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CFC's Fourth Graders on the Prairie cultivates citizen scientists

Students from Barrington 220 School District gained hands-on field experience during Citizens for Conservation's Fourth Graders on the Prairie program in September. Courtesy of Citizens for Conservation/ Tom Benjamin

Over two weeks in September, 640 students experienced another successful year of Fourth Graders on the Prairie, a collaborative program between Citizens for Conservation and Barrington Community Unit School District 220.

The students visited Barrington-area prairies and participated in hands-on experiences using prairie plants and nature to directly connect to District 220's teaching curriculum for learning scientific observation and data-collection skills.

Students gained hands-on experience learning about characteristics and structures that enable plants and animals to survive. They measured and recorded prairie plants and took on the role of environmental stewards by collecting native plant seeds, which are used in prairie preservation projects throughout Barrington and beyond.

They also took guided discovery walks to learn about how soil, plant structures, insects and animals all work together in nature.

More than 6,600 students have participated in the unique program over the 11 years it has been offered. Since the program's inception, a growing number of students who participated in this program ultimately have chosen a career in conservation-related professions.

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