Welcome to the 2024/25 school yearScheduling for the 2024/2025 school year has begun.
Schedule using the orange button on the right. We are able to come to any school up to 1 time a semester (Aug-Dec, Jan-May) and will begin scheduling with teachers shortly before the beginning of the school year on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please contact Education Coordinator Teresa if you have any questions. |
I am out of the office on Wednesdays, so any scheduled Wednesday program will be led by one of our Americorps members.
If you are a 6th-12th grade teacher, please contact our Education Americorps member Maiya directly to schedule your program.
|
The Hamilton County Conservation District provides classroom programs free of charge to any school/group within Hamilton County. Our programs are:
All teachers/leaders are required to remain in the classroom with HCCD staff at all times.
Ready to schedule? Click here.
If you have questions, please contact Teresa.
- Free for Hamilton County school, library, scout or education groups!
- Available for students from pre-school up to the high school level.
- Designed to meet state science standards.
- Available in a wide range of conservation topics.
- Interactive, hands-on and fun!
- Designed for no more than 30 participants per group, but are adaptable for other group sizes.
All teachers/leaders are required to remain in the classroom with HCCD staff at all times.
Ready to schedule? Click here.
If you have questions, please contact Teresa.
 Our Really Big Watershed Game!
Education Programs 2024-25 |
4th grade Weathering & Erosion Escape Room
|
grades PRek - 2
A Frog's Life (Cycle)!
How do frogs grow from a tadpole to an adult, and what do they do along the way? Students will learn all about the fabulous world of frogs through an engaging story time. Afterwards they will create their own life cycle craft, recall things they learned and talk about how our actions affect frogs and other things living in the water. (2nd grade only) 30-45 min.
Amazing Monarchs
They’re small but mighty! Monarch butterflies are amazing creatures that scientists still don't understand completely. Students will learn about the Monarch's amazing migration and unique metamorphosis then create their own Monarch life cycle made from pasta and paint. (2nd grade only) 40-50 min.
Creepy Crawlies *NEW*
Meet two species representing critters that tend to creep us out - worms and hissing cockroaches! They're hoping to change your mind about them though. Learn about each species' adaptations and important role in their environment while having an up-close encounter. You and your students will hopefully come to appreciate them and their wild counterparts! 35-45 min.
Round and Round the Water Goes
Through this adapted Project WET game, students will become a molecule of water and travel through their own water cycle. Along the way, they will understand the concepts of evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and transpiration. (2nd grade only) 35-45 min.
"The Lorax"
In this Dr. Seuss book, children learn what happens when The Onceler’s greed takes too much from the forest of the beautiful Truffula Trees, affecting everything that depends on them. This environmental story is interactive and illustrates the interdependence of life and consequences of our behavior. Children enter into a Dr. Seuss tent with life-sized scenery and help to hang up characters and images from the story as it is being read. A crowd favorite! **Not a mobile program. Presenter requires a space for a 10'x10' tent and classes will rotate to the program. Requires 2 or more back to back sessions. 30 min.
Turtle Talk *NEW*
Meet our new mascot and animal ambassador, Murf! Murf is an Eastern Box Turtle who's here to educate others about his species and why you should care about turtles. After reading a story about a box turtle, students will listen to a short natural history presentation and then get an opportunity to ask questions. They will see Murf up close and may also get a chance to touch his shell! An optional worksheet is provided for students to fill out during the presentation. 30 min.
Water Wanders
Using a 3-dimensional watershed model, students can easily see the relationships between human activity and the environment and what we can do to help protect local water quality. They will understand the concept of a watershed and learn the difference between point and non-point sources of pollution. 30-45 min.
Wiggly Worms
Students will discover the world of worms with the story "Tunneling Earthworms;" they will learn what they eat, how they survive, and what environment they live in. A worm bin will be brought into the classroom so participants can have a hands-on experience with the worms and investigate why the underground world is so important to us. 30-40 min.
How do frogs grow from a tadpole to an adult, and what do they do along the way? Students will learn all about the fabulous world of frogs through an engaging story time. Afterwards they will create their own life cycle craft, recall things they learned and talk about how our actions affect frogs and other things living in the water. (2nd grade only) 30-45 min.
Amazing Monarchs
They’re small but mighty! Monarch butterflies are amazing creatures that scientists still don't understand completely. Students will learn about the Monarch's amazing migration and unique metamorphosis then create their own Monarch life cycle made from pasta and paint. (2nd grade only) 40-50 min.
Creepy Crawlies *NEW*
Meet two species representing critters that tend to creep us out - worms and hissing cockroaches! They're hoping to change your mind about them though. Learn about each species' adaptations and important role in their environment while having an up-close encounter. You and your students will hopefully come to appreciate them and their wild counterparts! 35-45 min.
Round and Round the Water Goes
Through this adapted Project WET game, students will become a molecule of water and travel through their own water cycle. Along the way, they will understand the concepts of evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and transpiration. (2nd grade only) 35-45 min.
"The Lorax"
In this Dr. Seuss book, children learn what happens when The Onceler’s greed takes too much from the forest of the beautiful Truffula Trees, affecting everything that depends on them. This environmental story is interactive and illustrates the interdependence of life and consequences of our behavior. Children enter into a Dr. Seuss tent with life-sized scenery and help to hang up characters and images from the story as it is being read. A crowd favorite! **Not a mobile program. Presenter requires a space for a 10'x10' tent and classes will rotate to the program. Requires 2 or more back to back sessions. 30 min.
Turtle Talk *NEW*
Meet our new mascot and animal ambassador, Murf! Murf is an Eastern Box Turtle who's here to educate others about his species and why you should care about turtles. After reading a story about a box turtle, students will listen to a short natural history presentation and then get an opportunity to ask questions. They will see Murf up close and may also get a chance to touch his shell! An optional worksheet is provided for students to fill out during the presentation. 30 min.
Water Wanders
Using a 3-dimensional watershed model, students can easily see the relationships between human activity and the environment and what we can do to help protect local water quality. They will understand the concept of a watershed and learn the difference between point and non-point sources of pollution. 30-45 min.
Wiggly Worms
Students will discover the world of worms with the story "Tunneling Earthworms;" they will learn what they eat, how they survive, and what environment they live in. A worm bin will be brought into the classroom so participants can have a hands-on experience with the worms and investigate why the underground world is so important to us. 30-40 min.
grades 3-5
A Frog's Life (Cycle)!
How do frogs grow from a tadpole to an adult, and what do they do along the way? Students will learn all about the fabulous world of frogs through an engaging story time. Afterwards they will create their own life cycle craft, recall things they learned and talk about how our actions affect frogs and other things living in the water. 30-45 min.
All Soils are Not Created Equal
The properties of the various particle sizes of soil can be difficult to grasp - that’s why we get hands-on! Students will learn what six major components are needed to make soil and why it takes over 100 years to make an inch of topsoil. Students will also be given a brief introduction to sand, silt and clay before having an experience using senses of touch, sight and smell to explore the differences in each. We will also discuss properties such as porosity and permeability. Upon request a soil horizon can be brought in for a visual aid. 45-60 min.
Amazing Monarchs
They’re small but mighty! Monarch butterflies are amazing creatures that scientists still don't understand completely. Students will learn about the Monarch's amazing migration and unique metamorphosis then create their own Monarch life cycle made from pasta and paint. 40-50 min.
Be Water Wise
For many people around the world, using clean water isn't as easy as turning on a tap! While looking at images of water scarcity worldwide, students will learn about drinking water resources in the United States and around the world. Afterwards students will attempt to create their own filter with supplied materials and test its effectiveness. Thanks to Procter & Gamble, for their generous gift of the P&G water filtration packets. 45-60 min., max 3 classes in a row
Creepy Crawlies *NEW*
Meet two species representing critters that tend to creep us out - worms and hissing cockroaches! They're hoping to change your mind about them though. Learn about each species' adaptations and important role in their environment while having an up-close encounter. You and your students will hopefully come to appreciate them and their wild counterparts! 35-45 min.
Ecosystem Escape Room *NEW*
This program is a fun review activity based on the 5th grade ecosystem science standards. Students should have a background on this topic before selecting this program. They will work in groups to decipher codes using their vocabulary knowledge as well as their understanding of food webs to unlock all five boxes. Wetlands, abiotic/biotic factors, and environmental impacts are covered. (5th grade only) 40-50 min.
Global Market
This interactive activity explores the economic decisions that countries and their citizens must make based on their resources. Students are individually given various amounts of money to shop in the Global Market, where they must make tough decisions in categories of food, water, health care, heat, education and luxury items. The class will examine the variety of decisions made and compare their monetary levels and choices to the countries they most closely represent while discussing societal and environmental impacts. Social Studies, Environmental Science, Reasoning, and Math skills are utilized. (5th grade only) 40-50 min.
Ohio Fossils Rock!
We’ll talk about fossils and what makes our area so unique, including the geology and the types of fossils found here. We will discuss extinction and ancient organism’s connections to things living today! Students will use a dichotomous key to identify fossils as well as participate in a probability activity to determine the chance that an organism becomes a fossil. 45-60 min.
Ohio River Invaders *NEW*
Students will learn the difference between native and invasive species, with a focus on the invasive Asian carp. After a presentation, students will play a game in small groups where most students represent native fish trying to collect food with their "mouth" (an assigned tool). One student will represent the Asian carp who ends up outcompeting the native fish. We will also discuss how the Ohio River is affected by another kind of invader - pollution. (5th grade only) 40-50 min.
Our Movin’ Groovin’ Earth
Let’s talk about what makes our Earth so dynamic! Whether it is the grooves that remain from a glacier, the “settling” of deposition, the fizzing of Chemical Weathering or the moving of soil, our Earth is always changing. In this activity five hands-on science stations will explore weathering, erosion and deposition! This activity works best with groups of 30 or less. Due to the amount of set up for this program, it is highly preferred to have a central location for the presenter to set up and have students rotate to them. 45-60 min.
Really Big Watershed Game
Become a water drop rolling along a river in this life sized game! Participants can choose to be a part of the Great Miami River, Little Miami River, or Mill Creek in their journey to meet at the Ohio River. Classmates will play the role of non point source pollutants or roll our really big die to determine the fate of the water. This fun activity is great for groups of 15-25 and will cover topics of pollution, watersheds and water quality. **Not a mobile program. Presenter requires a 20'x20' space (indoor or outdoors) and classes will rotate to the game. 40-50 min.
Renewable & Non-renewable Energy Sources Escape Room *NEW*
This program is designed as a fun review activity based on the 3rd grade energy sources science standards. Students should already have a background on this topic before selecting this program. They will work in groups to decipher codes through vocabulary review to unlock all four boxes centered around conservation and natural resources. (3rd grade only) 40-50 min.
Round and Round the Water Goes
Through this adapted Project WET game, students will become a molecule of water and travel through their own water cycle. Along the way, they will understand the concepts of evaporation, condensation, precipitation and transpiration. 35-45 min.
Turtle Talk *NEW*
Meet our new mascot and animal ambassador, Murf! Murf is an Eastern Box Turtle who's here to educate others about his species and why you should care about turtles. After reading a story about a box turtle, students will listen to a short natural history presentation and then get an opportunity to ask questions. They will see Murf up close and may also get a chance to touch his shell! An optional worksheet is provided for students to fill out during the presentation. 30 min.
Water Quality? Ask the Bugs!
Through this adapted Project WET activity, students will learn that by conducting bioassessments on aquatic macroinvertebrates you can determine the quality of the water. Students will conduct bioassessments on three different stream types (using different materials commonly found in class) without leaving the classroom. (5th grade only) 50-60 min.
Water Wanders
Using a 3-dimensional watershed model, students can easily see the relationships between human activity and the environment and what we can do to help protect local water quality. They will understand the concept of a watershed and learn the difference between point and non-point sources of pollution. 30-45 min.
Weathering & Erosion Escape Room *NEW*
This program is designed as a fun review activity based on the 4th grade weathering and erosion science standards. Students should already have a background on this topic before selecting this program. They will work in groups to decipher codes, solve puzzles, and review vocabulary to unlock all five boxes. Highlights weathering, erosion, deposition, and landforms. (4th grade only) 40-50 min.
Wiggly Worms
Students will discover the world of worms with the story "Tunneling Earthworms;" they will learn what they eat, how they survive, and what environment they live in. A worm bin will be brought into the classroom so participants can have a hands-on experience with the worms and investigate why the underground world is so important to us. 30-40 min.
Wildlife CSI *NEW*
Uh-oh! There's been a murder! Students will need to put their detective hats on to figure out who killed the Eastern Cottontail Rabbit. Using clues from the crime scene and an eye witness, along with interviewing the animal suspects, can your students figure out whodunnit? 40-50 min.
How do frogs grow from a tadpole to an adult, and what do they do along the way? Students will learn all about the fabulous world of frogs through an engaging story time. Afterwards they will create their own life cycle craft, recall things they learned and talk about how our actions affect frogs and other things living in the water. 30-45 min.
All Soils are Not Created Equal
The properties of the various particle sizes of soil can be difficult to grasp - that’s why we get hands-on! Students will learn what six major components are needed to make soil and why it takes over 100 years to make an inch of topsoil. Students will also be given a brief introduction to sand, silt and clay before having an experience using senses of touch, sight and smell to explore the differences in each. We will also discuss properties such as porosity and permeability. Upon request a soil horizon can be brought in for a visual aid. 45-60 min.
Amazing Monarchs
They’re small but mighty! Monarch butterflies are amazing creatures that scientists still don't understand completely. Students will learn about the Monarch's amazing migration and unique metamorphosis then create their own Monarch life cycle made from pasta and paint. 40-50 min.
Be Water Wise
For many people around the world, using clean water isn't as easy as turning on a tap! While looking at images of water scarcity worldwide, students will learn about drinking water resources in the United States and around the world. Afterwards students will attempt to create their own filter with supplied materials and test its effectiveness. Thanks to Procter & Gamble, for their generous gift of the P&G water filtration packets. 45-60 min., max 3 classes in a row
Creepy Crawlies *NEW*
Meet two species representing critters that tend to creep us out - worms and hissing cockroaches! They're hoping to change your mind about them though. Learn about each species' adaptations and important role in their environment while having an up-close encounter. You and your students will hopefully come to appreciate them and their wild counterparts! 35-45 min.
Ecosystem Escape Room *NEW*
This program is a fun review activity based on the 5th grade ecosystem science standards. Students should have a background on this topic before selecting this program. They will work in groups to decipher codes using their vocabulary knowledge as well as their understanding of food webs to unlock all five boxes. Wetlands, abiotic/biotic factors, and environmental impacts are covered. (5th grade only) 40-50 min.
Global Market
This interactive activity explores the economic decisions that countries and their citizens must make based on their resources. Students are individually given various amounts of money to shop in the Global Market, where they must make tough decisions in categories of food, water, health care, heat, education and luxury items. The class will examine the variety of decisions made and compare their monetary levels and choices to the countries they most closely represent while discussing societal and environmental impacts. Social Studies, Environmental Science, Reasoning, and Math skills are utilized. (5th grade only) 40-50 min.
Ohio Fossils Rock!
We’ll talk about fossils and what makes our area so unique, including the geology and the types of fossils found here. We will discuss extinction and ancient organism’s connections to things living today! Students will use a dichotomous key to identify fossils as well as participate in a probability activity to determine the chance that an organism becomes a fossil. 45-60 min.
Ohio River Invaders *NEW*
Students will learn the difference between native and invasive species, with a focus on the invasive Asian carp. After a presentation, students will play a game in small groups where most students represent native fish trying to collect food with their "mouth" (an assigned tool). One student will represent the Asian carp who ends up outcompeting the native fish. We will also discuss how the Ohio River is affected by another kind of invader - pollution. (5th grade only) 40-50 min.
Our Movin’ Groovin’ Earth
Let’s talk about what makes our Earth so dynamic! Whether it is the grooves that remain from a glacier, the “settling” of deposition, the fizzing of Chemical Weathering or the moving of soil, our Earth is always changing. In this activity five hands-on science stations will explore weathering, erosion and deposition! This activity works best with groups of 30 or less. Due to the amount of set up for this program, it is highly preferred to have a central location for the presenter to set up and have students rotate to them. 45-60 min.
Really Big Watershed Game
Become a water drop rolling along a river in this life sized game! Participants can choose to be a part of the Great Miami River, Little Miami River, or Mill Creek in their journey to meet at the Ohio River. Classmates will play the role of non point source pollutants or roll our really big die to determine the fate of the water. This fun activity is great for groups of 15-25 and will cover topics of pollution, watersheds and water quality. **Not a mobile program. Presenter requires a 20'x20' space (indoor or outdoors) and classes will rotate to the game. 40-50 min.
Renewable & Non-renewable Energy Sources Escape Room *NEW*
This program is designed as a fun review activity based on the 3rd grade energy sources science standards. Students should already have a background on this topic before selecting this program. They will work in groups to decipher codes through vocabulary review to unlock all four boxes centered around conservation and natural resources. (3rd grade only) 40-50 min.
Round and Round the Water Goes
Through this adapted Project WET game, students will become a molecule of water and travel through their own water cycle. Along the way, they will understand the concepts of evaporation, condensation, precipitation and transpiration. 35-45 min.
Turtle Talk *NEW*
Meet our new mascot and animal ambassador, Murf! Murf is an Eastern Box Turtle who's here to educate others about his species and why you should care about turtles. After reading a story about a box turtle, students will listen to a short natural history presentation and then get an opportunity to ask questions. They will see Murf up close and may also get a chance to touch his shell! An optional worksheet is provided for students to fill out during the presentation. 30 min.
Water Quality? Ask the Bugs!
Through this adapted Project WET activity, students will learn that by conducting bioassessments on aquatic macroinvertebrates you can determine the quality of the water. Students will conduct bioassessments on three different stream types (using different materials commonly found in class) without leaving the classroom. (5th grade only) 50-60 min.
Water Wanders
Using a 3-dimensional watershed model, students can easily see the relationships between human activity and the environment and what we can do to help protect local water quality. They will understand the concept of a watershed and learn the difference between point and non-point sources of pollution. 30-45 min.
Weathering & Erosion Escape Room *NEW*
This program is designed as a fun review activity based on the 4th grade weathering and erosion science standards. Students should already have a background on this topic before selecting this program. They will work in groups to decipher codes, solve puzzles, and review vocabulary to unlock all five boxes. Highlights weathering, erosion, deposition, and landforms. (4th grade only) 40-50 min.
Wiggly Worms
Students will discover the world of worms with the story "Tunneling Earthworms;" they will learn what they eat, how they survive, and what environment they live in. A worm bin will be brought into the classroom so participants can have a hands-on experience with the worms and investigate why the underground world is so important to us. 30-40 min.
Wildlife CSI *NEW*
Uh-oh! There's been a murder! Students will need to put their detective hats on to figure out who killed the Eastern Cottontail Rabbit. Using clues from the crime scene and an eye witness, along with interviewing the animal suspects, can your students figure out whodunnit? 40-50 min.
grades 6-8
All Soils Are Not Created Equal
The properties of the various particle sizes of soil can be difficult to grasp - that’s why we get hands-on! Students will learn what six major components are needed to make soil and why it takes over 100 years to make an inch of topsoil. Students will also be given a brief introduction to sand, silt and clay before having an experience using senses of touch, sight and smell to explore the differences in each. We will also discuss properties such as porosity and permeability. Upon request a soil horizon can be brought in for a visual aid. 45-60 min.
Be Water Wise
For many people around the world, using clean water isn't as easy as turning on a tap! While looking at images of water scarcity worldwide, students will learn about drinking water resources in the United States and around the world. Afterwards students will attempt to create their own filter with supplied materials and test its effectiveness. Thanks to Procter & Gamble, for their generous gift of the P&G water filtration packets. 45-60 min., max 3 classes in a row
Global Market
This interactive activity explores the economic decisions that countries and their citizens must make based on their resources. Students are individually given various amounts of money to shop in the Global Market, where they must make tough decisions in categories of food, water, health care, heat, education and luxury items. The class will examine the variety of decisions made and compare their monetary levels and choices to the countries they most closely represent while discussing societal and environmental impacts. Social Studies, Environmental Science, Reasoning, and Math skills are utilized. 40-50 min.
Ohio Fossils Rock!
We’ll talk about fossils and what makes our area so unique, including the geology and the types of fossils found here. We will discuss extinction and ancient organism’s connections to things living today! Students will use a dichotomous key to identify fossils as well as participate in a probability activity to determine the chance that an organism becomes a fossil. 45-60 min.
Ohio River Invaders *NEW*
Students will learn the difference between native and invasive species, with a focus on the invasive Asian carp. After a presentation, students will play a game in small groups where most students represent native fish trying to collect food with their "mouth" (an assigned tool). One student will represent the Asian carp who ends up outcompeting the native fish. We will also discuss how the Ohio River is affected by another kind of invader - pollution. 40-50 min.
Our Movin’ Groovin’ Earth
Let’s talk about what makes our Earth so dynamic! Whether it is the grooves that remain from a glacier, the “settling” of deposition, the fizzing of Chemical Weathering or the moving of soil, our Earth is always changing. In this activity five hands-on science stations will explore weathering, erosion and deposition! This activity works best with groups of 30 or less. Due to the amount of set up for this program, it is highly preferred to have a central location for the presenter to set up and have students rotate to them. 45-60 min.
Really Big Watershed Game
Become a water drop rolling along a river in this life sized game! Participants can choose to be a part of the Great Miami River, Little Miami River, or Mill Creek in their journey to meet at the Ohio River. Classmates will play the role of non point source pollutants or roll our really big die to determine the fate of the water. This fun activity is great for groups of 15-25 and will cover topics of pollution, watersheds and water quality. **Not a mobile program. Presenter requires a 20'x20' space (indoor or outdoors) and classes will rotate to the game. 40-50 min.
Turtle Talk *NEW*
Meet our new mascot and animal ambassador, Murf! Murf is an Eastern Box Turtle who's here to educate others about his species and why you should care about turtles. After reading a story about a box turtle, students will listen to a short natural history presentation and then get an opportunity to ask questions. They will see Murf up close and may also get a chance to touch his shell! An optional worksheet is provided for students to fill out during the presentation. 30 min.
Water Quality? Ask the Bugs!
Through this adapted Project WET activity, students will learn that by conducting bioassessments on aquatic macroinvertebrates you can determine the quality of the water. Students will conduct bioassessments on three different stream types (using different materials commonly found in class) without leaving the classroom. 50-60 min.
Water Wanders
Using a 3-dimensional watershed model, students can easily see the relationships between human activity and the environment and what we can do to help protect local water quality. They will understand the concept of a watershed and learn the difference between point and non-point sources of pollution. 30-45 min.
The properties of the various particle sizes of soil can be difficult to grasp - that’s why we get hands-on! Students will learn what six major components are needed to make soil and why it takes over 100 years to make an inch of topsoil. Students will also be given a brief introduction to sand, silt and clay before having an experience using senses of touch, sight and smell to explore the differences in each. We will also discuss properties such as porosity and permeability. Upon request a soil horizon can be brought in for a visual aid. 45-60 min.
Be Water Wise
For many people around the world, using clean water isn't as easy as turning on a tap! While looking at images of water scarcity worldwide, students will learn about drinking water resources in the United States and around the world. Afterwards students will attempt to create their own filter with supplied materials and test its effectiveness. Thanks to Procter & Gamble, for their generous gift of the P&G water filtration packets. 45-60 min., max 3 classes in a row
Global Market
This interactive activity explores the economic decisions that countries and their citizens must make based on their resources. Students are individually given various amounts of money to shop in the Global Market, where they must make tough decisions in categories of food, water, health care, heat, education and luxury items. The class will examine the variety of decisions made and compare their monetary levels and choices to the countries they most closely represent while discussing societal and environmental impacts. Social Studies, Environmental Science, Reasoning, and Math skills are utilized. 40-50 min.
Ohio Fossils Rock!
We’ll talk about fossils and what makes our area so unique, including the geology and the types of fossils found here. We will discuss extinction and ancient organism’s connections to things living today! Students will use a dichotomous key to identify fossils as well as participate in a probability activity to determine the chance that an organism becomes a fossil. 45-60 min.
Ohio River Invaders *NEW*
Students will learn the difference between native and invasive species, with a focus on the invasive Asian carp. After a presentation, students will play a game in small groups where most students represent native fish trying to collect food with their "mouth" (an assigned tool). One student will represent the Asian carp who ends up outcompeting the native fish. We will also discuss how the Ohio River is affected by another kind of invader - pollution. 40-50 min.
Our Movin’ Groovin’ Earth
Let’s talk about what makes our Earth so dynamic! Whether it is the grooves that remain from a glacier, the “settling” of deposition, the fizzing of Chemical Weathering or the moving of soil, our Earth is always changing. In this activity five hands-on science stations will explore weathering, erosion and deposition! This activity works best with groups of 30 or less. Due to the amount of set up for this program, it is highly preferred to have a central location for the presenter to set up and have students rotate to them. 45-60 min.
Really Big Watershed Game
Become a water drop rolling along a river in this life sized game! Participants can choose to be a part of the Great Miami River, Little Miami River, or Mill Creek in their journey to meet at the Ohio River. Classmates will play the role of non point source pollutants or roll our really big die to determine the fate of the water. This fun activity is great for groups of 15-25 and will cover topics of pollution, watersheds and water quality. **Not a mobile program. Presenter requires a 20'x20' space (indoor or outdoors) and classes will rotate to the game. 40-50 min.
Turtle Talk *NEW*
Meet our new mascot and animal ambassador, Murf! Murf is an Eastern Box Turtle who's here to educate others about his species and why you should care about turtles. After reading a story about a box turtle, students will listen to a short natural history presentation and then get an opportunity to ask questions. They will see Murf up close and may also get a chance to touch his shell! An optional worksheet is provided for students to fill out during the presentation. 30 min.
Water Quality? Ask the Bugs!
Through this adapted Project WET activity, students will learn that by conducting bioassessments on aquatic macroinvertebrates you can determine the quality of the water. Students will conduct bioassessments on three different stream types (using different materials commonly found in class) without leaving the classroom. 50-60 min.
Water Wanders
Using a 3-dimensional watershed model, students can easily see the relationships between human activity and the environment and what we can do to help protect local water quality. They will understand the concept of a watershed and learn the difference between point and non-point sources of pollution. 30-45 min.
grades 9-12
Be Water Wise
For many people around the world, using clean water isn't as easy as turning on a tap! While looking at images of water scarcity worldwide, students will learn about drinking water resources in the United States and around the world. Afterwards students will attempt to create their own filter with supplied materials and test its effectiveness. Thanks to Procter & Gamble, for their generous gift of the P&G water filtration packets. 45-60 min., max 3 classes in a row
Global Market
This interactive activity explores the economic decisions that countries and their citizens must make based on their resources. Students are individually given various amounts of money to shop in the Global Market, where they must make tough decisions in categories of food, water, health care, heat, education and luxury items. The class will examine the variety of decisions made and compare their monetary levels and choices to the countries they most closely represent while discussing societal and environmental impacts. Social Studies, Environmental Science, Reasoning, and Math skills are utilized. 40-50 min.
Ohio River Invaders *NEW*
Students will learn the difference between native and invasive species, with a focus on the invasive Asian carp. After a presentation, students will play a game in small groups where most students represent native fish trying to collect food with their "mouth" (an assigned tool). One student will represent the Asian carp who ends up outcompeting the native fish. We will also discuss how the Ohio River is affected by another kind of invader - pollution. 40-50 min.
Turtle Talk *NEW*
Meet our new mascot and animal ambassador, Murf! Murf is an Eastern Box Turtle who's here to educate others about his species and why you should care about turtles. Students will listen to a natural history presentation and then get an opportunity to ask questions. They will see Murf up close and may also get a chance to touch his shell! This program can be tailored to relate to current class studies if details are emailed to Teresa ahead of time. 30 min.
Water Wanders
Using a 3-dimensional watershed model, students can easily see the relationships between human activity and the environment and what we can do to help protect local water quality. They will understand the concept of a watershed and learn the difference between point and non-point sources of pollution. 30-45 min.
For many people around the world, using clean water isn't as easy as turning on a tap! While looking at images of water scarcity worldwide, students will learn about drinking water resources in the United States and around the world. Afterwards students will attempt to create their own filter with supplied materials and test its effectiveness. Thanks to Procter & Gamble, for their generous gift of the P&G water filtration packets. 45-60 min., max 3 classes in a row
Global Market
This interactive activity explores the economic decisions that countries and their citizens must make based on their resources. Students are individually given various amounts of money to shop in the Global Market, where they must make tough decisions in categories of food, water, health care, heat, education and luxury items. The class will examine the variety of decisions made and compare their monetary levels and choices to the countries they most closely represent while discussing societal and environmental impacts. Social Studies, Environmental Science, Reasoning, and Math skills are utilized. 40-50 min.
Ohio River Invaders *NEW*
Students will learn the difference between native and invasive species, with a focus on the invasive Asian carp. After a presentation, students will play a game in small groups where most students represent native fish trying to collect food with their "mouth" (an assigned tool). One student will represent the Asian carp who ends up outcompeting the native fish. We will also discuss how the Ohio River is affected by another kind of invader - pollution. 40-50 min.
Turtle Talk *NEW*
Meet our new mascot and animal ambassador, Murf! Murf is an Eastern Box Turtle who's here to educate others about his species and why you should care about turtles. Students will listen to a natural history presentation and then get an opportunity to ask questions. They will see Murf up close and may also get a chance to touch his shell! This program can be tailored to relate to current class studies if details are emailed to Teresa ahead of time. 30 min.
Water Wanders
Using a 3-dimensional watershed model, students can easily see the relationships between human activity and the environment and what we can do to help protect local water quality. They will understand the concept of a watershed and learn the difference between point and non-point sources of pollution. 30-45 min.