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| Mr. Bilbrey's amazing collection of Playa Jars! |
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| Macro Invertebrates swimming in one of Mr. Bilbrey's Jars! |
While I did not attend this festival due to other civic duties, I gather that I missed out on a very exciting and successful festival on 09/22/2011. This area is bringing a much needed awareness to the importance of "saving our playas" by way of educators like Mr. Bilbrey. He has embraced this opportunity to expose our students to the natural world around them by creating playa jars for each of his students to enjoy. (20+ jars!) This class project will keep students engaged as they observe and take ownership of the "life" that has been brought forth. Wow! I want to be in this class.! Students are only as excited as their teacher. I wonder if the winner of the Macro Invertebrate Jar Contest will come from Mr. Bilbrey's class next year!
The real beauty of this project is that learning will be acquired in an approach that allows students to make connections with the natural world around them. Observing the jars over a period of time, keeping a journal, taking photos of the changes, and communicating with peers are all great ideas that are being applied in Dora.
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| Students pet a Tiger Salamander! |
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| Joe Whitehead of the NRCS explains watersheds to the Dora Students |
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| Students trailing out across a playa where we found Texas Horned Lizards |
Every student will experience success...there are no wrong answers! I think eyes will be opened to the possibilities of the world around them because Mr. Bilbrey has modeled how important it is to learn more about it.
There were about 75 students in attendance at this festival where they enjoyed an overview by Darryl Birkenfeld who explains what a playa is, how it got there and why they are a keystone ecosystem. Julie Hodges did a presentation on Journal writing (including art and mapping) followed by Bird Identification which the students always enjoy. Jim Steiert, author and waterfowler, is very successful in his presentations. His "common sense" approach to identifying birds by color and markings brings back a much needed skill...logic. I always enjoy Mr. Steiert's presentations and the knowledge he brings to the table. The group was joined by Robert Martin and Joe whitehead who assisted in making this festival a success.
The support system in place in Dora, N.M. is very strong. Not only are educators excited about teaching but parents are willing to go the extra mile to make great things happen in Dora. A special thanks to Betty Williamson, a supportive mom, who secured the playa and provided lunch for the Ogallala Commons team.
I look forward to meeting the students at our next festival on October 18, 2011.
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