DCCC and N.C. Zoo to Provide Nature Encounters for Lexington's Fourth Graders April 27

By Myra Thompson
Davidson County Community College

April 25, 2011

DCCC Zoo and Aquarium Science students will team with area wildlife professionals to offer fourth graders in the Lexington City Schools a "Nature Encounter" on April 27.

DCCC students will work with staff from the North Carolina Zoo to offer Lexington’s fourth graders free and exciting animal encounters from 9 a.m. to noon in the DCCC Conference Center. Animals will include small mammals, reptiles, and birds of prey such as wild hawks.

"Research has demonstrated that students who have significant life experiences with environmental education such as animal encounters, develop a positive environmental ethic,” said Mark Stevens, a biology instructor and Zoo and Aquarium Science faculty member.  “This ethic has the ability to shape their attitudes towards wildlife and modify their behaviors."

Stevens said he was pleased that DCCC is partnering with Lexington City Schools, Rowan Wildlife Adventures and the N.C. Zoo to pilot a project assessing the impact that wildlife encounters have on the fourth grade student's attitude on wildlife, wild places and conservation.

The Zoo and Aquarium Science program combines a rigorous classroom curriculum with extensive cooperative experiences over five semesters. Graduates receive a two-year degree and are prepared for employment in entry-level positions in zoos and aquariums or to continue their academic studies in zoo science.

Cooperative study experiences may involve educational and hands-on experiences with animal collections in a zoological park, wild animal safari park university research facility or aquarium setting.

For more information, visit www.davidsonccc.edu , contact Jill Simpson at jbsimpso@davidsonccc.edu or call her at 336.249.8186, ext. 6231.