The Thousand Islands Land Trust (TILT) recently partnered with Bashaw Elementary School in Cape Vincent for a hands-on Conservation Connections program focused on weathering and erosion.
The two-day educational experience combined classroom learning with outdoor exploration, helping second grade students better understand how natural forces shape the environment around them.
On the first day of the program, TILT Community Engagement Coordinator, Delaney McIlrath, visited the classroom to teach students about the processes of weathering and erosion through an engaging Skittles activity. Using the candy as a visual demonstration, students observed how surfaces can gradually break down over time, much like rocks and soil in nature. Following the activity, students reflected on the lesson through writing exercises about what they learned.
The following day, students traveled to TILT’s Rivergate Trail in Clayton, where they observed real-life examples of weathering and erosion along the trail. Students explored how water, wind, roots, and foot traffic can impact landscapes over time, making direct connections between their classroom lessons and the natural environment.
TILT’s Conservation Connections program is designed to provide students with meaningful, hands-on environmental education experiences that foster curiosity, stewardship, and a deeper appreciation for the Thousand Islands region. By combining science education with outdoor learning, the program helps students better understand the importance of conserving and caring for the lands and waters that surround their communities.