Soil & Water Programs for the Classroom
Bird Beaks — Students learn why birds have different beaks, how they use their beaks, and a hands-on activity that allows students to be birds and see what type of beak they need to eat certain food. (Gr. K-2nd)
Edible Soils — Students learn about the layers of the soil, how soil is made, and how bugs are essential while we enjoy eating a little soil. (Gr. K-5th)
Erosion: Soil on the Move — Students will learn about and demonstrate different types of erosion and how to prevent it from happening. They will learn erosion can be beautiful or devastating. (Gr. 4-5th)
Forest Habitats — Students learn about different forest habitats, the animals that live in them, and get a close up look at some local animal artifacts. (Gr. K-2nd)
(How Important is) Groundwater — Students will learn about groundwater and its role in our environment. They will see how pollution affects the aquifers where we get our water. (Gr. 3-5th)
(The) Incredible Journey —A hands-on look at the water cycle. Students will roll the dice to travel the world as a water molecule and make a bracelet to commemorate their journey. (Gr. 3-5th) (see Water Wonders for lower grades)
Invasive Species — Students will learn what invasive species are, how they affect our ecosystems, and common invasive species that are all around us. (Gr. 4-5th)
Investigating Soil — A look into what makes up our soil and why it is one of our most valuable resources. Students will get hands on experience with different soil types and what is in it. (Gr. K-3rd) Spring (April/May) & Fall (Aug/Sept/Oct.)
Liquid Treasures — Water from a historical point of view. Students will understand how modern water conveniences have made it easier to use (or abuse) water while a story is read and antiques are shown. (outside only for Long Haul game with water weather permitting, can play without water indoors) (Gr. 1-2nd)
(The) Living Soil — Students learn that the soil ecosystem plays a very important part of life above ground. With microscopes they will see organisms that keep our soil healthy. (Gr. 3-5th)
Making it Rain — Students will learn about the importance of the water cycle and then be able to see the water cycle happen right in their classroom. (Gr. 1-3rd)
Pollinator Heroes — Students will explore the importance of pollinators in the food chain and environment with a large-scale demonstration and/or hands-on activity depending on time allotment (Gr. K-4th)
Project Soil — Students will get hands on experience with our three main soil types and textures while learning about erosion and how to protect our soil (Gr. 1-5th)
Soil Under Micros — Students will get a closer look at the ground that we stand on. A video is used as an intro, then using microscopes students will observe insects dependent on soil, soil types, and organic matter that nourishes the soil. (Gr. 4-5th)
(The) Topsoil Tour — We go over the importance of pH and nutrients for plant growth. Students will be scientists as they test soil samples for the different essential nutrients and pH level. (Gr. 5) Spring & Fall
Tree Cookies 1 — Students learn how to tell a tree ring story and they also learn about trees. Students will play the tree growing game or leaf relay. (Gr. K-3rd)
Tree Cookies 2 — Students will learn about tree rings and other tree facts. Students will learn about some popular Indiana trees and use a dichotomy book. (Gr. 4-5th)
(What is a) Watershed? — students get an up-close look of how a watershed works using an Enviroscape and how we can protect our watersheds. (Gr. 3-5th)
Water Wonders — A primary look at water and its uses. Students will travel the water cycle with Willie Water Drop and make a water cycle bracelet to track where they went. (Gr. K-2nd) (see The Incredible Journey for higher grades)
(How) Wetlands (Work) — Students will learn about the basic value of wetlands and see how they work. They will be introduced to how human activity effects wetlands. (Gr. 3-5th)
Stormwater Programs for the Classroom
Sammy the Salamander: S.O.S. (Save Our Streams)
Students will learn how stormwater runoff pollution effects Sammy’s habitat. (Grades K-2)
Shedding Light on Stormwater and Your Watersheds
Students use the Enviroscape to study the Lake Michigan and Kankakee Watersheds. They will experiment with erosion, runoff, and shaping of landforms. Students will discover their part in polluting their watershed via storm drains from their own backyard. (Grades 3-5)
The Amazing Journey of Stormwater
Students will learn about stormwater’s part in the Water Cycle, uses of water, and water pollution in their own neighborhood. Using hands on activities, students will learn how stormwater pollution can make our water supply unsafe for people to use for daily needs. (Grades K-5)
**We require that the teacher be present in the classroom during the programs.**
Call now to schedule a program – Lake County SWCD Office: 219-663-7042. All programs are free: the expenses for our programs is supported financially by our AFFILIATE MEMBERSHIP dues.
Sign-up your school as an affiliate member today! (membership is not required to receive our programs)
