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District Education Programs
Conservation education is the key to preserving and protecting the environment in which we live. Gloucester Soil Conservation District is pleased to offer free conservation and environmental education programs to schools, youth organizations and community groups on a limited basis. If you are interested in a program, please contact the education coordinator, christina-christine@gloucesterscd.org (856) 589-5250 to set up an appointment.
Below is a list of school presentations offered by the Gloucester Soil Conservation District:
Wonders of Soil Grades K-4
Students will learn what makes up soil, what lives in it, how erosion affects land and water quality, and how we depend on soil for survival.
Soil Detectives Grades 1-4
This is an outdoor activity where students will grid a section of earth and dig for "creatures" in their plot. They will learn that a small section of earth supports such a diversity of life and will identify and learn about the importance of each creature they find.
Get "Dirty" With Earthworms Grades 1-5
Bring your shovels! Students will dig for earthworms, observe and identify the body parts of an earthworm, and learn why earthworms are such important creatures! Basic soil science will be covered in this presentation.
Outdoor Soils Investigation Grades 5-12
Students will take soil samples at different locations on school property to compare soil layers and textures. Students will use a pH meter to measure soil pH and moisture content in soil. Students will learn the basic soil types and will use a dichotomous key and soil texture triangle to determine what type of soil is present.
Schoolyard Conservation
Grades 2-12
Are you interested in starting a school yard habitat program? Would you like to attract butterflies to your home or school campus? This program educates why it's important to provide a backyard habitat for various creatures and species as well as how to create one. Students/Adults will also learn about the importance of native plants and wildflowers.
Riparian Habitats Grades 6-12
Students will learn what a riparian habitat is and why they are so important.
*This presentation requires taking a field trip to a local waterway where
students can explore and identify various plants, animals, and insects.
This is a very exciting program where students get to learn about seeds, the germination process, the right soil and light conditions seedlings need in order to grow, and the benefits of the plant(s) they are growing. Students will plant seeds in peat pots and over the next few weeks, students will see first-hand the germination process as the seeds sprout and grow.
Where Does My Food Come From? Grades K-3
In this presentation, students will learn about where our food comes from,
why farming is important, and they will learn to identify different crops
and what food comes from each plant.
Watersheds Grades 2-12
Using the Enviroscape model, a portable unit which brings the environment to life, is a visual, interactive tool which allows students to explore what a watershed is, non point source pollution, the effect they have on the environment, and learn ways they can make a difference in the watershed in which they live!
Why Protect Water? Grades K-3
This presentation teaches water conservation, ways of protecting this precious
resource and why it is important for our survival. Students will also learn about the water cycle, and fun water facts.
Water Sampling Grades 4-12
This is an outdoor activity where students will take samples from the stream bank, stream bottom, and leafy vegetation in the stream. Students will then sort the sample looking for benthic macro invertebrates (bug larva, crayfish, clams and snails) and record their data to determine the water quality. Stream insects and crustacean populations help scientists determine water quality. *Please note: school is responsible for student busing services to/from a local stream.
Renewable Energy Grades 9-12
This presentation will explore renewable energy sources and why this technology is important for today’s energy demands. Students will also learn energy saving tips, products, and practices which they can use in their own homes.
Trees Grades 2-6
This lesson focuses on tree identification, tree biology, human dependence on trees, and products we use daily that are derived from trees. (This lesson focuses primarily on Native Species). This lesson can be presented inside a classroom but is best outside where students can ID trees, collect leaves, seeds, etc.
Trees
Grades 6-12
For Middle and High School classes, students will identify trees on school property using a dichotomous key and native tree guide. They will also measure the height and diameter of the tree using specific mathematical equations and basic forestry tools.
Arbor
Day Presentation Grades K-12
Students will learn about the importance of trees. They will learn to identify a deciduous tree verses a evergreen tree, learn the parts of a tree, and why trees are important to our survival. Tree cookies will be passed around so students can learn how to determine the age of a tree by counting the tree "rings". Other tree parts will be circulated for identification and learning purposes.
Project Learning Tree "Adopt A Tree" Activity Grades 4-8
Students venture out on the school grounds in search for a tree they wish to "adopt". They will then use tree identification books to figure out what type of tree they have chosen. They will use tools to measure the height and diameter of the tree and use scientific calculations to determine the age of the tree. Students will take leaf/bark rubbings and learn about specific characteristics unique to the tree they have selected.
Field Trip Program - All ages
The Gloucester Soil Conservation District has partnered with Scotland Run Park to offer *free field trip presentations at Scotland Run Park. Students will go on a nature hunt and take a nature walk in search of animals and explore the beauty of nature. The students will also participate in a hands-on soil presentation and/or Project Learning Tree "Adopt A Tree" activity. After the 3 hour field trip program, Students can enjoy the Pavilion area (lunch) and playground at Scotland Run Park. Please contact Education Coordinator for more details.
* School is responsible for bussing and lunch for students. There is no charge for the program or use of facilities.
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We are excited to be of aid as you seek to expand environmental and conservation curricula in your classroom. If there is a topic that you would like us to present and you do not see it listed, please let us know. We are more than happy to accommodate your request. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact Christina, Education Coordinator at: (856) 589-5250, or by email: christina-christine@gloucesterscd.org.
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