Another example of Environmental Education engagement: Third graders explore Pioneer pond

Through highly-engaging Environmental Education learning experiences, AAPS aims to support the development of student environmental literacy.

Lawton third graders’ walk through the nearby Pioneer High School woods to explore the pond is a recent example how these field trips promote awareness, knowledge, attitudes, skills, and participation.

AAPS Environmental Education Consultant David Szczygiel, who led Friday’s exploration, notes that this pond trip builds awareness of lesser known aquatic creatures, broadens students’ ecological knowledge as they study components of the pond habitat, and exposes students to the concept of community science, as frequent surveying of aquatic indicator species is an important tool for local water quality monitoring. 

“With about 10,000 AAPS students served in 23/24, EE hopes to further the development of a rich EE Y5-12 progression in the years to come in line with the district’s goals of increasing environmental sustainability education opportunities,” he says, “and will continue to leverage community partnerships, volunteers and the A2SEEE endowment to expand upon the district’s investments in this important work.”