Natural Resources Curriculum Committee Meeting Minutes

Conference Call Meeting
October 3, 2001

Members Present: Sanford Smith, Chair ("Sandy")
Judy MacRone (Agent)
Vicki Nave (Volunteer)
Kara Graver (Agent)
Susan Boser (Agent)
Denise Klingensmith (Volunteer)
Nicole Foremsky (Agent)
Harry Blanchet (Agent)
Susan Taylor (Agent)

ITEMS OF DISCUSSION

1. 4-H Fishing Curriculum Update
Harry reported that the PA Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is still working with us on this, but progress is going very slow. We need to get this going again, but not sure now. Sandy volunteered to contact the PFBC and see if they are still committed. There is a finished national curriculum that may be what we should look at seriously. [Follow-up Note: The PFBC is desirous of finishing the draft up in spring 2002. Sandy has agreed to work more closely with them.]

2. Incredible Water — Water Book II
The committee reviewed the draft version of a new 4-H book written by Joy Drohan, Bill Sharpe, and Sanford Smith. This was funded by a college grant, and is meant to follow the water conservation book. It is for 9-12 year olds. Various committee members suggested text changes and picture ideas. The comments were all positive and the book was approved for design and printing. There were concerns that perhaps percentages are hard for kids to understand. Sandy will follow up on this--maybe pie charts or bar graphs should be used. The committee would like a single leader’s guide developed for both 4-H water books.

3. The Wildlife Ecologist Book Update
Sandy reported that this intermediate-level book was designed and sent to the printer. It should be ready by December 15, 2001.

4. The Wildlife Manager 4-H book, which will follow-up the Ecologist book, is still being rewritten and the plan is to have this to the editor by Thanksgiving (2001). The committee reviewed draft this earlier.

5. New Curriculum for 2002.
Much discussion centered on what new materials are needed in the natural resources curriculum. It was decided that an intermediate level book on water quality is needed, and that this was the Number 1 priority. This will be submitted to the State Curriculum Management Team. An attempt is also being made to find some funds through the USFWS to pay for a revision of the Endangered Species projects. Sandy and Margaret Brittingham are working on this.