Soil and Water Conservation Programs in the Classroom 

Do you have a need for a soil and water conservation program in your curriculum this year? The District can alter programs to meet your specific grade level. Below are good examples of grade specific programs. Water is used everyday by everyone and learning how to respect and conserve it is a major priority of the Soil and Water Conservation District. With many opportunities for both indoor and outdoor hands-on activities, the District seeks your interest throughout the year. For a full listing of available programs including Soil Pizza, Wetland in a Pan, It’s Raining Cats & Dogs and more please visit our website. Here are a few of our most popular programs:

Kindergarten, First, Second Grade: FREDDIE THE FISH:

Students listen to a story while watching a demonstration about Freddie the Fish and his journey down the Wabash River. Students learn firsthand what happens to the river when Freddie encounters water pollution. Students learn how their actions along with those of others affect water quality and ways they can help prevent water pollution.

Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth: INCREDIBLE JOURNEY:

Students become water molecules and simulate the movement of water within the water cycle. By rolling a cube, students visit places water can move throughout the Earth. Students will also identify the physical states of water as it moves through the water cycle. A beaded water cycle bracelet records each student’s journey.

Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth Grade: SUM OF THE PARTS:

Students demonstrate how everyone contributes to the pollution of a river as it flows through a watershed. Through a hands-on activity, students will learn how to distinguish between point source and nonpoint source and recognize everyone contributes to and is responsible for the water quality of a river or lake.

Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, HS Grade: ENVIROSCAPE:

Using the EnviroScape’s Nonpoint Source Pollution Model, students learn about watersheds and water pollution. The three dimensional model landscape illustrates residential, recreational, agricultural, and industrial areas and how they represent possible sources of water pollution. Students see first hand how their actions and those of others may affect our water quality. The EnviroScape uses water in the demonstration so prepare to have fun.

Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth Grade: H2OLYMPICS:

Students compete in “Water Olympics” to investigate the properties of water. Students participate in three events by performing simple experiments that demonstrate adhesion and cohesion. Events include the pole vault, balance beam and backstroke. Students will be able to demonstrate the chemical bonding properties of water while also relating these properties to daily activities.

Ninth, Tenth Grade: BIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY MONITORING:

Students are introduced to water quality by performing biological water monitoring. Students learn about various macroinvertebrates and how scientists use these aquatic insects to test our waterways. By examining and identifying these insects, students decide if the water quality is excellent, good, fair or poor. 

Eleventh, Twelveth Grade: CHEMICAL WATER MONITORING:

Students are introduced to water quality by performing simple chemical water monitoring procedures. Students use the LaMotte Standard GREEN kits in order to perform chemical tests of a waterway. These chemical tests include dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, turbidity, phosphates, and nitrates. By examining the chemical test results, students decide if the water quality is excellent, good, fair, or poor.

 ALL: STORM DRAIN STENCILING:

Students learn about nonpoint source pollution and watersheds by marking storm drains in their communities. This activity reminds the community not to dump waste into our storm drains, as it  eventually drains to our waterways. Students use stencils that read “Dump No Waste, Drains to River” to paint this permanent reminder to the community. This is a great community service activity for afterschool clubs!

Contact Don Emmert for more information about having a presentation in your classroom. Please do not hesitate to e-mail or call the office if you have any questions about the available programs. We look forward to hearing from school teachers, home school teachers, scout troop leaders, after-school program directors, and more.

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Educator workshops are also available