School Programs
Katerina Sharp, Education and Outreach Coordinator
katerina-sharp@pickawayswcd.org
740-477-1693 ext. 4612
The Pickaway SWCD takes great strides to offer the youth of our county quality conservation education programs. The district offers numerous hands-on classroom programs covering many conservation topics that align with the Ohio Academic Content Standards.
Typically, all presentations take 30 to 45 minutes. The classroom presentations are prepared for single class occupancy, but multiple classes can sometimes be combined with advanced notice. Scheduling will be made on a first come first serve basis. Please contact Katerina at katerina-sharp@pickawayswcd.org to sign up and/or inquire about a program.
All of our programs are free of charge to any Pickaway County school or organization. Some activities may require students to provide a recyclable item. Please view our photo gallery at the bottom of this page to see what our programs look like.
Typically, all presentations take 30 to 45 minutes. The classroom presentations are prepared for single class occupancy, but multiple classes can sometimes be combined with advanced notice. Scheduling will be made on a first come first serve basis. Please contact Katerina at katerina-sharp@pickawayswcd.org to sign up and/or inquire about a program.
All of our programs are free of charge to any Pickaway County school or organization. Some activities may require students to provide a recyclable item. Please view our photo gallery at the bottom of this page to see what our programs look like.
Programs can be altered to fit specific grade levels with advanced notice. If you would like a program that is not covered below, we are happy to try to put something new together for you. Please contact to discuss.
SoilSoil Tunnel | 3rd-5th Grade
Interactive tunnel that students will be able to explore in order to understand the world underneath their feet. Students will identify organisms, soil types and potential pollutants. A soil to spoon lesson will be included. Topsoil Tour | 4th-8th Grade Students will become a soil scientist for a few days, through this innovative, hands-on lesson. Students will collect soil samples, and then perform a series of test for soil texture, pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium using safe, simple TesTabs® reagent tablets. |
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Water
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Francis the Fish | Kindergarten-4th Grade
Students take on the role of community members and take on different careers and daily task in order to show how each individual can make an impact on the water quality of an ecosystem. Students observe as more pollutants enter the stream where Francis lives and make inferences on how the fish is feeling. The Incredible Journey | 1st Grade-5th Grade Students role play that they are a water molecule as it travels through the Water Cycle. They make a beaded bracelet that represents their journey which allows them to interpret how their journey is similar and different from other molecules. Enviroscape | 1st Grade-5th Grade Water pollution and Watersheds are visually demonstrated using a hands on model which allows students to see how their actions impact the environment. Stream Table | 3rd-5th Grade The stream table uses sand and running water to show students how rivers are dynamic systems that change overtime through erosion and deposition. Water CSI | 6th-8th Grade Students will learn about water quality, and the impacts unclean water has on human health. By following a series of clues, students must determine the cause of death and illness around the streets of London in the 1800s. Water Quality Monitoring | 6th-12th Grade
Students use nets in their investigation and exploring skills to find and identify the macroinvertebrates in a simulated stream. Groups determine the water quality of the simulated stream based on the type and number of macro-invertebrates present. *After this activity is completed, another session can be held in a real stream if school is interested.* |
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Geography & MapsAugmented Reality Sandbox | 4th-12th Grade
The augmented reality sandbox uses technology to project a topographic map onto sand in a sandbox. As the sand is moved and reshaped, the projected picture on the sand changes to match the new contours of the map. Students utilize the sandbox to learn about maps, geography, erosion, the flow of water, land forms, etc. The sandbox program is typically held in conjunction with another program. A few option:
Maps & Watersheds | 6th-12th Students utilize some of the same mapping tools used by Soil and Water Technicians to assist the county with soil and water questions. Students learn to use free online programs including Google Maps, Web Soil Survey, the Auditor's website, and the GIS website to look at water flow and watersheds, soil types, and other land resources. Optional outdoor extensions to this program:
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Life Cycles - Plant & AnimalPumpkin Patch | Kindergarten-2nd Grade (suggested for October/Early November)
Pumpkins hold a special meaning here in Pickaway County. This lesson teaches students about the life-cycle of a pumpkin, what products are made from pumpkins, and how Jack-O-Lanterns decompose. Butterfly Life-Cycle | Kindergarten-2nd Grade Students will follow a butterfly through its journey from an egg, to caterpillar, to chrysalis, and finally to a butterfly. |
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Waste ManagementPaper Making | 1st Grade-3rd Grade
Students learn the importance of recycling, and get to learn each component that is involved with making paper. Students work in groups to create several pieces of paper that can be used to make a notebook to take home or use in the classroom. We often partner with the RPHF Solid Waste District for this program. They have lots of really cool recycled products for the students to see! Composting | 1st Grade-3rd Grade Students learn what household products they can put into a composting bin through an interactive display board that has students match up what items are allowed to be composted. Students will also learn how, and create their own "mini" compost bins that they can take home (students must provide an empty water or pop bottle). We often partner with the RPHF Solid Waste District for this program. |
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Photos of Past Programs
Pickaway SWCD | 110 Island Road, Suite D, Circleville, Ohio 43113 | Phone: 740-477-1693