Perched in the foothills of Tulare County, CA, SCICON is an educational institution that focuses on nurturing a love for science and conservation among its students. Operated by the Tulare County Office of Education, the school welcomes over 8,000 fifth and sixth graders every year. The director of SCICON, Dianne Shew, emphasizes the importance of instilling a sense of respect for nature and self-awareness in young learners.
Covering 1,170 acres and nestled adjacent to National Forest land, SCICON provides students with a unique outdoor learning experience. They can embark on hikes of varying difficulty levels, explore aquatic environments, and visit a museum showcasing local wildlife. The goal is to cultivate an appreciation for the environment in the younger generation.
For Gavin, his time at SCICON was transformative. It allowed him to connect with nature and understand the impact that human actions have on our planet. Despite facing challenges like flooding that threatened the fragile habitat of the school, SCICON has received support from organizations like Friends of SCICON and a grant from Disney’s Conservation Fund. This funding will help restore the habitat while continuing to educate children about conservation efforts.
With assistance from volunteers from Disney, the salamander habitat at SCICON is being revitalized. Dianne Shew believes that through education and community effort, future generations can learn to cherish and protect our environment. Ultimately, she aims to instill in her students a sense of responsibility towards preserving our planet for generations to come.
In conclusion, SCICON is more than just an educational institution; it’s a place where young minds are inspired to appreciate and protect nature. Through hands-on experiences like hiking, exploring aquatic environments and visiting museums showcasing local wildlife, students learn about science and conservation in a unique outdoor setting. With continued support from organizations like Friends of SCICON and grants from companies like Disney’s Conservation Fund, Dianne Shew’s dream of instilling a love for conservation in young learners becomes increasingly achievable.