While it may not be something that golfers consider frequently, groundskeepers view maintaining the golf course as more than just a game. During their Wednesday tour to Heritage Golf Course, a group of Olathe fourth-graders were informed of this.
Thanks to the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America’s First Green program, nearly fifty kids from Tomahawk Elementary School were able to take part in an innovative STEM field trip at a nearby golf course. During their tour, these kids had the opportunity to participate in practical classes and activities.
Ethan Shamet, superintendent of Heritage Golf Course, stated, “We want to introduce kids to the game of golf and incorporate STEM education into their learning experience.” Our goal is to show that we do more than just mow the lawn; we take part in mathematical, scientific, and technological processes.
Students had the chance to investigate the vital function that worms and bugs play in preserving the health of the grass during the lecture. They studied centipedes and pill bugs, also called roly polys, under the magnifying glass.
The screaming came right before the worms appeared, a bucket full of fat nightcrawlers.
A fourth-grader named Quinn Ulsh described handling the worm and said it didn’t feel good. He thought it was fascinating to watch and learn about the writhing creatures, even if it was nasty.
The eating habits of worms and how their excrement enriches the soil were explained to the students. This important information emphasizes the value of worms as a friend to both lawns and golf courses.
Fourth-grader Millie Chapman said, “The poop was really gross, but as soon as he managed to get it out of his hands, there were about 20 people who reacted with a mix of shock and amusement.” It was very hilarious to watch.
It was a worthwhile educational experience, in my opinion as well.
Quinn talked on how happy he was to learn that sand, not ordinary soil or dirt, is used in the green fields. The fact that sand is smoother than dirt and soil intrigued him. He was pleasantly delighted by this new information and excited to find out more.
The instruments used by groundskeepers, methods for calculating odd forms, ways to gauge the speed of the greens, and putting strategies were among the other things the players learnt about.
Using soil-moisture meters, the students also participated in a friendly competition to see whose team could saturate the grass the most.
“I thought the hula hoop would effectively contain the water within the circle, but it didn’t work as well as I expected,” Millie said, looking surprised.
The goal has been achieved; Quinn, Millie, and their classmates have learned new information.
It’s quite fulfilling to assist these children and see their excitement as they discover and come up with fresh ideas, Shamet said. Observing their grins and realizing that I am having a good influence on their life is the nicest part. Perhaps we will encourage someone to become a golf course superintendent in the future.
The Wednesday field trip at Heritage Golf Course proved to be a great success.
With great enthusiasm, Millie described her most recent field trip as one of the best she had been on in a long time. She claimed that the cause of this was her intense passion for golfing, which she regards as her all-time favorite pastime.
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