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Watson kindergartners go down on the farm
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Neighbors | Pam Jadue.Kindergarten student Emily Evans and her mom, Shelley, painted a flower pot as part of a craft activity at the Mill Creek experimental farm.
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Neighbors | Pam Jadue.Watson student Sapphire Rushwin gave the baby calf a bottle in the Mill Creek Experimental Farms baby barn.
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Neighbors | Pam Jadue.Michelle and Christy Madison made ice cream the old-fashioned way at Mill Creek MetroParks Experimental Farm in Canfield.
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Neighbors | Pam Jadue.Watson kindergartner Joey Mullarky pet a duck in the bird barn during a recent field trip to Metro Parks Experimental Farm in Canfield.
By PAM JADUE
The kindergarten students from Watson Elementary School enjoyed a school tradition as they spent the afternoon of May 6 experiencing the sights and sounds of the Mill Creek Metro Parks Experimental Farm in Canfield.
The annual field trip was planned as a shared learning experience that included the students and their moms. Divided into small groups the children could explore the farm as they rotated through various hands-on activities.
As the group arrived, Brenda Markley, who has been conducting educational programs at the farm for 20 years, described life on the farm and encouraged students to use their five senses to learn about the many things they would find on their visit.
The children listened attentively and laughed, while imitating Markley. They held their noses as she spoke of the sense of smell on the farm.
The day’s activities included a tractor ride and tour of the farm where students learned about plowing and seeding the fields along with the crops that are grown there.
A visit to the bird barn allowed students to compare eggs that came from different birds on the farm and see chicks, ducklings and turkeys. Students marveled at the larger goose eggs and the green-colored duck eggs that they don’t usually see in the grocery store.
During their visit to the baby animal barn, students had the opportunity to pet the animals, including pigs, goats and lambs. A highlight for many was feeding the baby calf a bottle of milk.
Students gathered back at the McMahon Hall where they learned about dairy products as they participated in the making and tasting of homemade ice cream.
Students topped the trip off by painting flower pots and planting seeds with their mothers.
Similar field trips are held at the farm throughout the year with students from various schools in the area. The farm also provides a number of in-class experiences for students in the area.