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Impact Report

For plan Youth Development (Sandoval County)
Date November 1, 2011, 3:20 pm
For Objective Short-term Show short-term objectives
Impact Report YOUTH WATER FIELD DAY In early 2011 the Small Farm & Ranch Task Force was approached by the RiverXchange program to assist with providing an educational field trip for 147 fifth grade students from Pojoaque Intermediate School. RiverXchange is an innovative program that combines a year-long water resources curriculum with class partnerships through social networking technology. New Mexico fifth graders are partnered with “high tech pen pals” in another part of the U.S. or world to share what they are learning about critical water resources issues relating to their local river. Bernalillo, Sandoval, and Santa Fe counties have worked with the RiverXchange Program throughout the school year providing hands-on educational activities that examine commercial uses of water in 45 New Mexico RiverXchange classes. In order to emphasize the concepts covered in the classroom, Extension Agents partnered with RiverXchange and the Alcalde Ag Science Center to provide a hands-on learning experience. Additionally, the purpose of the program was to: * educate students about the governess and issues related to water * promote the benefits of environmental stewardship * increase students' environmental literacy and agriculture role Students were transported to the Ag Science Center where they participated in 6 different interactive workshops. Workshop presenters included representatives from Santa Fe County Cooperative Extension Service, Sandoval County Cooperative Extension Service, Bernalillo County Cooperative Extension Service, Valencia Cooperative Extension Service, Rio Arriba County Cooperative Extension Service, and NMSU Rural Agriculture Improvement and Public Affairs Project (RAIPAP). Workshops topics were as follows: 1. Soil pHizz Test- Students examined how soil pH levels can affect crop productivity, and through visual pH tests, were able to identify if a soil sample is acidic or basic. Students were also able to understand how soil nutrient levels are affected by pH. 2. Drip Irrigation- Students assembled a simple drip irrigation system and were able to see how it functions. 3. Soil as a Filter- Students learned how soil quality and composition relates to its ability to filter contaminants in water. 4. Water Quality- Students learned how to test for 8 parameters that affect ground water quality. 5. Irrigation Tour- Students took a walking tour of the Ag Science Center and got to see the different types of irrigation methods used at the center. They examined the pros and cons of each system and when and how each method would be appropriate. 6. River Tour- Students rode a hay wagon to the river diversion. They got to see first-hand how we use the river to irrigate our crops. They also examined the importance of the river to the environment and riparian habitat. Students learned about the governess of water and water issues. Pre and post tests were administered to the students. Based on the evaluations a 13% increase in knowledge was measured. Teachers were also asked to evaluate the program. All teachers that completed the evaluations rated the overall field trip as “Excellent” and stated they would take part in the field trip if offered again. Some comments from the teachers included: “All activities provided effective learning and growth for students. Thank you for this opportunity.” and “Thank you all so very much for this wonderful opportunity. This was one of the most interesting field trips I have experienced.”