Parents, students get hands-on science lessons

-->

River District leaders help explain soil erosion at the science night

Whitewater schools host April 17 evening program
on STEM hands-on learning and school gardens
How often have we all said, I learn it so much better when I can do it rather than read about it? On April 17, The Catawba River District and its partners brought hands-on science learning to the hallways of Whitewater Academy and Whitewater Middle School. 

Craig Wyant explains local wildlife

Volunteers from Presbyterian Healthcare, Huber Technology and the River District ran interactive science- and math-based learning displays for parents and students coming to an end-of-grade test-prep night.

The program underscored the importance learning science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects – considered key to landing good jobs in the future. The science evening is part of the North Carolina Science Festival, a monthlong celebration showcasing STEM learning at scores of events statewide. The Festival highlights the educational, cultural and financial impact of science in our state.

Some of the best hands-on STEM learning in the River District is taking place outdoors at new vegetable gardens at the two schools. People who ventured outdoors at the April 17 event got to see the groundwork – literally – of schoolyard gardens under way at their schools and at four nearby schools, thanks to the Catawba River District and its partners.

New garden at Whitewater Academy

Catawba River District and its partners have an ambitious plan to build both school gardens and a working farm and processing facility to encourage local agriculture while teaching our students. A key player in developing the farm to school program is Rivendell Farms, a family farm and CSA (community supported agriculture) in Huntersville where people can help grow produce for their own supper table.

Experts say that children quickly develop a love for math and science when teachers tie those subjects to something as rewarding – and tasty – as growing fruits and vegetables. Plus children develop healthier diets as they watch carrots, tomatoes and other vegetables mature in the garden. 

The vision for the school gardens includes a time in the future where local produce from school gardens and other small farm gardens might actually end up on lunch trays at local school cafeterias.

Learn more

Visit catawbariverdistrict.org to learn about the Schoolyard Gardens program. 

About the NC Science Festival

The North Carolina Science Festival is a multi-day celebration showcasing science and technology. The Festival highlights the educational, cultural and financial impact of science in our state. Through hands-on activities, science talks, lab tours, nature experiences, exhibits and performances, the Festival engages a wide range of public audiences while inspiring future generations.

Learn more at NCScienceFestival.org

About the Catawba River District

The Catawba River District is a regional organization committed to sustainable community and economic development for a 16,000-acre area comprising parts of Northwest Mecklenburg County, Mount Holly, and Belmont. The River District is a vital part of the Charlotte region’s watershed and includes the US National Whitewater Center, the North Carolina Educational Forest, and parts of the Carolina Thread Trail.

The vision of the River District has been enriched by key community and education partners that have responded to the unique setting and opportunities that the Catawba River District provides for a holistic approach to sustainability, community, and economic development, and education.

Learn more at CatawbaRiverDistrict.org