For the sixth year in a row, Freed-Hardeman University is partnering with the Chickasaw-Shiloh RC&D Council to present Conservation Nation, a poster and recycled art competition for middle school students. Organizers say the purpose of this event is to strengthen students’ awareness of conservation issues while encouraging an interest in science.
The theme for this year’s competition is “Wetlands and Wildlife,” and it is open to all 7th and 8th grade students from surrounding counties. This event is to be held Fri. Feb. 26 in Bader Gym on the FHU campus.
Each participant is asked to create either an art piece made of recycled materials or a poster to demonstrate the overall theme. Art projects must have at least 75% of the piece made from recycled products. Additionally, each poster must include a two page written summary of the idea behind it. Trophies will be awarded to the top 5 entries in each category. Cash prizes of up to $100 will be given to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in each category.
Students will be divided into small groups to present their entries. Other activities for the day include three hands-on chemistry experiments that complement the Wetlands and Wildlife theme. Also, Biologist Mike Hansbrough of the Natural Resources Conservation Service will speak to the participants.
Nearly 175 students are set to compete in Conservation Nation. Participants are from Jackson Christian School, Rossville Christian Academy and Rose Hill Middle School. Event organizers are excited to have students from Rose Hill as this is the first year for this school to attend.
Registration for Conservation Nation begins at 8:30 a.m. and the event is scheduled to end at 1 p.m. Box lunches will be provided. For more information, contact FHU at 731-668-7770, extension 100 or email chris.moyers@th.usda.gov or ldavis@fhu.edu.