Bad Rap Animals : An Environmental Education Peer Teaching Plan 2
File(s)
Date
2001-07Author
Maciaz, Kenneth J.
Publisher
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, College of Natural Resources
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
The purpose of this project was to promote hands-on Environmental Education at the
elementary level by developing an extra-curricular environmental teaching club at the
junior high level. Club members gained confidence (i.e. awareness and knowledge)
about environmental issues and concepts during club meetings and field trips. Water
quality testing, birdhouse building, and the making of a mercury contamination map
helped club members develop teaching skills.
The activities at the junior high led to Madeline Hunter teaching strategies for elementary
students addressing elementary science standards for the different grades. Club advisors
chose to use snakes to develop the standards after choosing peer teachers from the club
members. The chosen peer teachers researched, developed, and tested lesson plans on
junior high classes before taking the 'BAD RAP' animal show on the road.
Prior to the presentation, elementary students were surveyed to determine their attitudes
towards different animals. After viewing the peer teaching presentation, they were given
a post survey to establish whether their attitudes about snakes and other animals had
changed. Post survey results show that the students viewed the 'BAD RAP' animals as a
needed part of our environment.