A couple of weeks ago, Clarion’s Pool Park was abuzz with talk about pollinators, and ‘monarch butterflies’ flitted about the area. Actually, these weren’t real butterflies, but rather, middle school students who were acting the part of migrating butterflies. This was all part of the ISU Extension program called “Water Rocks.”
The Water Rocks program has been around since 2012. According to its website, during Water Rocks presentations, students learn about Iowa's natural resources, like water, soil, and pollinators, and the importance of working together to protect the world around them. ISU program specialist Ann Staudt explained that they are currently offering four different topics this fall.
The program presented a few weeks ago to the CGD middle schoolers was called “The Power of Pollinators.” The kids learned about monarch butterfly migration and the importance of helping conserve pollinator habitat.
Local students who participated in the presentation were members of CGD’s Talented and Gifted (TAG) program. Tanja Jensen, the head of TAG for CGD, explains that they’ve had the Water Rocks program come in the past and the students have enjoyed it. “This time, they loved the monarch migration pattern game and learning the various factors that affect the lifecycle of a monarch,” said Jensen. “It was a very interactive program!”
Though the program has come to CGD before, it did look different this year. Staudt and Liz Ripley who were the presenters of the local Water Rocks program this time, explained that all their offerings this fall had to be adapted for social distancing. Programs usually held in classrooms now have to be held in large spaces or outdoors.
And even though it was chilly the day Water Rocks was in Clarion, that didn’t seem to bother the students. They had a great time and learned a lot. Staudt adds, “We’re really happy to be able to come. These lessons on conservation are too important to set aside. So we adapt and still have fun!”
