Second Graders Explore the World of Trees Through Hands-On Learning
Written by Anna Gurney, Outreach and Education Specialist, Paulding SWCD
Paulding, OH — On Tuesday, May 28th, the Paulding Soil and Water Conservation District teamed up with Paulding FFA students, and program advisors, Mrs. Staci Miller & Ms. Baylee March, to bring an interactive tree education program to Paulding Elementary second graders. Sixty-five students spent the time rotating through three hands-on learning stations designed to help them understand the parts of a tree, what trees need to grow, and why trees play such an important role in the environment.
Students learned by doing — and by becoming trees themselves. In one engaging activity, children acted out the life of a tree, competing for sunlight, water, and nutrients in a fast-paced game that brought science concepts to life. They also decorated their own tree-themed carrying bags and planted a Norway spruce seedling, donated by Paulding SWCD, in a cup to take home with them.
The program reflects Paulding SWCD’s mission to provide fun, meaningful natural resource education for students of all ages. The partnership with Paulding FFA students added an extra layer of impact, giving high school students the chance to lead activities, guide younger learners, and model stewardship.
“Watching the older students step into leadership roles and connect with the second graders was both encouraging and rewarding,” shared Anna Gurney, Paulding SWCD Outreach and Education Specialist. “It’s exciting to see students of different ages learning together and building appreciation for the natural world.”
The program continues Paulding SWCD’s commitment to conservation education and community collaboration, helping young learners grow their understanding of the environment — one student and one tree at a time.
