Continuing the lesson in Apam...Learning to Love Snakes!!

The lesson began with examining what background knowledge do the students have about their own environment.  Many of them knew the impacts of Malaria and how an unkept environment can promote the spreading of Malaria.  They also understood how important it is to keep areas clean and clear of any debris near where they live and interact.  I believe a student is best at thinking when forced to deal with real situations that incorporate many of the various academic standards.  In this lesson, we were able to integrate speaking and listening skills with math/science and character education. The students got to see how making a small impact positively in their environment can improve living conditions for the marine life and the fishing community there in Apam. Afterward i assessed what the students had learned orally.  They each explained to me what the impact was and why its important to be conscious of their environment. They did a good job!        After the trip we all went our separate ways back to our homes and friends.  I know this lesson has left an impression on these students to think more about their living environment and to think of ways to improve it to benefit all citizens in Apam.  

Lastly, some hung around and walked me to the market.  We stopped near a market woman selling items and asked her if she ate "Snake Stew with Banku".  She quickly replied, "No!" while laughing with concern.  She looked at me as if to say, "Are you CRAZY!" It was a funny dialogue between us.  I was trying to make a point to the kids that if they killed a snake in the field they should eat it.  So as many snakes are killed in Ghana, i'm sure the people eat some sort of Snake Stew, right?  Most in Apam are afraid of snakes for their poisonous bites and will kill them from the mere sight of them.  Many become very ill and some even die from snake bites.  So the fear of snakes from some is understood.  However; it's not the snakes fault that if it were hunting a mouse or rat and happens to come across a compound with people on it that it should be killed.  After all, the snake is not hunting people, its hunting the mouse.  With this small lesson I was driving home the point that the snakes on the planet, no matter how dangerous they may seem to humans, have a purpose as well and deserve to live out their natural lives as hunters of mice and other rodents that spread diseases.  So this one may take awhile for these students to grasp and that is, "The Love of Snakes!".  :) I was very impressed with these young future scientists and leaders i had in front of me.  They all expressed the desire to learn new things and take on challenging task to help their environment.