NRCS Hits the Mark for Conservation Education at CAST 2006

Story by Randy Henry, Public Affairs Specialist

With several publications, brochures, and fact sheets in hand, USDA-NRCS Texas attended the Conference for the Advancement of Science Teaching (CAST), Nov. 8-11, 2006, in Wichita Falls, Texas.

CAST 2006, which was presented by the Science Teachers Association of Texas, provides methods and strategies for improving science learning and teaching, professional workshops, and updates on state and national policies regarding science education. At the conference, several hundred educators visited the NRCS booth and were welcomed with a plethora of conservation information, including web soil survey brochures, urban soil planner CDs, ag activities sheets, backyard conservation books, Earth Team pamphlets, and peel-off tattoos, among other items.

Throughout the conference, educators came by the NRCS booth to discuss conservation, along with the new technology and information available to them. After addressing the various levels of science education the students were being taught, educators selected from NRCS publications focusing on topics such as GPS technology, wetlands, watersheds, soil biology, farming and ranching partnerships, working with people toward a healthy land, becoming an NRCS volunteer, along with challenging careers and internships within NRCS.

Overall, the presence of NRCS Texas at CAST 2006 enriched the opportunities for science educators to gather significant information to teach their students the value of conservation.


 

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