Range Days

On Wednesday, October 7, the Philip 7th grade classes (and four 7th grade country school students), along with the 7th grade students from Wall and Kadoka, got to attend Range Days on the Gene Williams Ranch. It was a lot of very and we learned A LOT. When the students arrived, they were divided into four different groups. Each group rotated through a series of four sessions.  Each session was 1 hour long and each was very interesting.  The day started with Gene Williams giving a welcome speech, explaining to the students that the purpose for the event was for them to learn about the land that they live on or near and that through education, we can preserve what we have.

One session was presented by a soil scientist. She discussed what soil is made of and taught the students how to texture test their soil to see if it is good soil for plant life. Students ended up a little muddy, but got hands on experience with identifying clay, sand and silt based soils. She also brought her sample truck and the students got the experience of watching her pull up a core sample and use HCL solution to check for the calcium content.

The second session was held on the flat prairie in the middle of the plant growth. Students examined the classifications of plants on the prairie and then were given hands on experiences of finding and identifying the various types of plants that were growing in that area. They discussed the difference between annuals, bi-annuals, and perennials.

The third session they were lucky enough to go to was help by two ladies, Dakota and Sara, who worked for the parks as animal trackers. Students got to identify animals by their skins, foot tracks and skulls. They were able to hold and examine the pelts, skulls, and rubber foot molds of Big Horn Sheep, coyotes, the quick fox, red fox, badger and raccoon. They also examined horns and antlers and compared their similarities and differences and got to "track" one of the presenters by following the signal from a tracking collar. It was exciting!

The final session was fossil identification. An employee of the park brought fossils and fossil replicas for the students to examine, classify, and identify.  The hands on experience of learning about the animals that lived in the Badlands years ago was a great way for the students to learn about the habitats we are close to.

A delicious lunch of barbecue pulled pork sandwiches, chips, beans, cookies, watermelon and lemonade were served to all of the participants.  Thank you to all who put it on for us!