CERA is definitely an exciting place to learn about all sorts of science topics!
If you don't believe us, just ask a student who has already visited CERA. Below you will read about two of these visits.
North Mahaska Elementary School Science Field Day
The 5th grade class visited CERA in mid-October for a day filled with opportunities to hone mapping and orientation skills, learn about prairies, savannas, and even a few edible and "scratch-n-sniff" plants, figure out what kinds of information a weather station collects, and explore the art of fishing (catch-n-release style) and microscopic pond life. A huge thanks to Mr. Van Hulzen and Mrs. Boots (North Mahaska 5th grade teachers), parent chaperones, the bus driver, and our field technician for making this a fun learning experience at CERA! Let's do it again next year!
Prairie Insect Diversity and Study
Grinnell's Davis Elementary School fourth graders visited CERA again this fall to use microscopes to examine prairie insects that they collected in the field. They also completed a second year of counting and monitoring populations of six butterfly species. The goal of the trip was to enhance the students' current science unit, butterflies and insects, with hands-on outdoor activities. Over a dozen Grinnell College faculty, staff, and student volunteers assisted with the activities. Visit the Center for Prairie Studies website (outreach page) for more details.
