Conservation in the Classroom

The Goal of Conservation in the Classroom is to Provide:

• An authentic learning experience that combines an in-school wildlife ambassador program with practical restoration efforts.  

• An opportunity to raise awareness of the ecological value, life history and conservation status of local, native species. 

• A way to empower students to protect and enhance local biodiversity particularly with endangered species. 

• A chance to inspire students to become the next generation of environmental stewards. 

The Value of Conservation in the Classroom to Students

When 97 students were polled regarding Conservation in the Classroom:

• 62.9% agreed or strongly agreed with the statement: "The Conservation in the Classrooms programs have helped inspire me to want to become an environmental steward and advocate for biodiversity in my community".

• 89.7% agreed or strongly agreed with the statement: "I have found The Conservation in the Classrooms programs to be rewarding, authentic and meaningful".

• 94.9% agreed or strongly agreed with the statement: "I would like to see the Conservation in the Classroom programs continue in the future".

Student Reflections on Conservation in the Classroom:

• “Having the trout and the terrapins in the classroom has meant a lot to me because they really have enhanced my experience taking environmental science, and it is always so nice to just see them in the classroom every day. I also was lucky enough to take care of the terrapins over the entire winter break, and that was a wonderful experience that I am so grateful for and that I never want to forget. I would willingly do it all over again because I love helping any type of animal, especially one that needs it since the terrapins are a species of special concern. They are also really cute, as are the trout, and this is why I am eager and excited to see what the quail will bring to my environmental science experience.”

• “Conservation in the Classroom is an amazing way to not only learn about endangered or struggling species in our community, but it adds to a more fun and hands on environment in class.”

• “Seeing wildlife in the classroom and knowing that raising them in captivity for the sake of releasing them with a higher chance of survival in the wild makes me feel like our class and our school is actually making a measurable effort against climate change and species endangerment. I am proud of the people who made this happen, as well as those who care for the animals and keep the program running. Plus, the terrapins are just super cute. I value this experience a lot.”

• “It is really engaging to have animals in the classroom and helps me apply what we are learning to real life. I have always loved animals and this only inspires me more.”

• “In sum; I’ve found directly working alongside these creatures to be incredibly inspiring & motivating. With this found spirit I am in turn able to be a better all-around student as well as expand & further my knowledge within environmental science.”

• “I think it has a big impact in all students lives. Having wildlife in the classroom gives us a perspective of things. Personally I'm not a big science person but when it comes to having assignments with wildlife like, trout, terrapins and quail i find it very interesting and i enjoy it so much.”

• “The Conservation in the Classroom programs is very inspirational and it serves our environment while helping to save species that aren’t heard of very often. It helps spread awareness of the species to let people know that we can play a role in helping the species from going extinct in the near future.”

• “The trout, terrapins, and eventually quail really bring our class together as a group. We all have different duties to serve to help these animals thrive, and they bring a sense of taking pride in our work. They are a positive part of the classroom that bring entertainment while also bringing challenges that make us have to learn.”

• “It makes me feel very responsible to the wildlife and helps me understand the impact humans and myself have on them.”

• “I love the conservation in the classroom programs! Watching the trout develop is really interesting. I got to take home the terrapins for a weekend and it was so fun to take care of them and I have learned a lot about trout and terrapin development.”

• “I really enjoy having the conservation in the classroom, it makes it feel like we are doing something bigger than just ourselves in the classroom. I also enjoy testing the trout water because it has made me more responsible because I have to make sure I come in once a week.”

• “Conservation in the classroom teaches us about the importance of preserving biodiversity and protecting species. It is a fun and educational way to feel involved in the environment.”