Classroom Programs are 45 minutes – 1 hour in length, and some require an outdoor space, science lab or art room. Past programs have included those below; please contact our office for current programming options.
Pollinators – Children learn about the process and importance of pollination, including parts of flowers and various species responsible for pollination. (K-3)
What is a Watershed? – The Enviroscape© is a watershed model that can be used to demonstrate all sorts of ecological processes and allow students to investigate the causes of point and non-point source pollution. Can also be used to look at the function of wetlands. (3-adult)
Sum of the Parts – Students demonstrate how everyone contributes to the pollution of a river as it flows through a watershed and recognize that everyone’s contribution can be reduced. (4-8)
8-4-1, One for All – This activity allows students to understand the various pressures put on a water supply and how we all must work together to preserve and protect our water. (6-adult)
Investigating Soil – This is a hands-on and inquiry based program utilizing stations that deal with the components of soil, soil colors, organic matter, etc. Students learn what soil is, what organisms live in soil, and an introduction to soil classification. (K-3)
The Living Soil – Students learn that the soil ecosystem plays a very important part of life above ground and how healthy soils support healthy environments. Students will build a soil food pyramid and learn about producers, decomposers, predators, etc. (3-6)
Soil Trek – Students do several hands-on activities outside. Some of the activities include: pH testing, soil temperature and percolation test. (4-High School) Spring and Fall.
Project Soil – Focuses on soil textures (sand, silt and clay) and how different soils interact with water and erode. Students will learn about the soil texture triangle and play some games to learn about how soil particles interact with water.
Soil Health Lab – This program was especially designed for 4th grade. We’ll delve into a little bit of history by discussing the Dust Bowl. Hands-on activities demonstrate mechanical vs. chemical weathering, different types of erosion and look at activities that humans can do to mitigate the impacts of erosion on the environment.
World Watercycle – Students will learn about the water cycle and the 3 phases of matter. This program includes a water cycle demonstration, basic introduction to hydrogen bonding and energy, using fun games as a learning tool.
Stream Sampling/Water Quality Field Trips – We can meet you and your class at a local stream to do macroinvertebrate sampling, water chemistry, habitat and watershed studies. This field trip is tailored to your group’s needs and location.
Flowers Seeking Pollinators – This inquiry-based lesson will allow students to use evidence to construct explanations about how pollinators are attracted to different types of flowers, how plants need pollinators and how pollinators need plants for food. They will work in groups to use data to develop an argument and decide which plant their assigned pollinator prefers. (3rd-7th)
Salmon Lifecycle – This program explores Lake Michigan and Trail Creek as critical habitat for salmon reproduction. We’ll discuss the life cycle of the salmon, and how various invasive species’ life cycles overlap that of the salmon and can have negative impact. Then, we’ll go outside (or a gym) and play the Salmon Game. (1st-3rd)
Sandhill Cranes – learn about sandhill cranes, their migration patterns, and significance in Indiana, via sounds, images, maps, and art.
For program scheduling or questions contact the SWCD office at 219.326.6808 ext. 2112 or email: lschwab@laporteco.in.gov