kids, it is a perfect way to end the school year on a fun note. And they get some valuable educational lessons, too.

The Lee County Agricultural Center was alive today. Pontotoc and Lee County third graders took a break from the classroom for a fun field trip.

The Science, Engineering and Technology day camp is sponsored by Toyota and the Mississippi State University Research and Extension Center. It’s designed to give students a hands-on learning experience.

“They’re getting to have a lot of fun today, we get to learn at the same time. That’s the kind of field trips we like. So they’re studying about science and water, our local ecosystem, conservation and our responsibilities, “ explained Torrey Mitchell, director of the Ag Center.

Students spent the morning rotating through learning stations and doing experiments.

“We have 12 stations today. They range from looking at particles that are pulled from a pond and learning about the ecosystem to learning about velocity, water conservation and even looking at milk and how you can separate it with soap, ” said Toyota spokesperson Emily Holland.

While the experiences were fun, they also secretly taught students in core science areas.

“I learned how we would not want to drink the water until all the insects are out of it, ” Eli Owens, third grader, said.

“Not to pollute the water, ” added third-grader Brandy Ferguson.

“And safety tips on riding ATVs, ” Tristan Franks said.

As part of this hands-on learning field trip, students also had the opportunity to watch a play with a strong anti-bullying message.

“Bullying is something so relevant now, and it’s happening so much in schools and I think if the children understand how it’s important to stand up against it, they won’t give into bullying as much as it is now. I can say that I’m very thankful that they are offering this program because I was  once bullied in third grade, ” Alivia Roberts, 4-H member and Miss Amory 2014, said.

Organizers say they add to the program annually and plan to host more participants next year.

The event also is another way to expose the Ag Center to wider audiences. Lee County officials have been opening it up to more school groups as a way to improve the center’s financial outlook after several years of losing money.

Categories: Local News

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