Flint Hills Map
A formal Dedication Ceremony of our USD 394’s “You Are Here: Flint Hills Map and Education Program” was held at the RHMS, Thursday, February 2, dedicating the three maps that are now in our district.
Pictured is Flint Hills Project Coordinator Anne (Annie) Wilson. Annie a former Language Arts instructor, business manager, attorney, rancher and musician. Annie informed the building principals of the many educational resources available on their website, as well as the education program "You Are Here: Flint Hills Map and Education Program."
RHPS/RHIS, RHMS, and RHHS recently received an educational map, which colorfully exhibits the Flint Hills. This map represents an education program titled, “You Are Here: Flint Hills Map and Education Program”. The place-based education program, created by a grass roots team of Flint Hills teachers, scientists, ranchers and experts, is designed to deepen students’ pride and understanding of their remarkable place in the world, the Kansas Flint Hills – the last four percent of tallgrass prairie in North America. The map exhibit and curriculum were offered to Flint Hills Schools and colleges at no cost – funded through private donations through the Flint Hills Discovery Center Foundation.
The Elementary School map is displayed on the wall just outside of the elementary nurse’s office. It is a very nice map and will provide for some great geography lessons and discussions about the Flint Hills.
The Middle School exhibit focuses on the four earth cycles in the Flint Hills: rock, water, carbon, and nitrogen, within a geologic landscape vibrant with wildlife. These four ecological cycles are a foundation of the Middle School Science curriculum. Using numerous teaching resources and activities provided by the program, the students will analyze how the cycles interact and overlap within our complex prairie ecosystem. During 7th grade, students are currently studying Kansas history. The “You Are Here: Flint Hills” education will be a great addition to the curriculum and will enhance the students’ knowledge of our great state.
The High School map is located outside of Mr. Barger's American History room in one of the main student hallways. It serves as a positive benefit, with a beautiful presence for our student body.
It will provide relevance by connecting learning to students' own experience, environment and community and will increase relevance and motivation. Our Flint Hills map gives students a sense of place, personal identity and pride in where they live.
Two quotes that explain the importance of the program, “If you don’t know where you are, you don’t know who you are.” –Wendell Berry. “In the end, we will conserve only what we love. We will love only what we understand, and we will understand only what we are taught.” –Baba Dioum.