Tribal kids learn about environmental health at EHYC Summer STEAM event
The Expanding Youth Horizons Center (EHYC) was transformed into a science lab in June when Cow Creek Public Health collaborated with kids to learn more about environmental health experiments.
Environmental health is a vital part of understanding how outside factors can affect one’s physical and mental well-being. It was the first of the EHYC Summer STEAM program events, in which students participate in various STEAM activities to enrich their knowledge about their community, science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.
Students began the week by making water filtration towers, and took and field trip to the Umpqua Indian Utility Cooperative (UIUC) water treatment facility in Canyonville.
The next day, students learned about the solar system, built solar-powered robots and got a little messy making galaxy slime.
The week’s program was capped off with a full day dedicated to earth and its living creatures. Students planted bean sprouts in clear soil containers, made clean energy with wind powered fans, and pieced together a butterfly habitat that will house their live caterpillars.
EHYC teachers thanked Public Health staff for their kindness and compassion shown to students.
“They delivered a wealth of environmental knowledge to our youth by creating a fun supportive classroom experience. We will be excited at any opportunity to work with them in the future,” said Amber Lomascola, Program Manager of the EHYC.
The EHYC Summer STEAM program continues through August with additional events around healthy eating, Takelma language, Cow Creek culture, and robotics.
