River Excursions: The Utilization of the Wisconsin River as an Outdoor Teaching Resource for Lower Elementary Teachers in the Sauk-Prairie School District
File(s)
Date
1996-08Author
Kochaver, Tamara F.
Publisher
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, College of Natural Resources
Metadata
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http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/80649Description
The Sauk-Prairie School District is fortunate to have access to a
remarkable resource - The Lower Wisconsin State Riverway. The Wisconsin River is rich
in local history and is an important natural resource. The Native Americans traveled in
their birch bark canoes and planted corn in the prairies. The fur trappers and traders
followed the river bringing pelts and furs. The first explorers navigated the river when
discovering a new land and searching for the Mississippi River. The Wisconsin River also
provides a habitat for a variety of animals-eagles soar here, paddlefish lurk the waters,
beavers gnaw on the river edge and mussels hold on to the bottom of the river. The flora
and fauna are rich in diversity due to the variety of plant communities in the river valley.
The geological history formations are evident in the sandstone bluff and glacial
remains. The recreation benefits are numerous ranging from boating, fishing, swimming
and wildlife viewing. Aesthetic inspiration provides an impetus for artists, poets, film
makers and regional writers such as August Derleth.
These river resources could be valuable to the educational process of increasing
environmental awareness and sensitivity in children. The river provides a natural setting
which is relative to children's lives because their community surrounds the river. The river
excursions allow for learning in an outdoor setting which can provide early exposure to
nature. Teachers can act as role models of environmental ethics to children when leading
field trips to the river. Many environmental leaders ( Tanner, 1980) claim their sensitivity
towards the environment stems from early exposure to nature and chances to explore
and wonder. Too frequently our children are not allowed to romp and roam through
natural areas inspired by their own natural curiosity. This study will address the
importance of early exposure of students to outdoor areas and use of teachers as role
models of environmental ethics as critical elements in the formation of environmental
sensitivity in young children. Developing techniques and strategies to utilize the Lower
Wisconsin State Riverway and training for K-2 teachers will hopefully allow children to be
inquisitive, to wonder, to explore and to reflect on a remarkable resource - The Lower
Wisconsin Scenic Riverway.