In the foothills of Tulare County, CA, lies SCICON, a unique place where students learn about science and conservation. Operated by the Tulare County Office of Education, this school hosts over 8,000 fifth and sixth graders every year.
The director of SCICON, Dianne Shew, emphasizes the importance of students understanding nature and developing self-respect. Covering 1,170 acres and bordering National Forest land, SCICON provides a unique outdoor learning experience for its students. They can participate in hikes of varying difficulty levels, explore aquatic environments, and visit a museum showcasing local wildlife. The goal is to instill a love and respect for the environment in the younger generation.
One student who has benefited from this experience is Gavin. Through SCICON, he was able to connect with nature and understand the impact of human actions on the earth. Despite facing challenges like flooding that damaged the school’s fragile habitat, SCICON has received support from organizations like Friends of SCICON and a grant from the Disney Conservation Fund. This grant will help restore the habitat and continue educating children about the importance of conservation efforts.
With the help of volunteers from Disney, SCICON’s salamander habitat is being revitalized. Dianne Shew believes that through education and community effort, future generations can learn to appreciate and protect the environment. The overarching message at SCICON is that everyone has a role to play in preserving our planet for future generations.
Overall, SCICON provides an exceptional opportunity for students to learn about science and conservation while experiencing nature firsthand. With its focus on environmental education and restoration efforts, this school is making a positive impact on both its students and the community as a whole.