Forest Hills Elementary students become certified Junior Wildlife Scientists

FLORENCE, Ala. — Forest Hills Elementary School kindergarten, first, and second graders participated in the Alabama Wildlife Federation's Junior Wildlife Scientist (JWS) program.

The goals of the program are: to educate our children about the wise use and conservation of Alabama's wildlife and natural resources, introduce children to the outdoors so they have an appreciation of Alabama's abundant biodiversity, and provide hands-on inquiry-based outdoor activities that help teach the Alabama Department of Education Course of Study Standards using a schoolyard habitat as a living laboratory.

 During the school year, students participated in inquiry-based activities using the Forest Hills Outdoor Classroom. Each class earned two merit badges and JWS certificates as they completed the program.

Kindergarteners studied living things and became certified biologists. First graders studied animals and became certified zoologists. Lastly, second graders studied insects and became certified entomologists. 

By Laurie Fowler