School Programs
Katerina Sharp, Education/Outreach Coordinator
[email protected]
740-477-1693 ext. 4612
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.
Most presentations take around 40 minutes. The classroom presentations are prepared for single class occupancy, but multiple classes can sometimes be combined with advance notice. We are happy to stay throughout the school day in order to complete the program with all classes in that grade level.
Scheduling is made on a first come first serve basis. Due to a high demand for classroom programs, we ask teachers to schedule just 1 program for their classes each school year. Please contact Katerina at [email protected] to sign up and/or inquire about a program.
All of our programs are free of charge to any Pickaway County school or organization. Please view our photo gallery at the bottom of this page to see what our programs look like.
Most presentations take around 40 minutes. The classroom presentations are prepared for single class occupancy, but multiple classes can sometimes be combined with advance notice. We are happy to stay throughout the school day in order to complete the program with all classes in that grade level.
Scheduling is made on a first come first serve basis. Due to a high demand for classroom programs, we ask teachers to schedule just 1 program for their classes each school year. Please contact Katerina at [email protected] to sign up and/or inquire about a program.
All of our programs are free of charge to any Pickaway County school or organization. Please view our photo gallery at the bottom of this page to see what our programs look like.
Soil
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Pumpkin Life Cycles | Kindergarten-2nd Grade
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. Soil Tunnel | 3rd 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 | 6th 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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WaterFrancis 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 | 4th-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 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 Grade 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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School Programs Offered by Other County Agencies
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Pickaway County Park DistrictWildlife & Forestry
The Pickaway County Park District is now offering wildlife and forestry programs. Please reach out to Meghan ([email protected]) with any requests for wildlife or forestry related programs. |
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Inspiration StationSTEM Education - IN THE WORKS!
The Inspiration Station brings fun and learning together for all ages. A project of the Pickaway County Community Foundation, Inspiration Station will come to life in the 9,000 square feet facility adjoining the Pickaway County Library. This unique destination will offer hands-on learning and creativity to enhance the physical, mental, and emotional growth of visitors. |