The Wood County Master Gardeners Association (WCMGA) recently completed its “Science Days” program, reaching 239 third-grade students across Wood County despite challenging weather conditions.
The annual educational event, which was held last week, introduced students to gardening, ecology and nature through hands-on learning stations.
The program began at the arboretum with students from Quitman ISD participating in seven interactive activities, ranging from soil science to nature-inspired art.Later in the week, thunderstorms forced organizers to adapt. Volunteers brought the program directly into classrooms at Alba-Golden and Winnsboro ISDs, ensuring students still experienced most of the activities despite missing the outdoor components.
At the popular “Worms” station, students explored the role of earthworms in soil, with many students taking the opportunity to hold live earthworms.
The “Spider” station combined biology with engineering as students constructed webs strong enough to hold small weights. Meanwhile, at the “Propagation” station, children learned how plants grow and planted their own mammoth sunflower seeds to take home.
Creativity was on full display during “Making Art with Nature,” inspired by environmental artist Andy Goldsworthy, while “Good Bugs/Bad Bugs” challenged students to rethink which insects are helpful or harmful in a garden. A lesson on native Texas plants and a nature hike rounded out the outdoor experience for Quitman students.
In total, 33 volunteers, including 10 interns, contributed to the week’s success. Organizers praised their flexibility and dedication in keeping the program running smoothly.
With another year completed, the Master Gardeners are already looking ahead to expanding and improving Science Days in 2027.