Kids learn hands-on at outdoor classroom

Elementary students from area schools learned about Earth Day through a series of hands-on exhibits Thursday at the Tucumcari Elementary Outdoor Classroom.

"This event teaches the children about more than the Earth," said Relissa Nials, a natural resources district conservationist with the USDA.

Nials said each year, the Earth Day event brings in students from surrounding schools to learn about different areas of study, projects and industry that use the Earth. She said these fields include honey production by bees, which was explained by Debra Mitchell.

"It is so great to see the children's faces light up when they get to touch the experiments," said Robert Hockaday with Energy Related Devices.

Hockaday's exhibits focused on the use of solar power. He said the various stations gave the children a chance to touch solar panels, models and have an active roll in the experiment.

Rural 1 volunteer firefighter Michelle Jaynes spoke to the children about the importance of canal safety with the Arch Hurley Conservancy District's irrigation canal running with water through town.

"The presentation stresses to the children the dangers of swimming in the canal," Jaynes said. "The children need to understand that the canal is not a place for children to play."

Mark Martinez, Interim fire chief for the Tucumcari volunteer fire department, spoke to the children about fire safety tips and exhibited various equipment with the help of firefighters Jose Martinez and Larissa Anaya.

Martinez told the children that they need to remember while a firefighter wearing all of the gear may looks scary, they shouldn't hide from them.

Logan Elementary students Lilly Nials and Payson Nials gave a presentation with various farm animals and how important the Earth is to their survival.

Mesalands Community College Farrier Science Instructor Paul Leonard and his students gave a demonstration of how to shoe a horse.

Nials said the children had a good response to all of the exhibits and speakers.