Approximately 1,000 school children from Bisbee, Double Adobe, Douglas, and Elfrida fanned out across the grounds of the Douglas Campus of Cochise College Tuesday to visit with pythons and snakes, learn about alternative fuels, and get a look at how recycling works. The activities were part of the third annual Earth Day Education, which exposes kids both to the college and to ways to protect the planet.

“I’m delighted with the turnout, the weather, and with the vendors who are here to educate the kids,” said Janeen Crockett, the Douglas Campus science instructor who organized the event.

Dora Valencia, a 13-year-old student at Huber Middle School, came with her seventh-grade science class. Her favorite display of the morning was learning how to make fuel out of waste vegetable oil. The educational booth was presented by Steve Fogleman, who uses a specially fitted washing machine to transform old oil into fuel he uses to run his truck. While he made some investment to start processing the vegetable oil into something usable, Fogleman estimates that once he breaks even on the start-up cost, the fuel will cost him $1.50 to $2 per gallon.

 Cody Bartells, a 20-year-old Cochise College student from Double Adobe, spent the day running guests through a relay game designed to show kids how much more mileage they can save by recycling. Bartells, who will graduate with an associate of science degree in May, said the game was well-received by the participants.

It was a favorite stop for Nathan Novoa, 13, who said he plans to make a greater effort to recycle at home. His teacher, Jennifer Thomas, said the class has already covered ecology and the environment in school and that the Earth Day event reinforced their knowledge and allowed them to see some of the concepts in action.

The day’s activities also included the “rolling river” model of a watershed, featuring a sand-and-water model depicting the flow of water through soil and on the earth’s surface. The model was presented by the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Water Wise program. Kids also patted a boa constrictor and Burmese python, brought to campus by the Huachuca Area Herpetological Association. There was an introduction to solar energy, a myrmecology display to investigate ants, an eco-challenge game show, a paper-crete block production demonstration, and a chance to observe Sulcata tortoises. Participants also developed their own displays by submitting environmentally-themed art, group projects, posters and letters to legislators that were judged and awarded prizes.

“It was a wonderful day filled with incredible learning experiences for the kids and a delight to observe,” said Dr. Joanna Michelich, Cochise College vice president for instruction.