Statue Tour: Educating Kids, Wowing Adults
Posted at 10:49 am April 9, 2009 by Rick Schwartz
Wednesday, April 8, we found ourselves in the middle of a school yard surrounded by kids and adults, all asking questions and looking at the truckload of statues with wonderment. (Read Rick’s previous post, Statue Tour: Swinging through the Southwest.) Can you imagine being in your classroom and seeing a mammoth family and other Pleistocene animals drive up and park right next to your playground? I don’t know about you, but that definitely would have left an impression on me!
We were able to talk directly to over 80 elementary school students yesterday (and all the teachers and administrators that were there) about extinction and conservation. What a great opportunity! I absolutely love the enthusiasm children bring to this discussion, and many of these kids were very knowledgeable about fossils and what extinction means. From information about current species that are alive today to facts about our truckload of ancient animals, these kids were happy to learn more. My only regret is that we can’t go to every school in the nation.
One of my favorite things to do when working with kids is to ask them what they think and then just step back and listen to their ideas and knowledge. I asked this group, “Why do you think the San Diego Zoo is bringing a truckload of extinct animals to the Zoo all the way from Wisconsin?”
Their responses were perfect! One boy answered, “Because you guys want to teach us about extinction and animals.” And another girl replied, “The Zoo is trying to save animals and wants to show people the animals that are not here anymore.” Of course there we plenty of other great answers, but I can’t list them all.
After two hours of talking to the kids (8 groups every 15 minutes), I was exhausted but smiling from ear to ear. Matching each group’s energy and enthusiasm with my passion was very satisfying and personally rewarding for me.
Now I’m back in San Diego. In fact, by the time you read this I am sure the statues will be at the Zoo and probably being prepped for getting settled into their permanent home. This wraps up one of the many adventures I am having as Elephant Odyssey Ambassador!
Rick Schwartz is the San Diego Zoo’s Elephant Odyssey Ambassador.
Visit the Elephant Odyssey Web site for video of the statue tour.
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April 9th, 2009 at 3:46 pm
And a marvelous adventure it was, too!! I’m happy you had such a productive (and safe) trip, Rick. We’re happy to have you back and can’t wait to see the “new” critters.
April 10th, 2009 at 7:11 am
Rick – Welcome back to “sunny” San Diego.
It looks like your cross-country trip was successful. I am sure it was a rewarding experience for you and for all the children who you met along the way.
As the statues are placed in their new home, you can breath a sigh of relief. Your hard work has been successfully completed. Now, let the queuing and viewing begin.
April 13th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
well Rick, your new job has certainly been interesting and exciting I must say! the children’s groups that you talked to were probably very excited about getting to view these extinct animals in such grand form and to be able to ask you all kind of questions! I’m sure the teachers talked about this somewhat before your arrival to kind of prep the kids beforehand. great learning tool! not only learning about the extinct animals, but also a wonderful advertisement for the SAN DIEGO ZOO! maybe these kids can talk their parents into vacationing in san diego so they can visit the zoo and also be able to see and recognize these statues at the zoo itself!!!!………..anyway, glad you are back safe and sound and the statues made it all in one piece!!!! are you now ready for your next adventure? keep us posted!!!..