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Additional information on this topic provided below.
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A Day in Oil Creek
By Kelly Meinhart
 t’s
inspiring to see more and more teachers and students getting
out into the field to learn about watersheds and the environment
through hands-on learning activities. Although there may be
flaws in the overall education system, it seems that the new
standards are encouraging teachers to migrate from their in-door
classroom lesson plans to innovative outdoor programs that foster
interactive learning. It’s exciting to hear about, and
even more exciting to experience first hand.
few weeks ago I visited with a group of 200 students from the
Titusville Middle School for a day of educational activities
in the Oil Creek Watershed, located in Crawford County, PA.
 he
outdoor learning program began three years ago when Mr. Mike
Reynolds, 7th grade Science teacher at TMS got his students
involved in a wetland reclamation project for the city. He can
tell you that getting students involved in hands-on outdoor
activities makes learning about the environment more relevant
than focusing solely on classroom discussions. Mr. Reynolds
comments, “Our students have had an opportunity to put
their learning into action and make a difference in their local
community. With the help of our local conservation district
and several colleges and universities we have been able to build
an excellent environmental education program.”
 eeing
what a difference this style of learning made, he decided to
return to the restoration site along Oil Creek, to take it a
step further. Working with local community members, conservation
organizations and area universities, he has been able to develop
an educational day that really brings the importance of the
environment to life for his students.
his was the second year for the Titusville Watershed Day, and
it was pretty apparent that the students weren’t just
learning about watersheds, but that they were making a connection
with their environment as well.
hey
rotated through a series of stations to study microorganisms,
macroinvertebrates and ground water quality. They were encouraged
to put on their hip waders and work in teams to collect and
identify macroinvertebrates like the crayfish that live in Oil
Creek, while other students collected water samples to test
the water quality. Still at the same time, other students were
getting a ‘really’ close up view of the critters
living in Oil Creek through high-tech microscope and computer
programs.
"In 2003 we decided
to concentrate on the watershed education sites. Mike split
the students up into groups of 30 students and developed a
rotation system. The 2003 stations included a Creek Stomp
by myself, a chemical testing station by Allegheny College
Creek Connections, Digital Microscopes by Northern Allegheny
Project, Enviroscape presentations by Crawford Conservation
District and the University of Pittsburgh at Titusville, and
Groundwater Models by DEP. This year students from the 2002
class were given the opportunity to assist with the day and
mentor younger students. The Titusville School System is a
lot off fun to work with. The teachers I have had the opportunity
to work with are very dedicated and seem to be given the flexibility
to develop new and innovative programs. Mike and Eric are
always talking about new ideas and applying for funding to
implement them."
— Brian Pilarcik, Watershed Specialist for Crawford
County
e sure to look through the photo gallery to learn more about
the students and the event. That’s were you’ll really
see the positive impact being made.
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| Click on the photo
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 uests
and members organizations included: the Department of Environmental
Protection, Crawford County Conservation District, Clarion University’s
Science in Motion, Creek Connections from Allegheny College,
University of Pittsburgh at Titusville, and the Northern Allegheny
Project. Titusville Leisure Services and TASD provided facilities
and equipment.
For More Information:
Titusville
Middle School
Oil
Creek State Park
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