Classroom & Youth Conservation
Our Classroom and Youth programs
The Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District offers a wide variety of environmental educaton programs at no cost to any school, club, or organization in Geauga County. For Pre-K through High School, these programs can be tailored to meet any specific grade, topic, or class size. An asterik (*) denotes programs adaptable for very young children.
Ask us about outdoor and virtual program possibilities!
- Our programs are:
- Approximately one hour in length, but can be easily modified
- Designed to reinforce Ohio's Academic Science Standards-Geauga SWCD Programs Ohio Learning Standards, Ohio Revised Science Standards and Model Curriculum Guide for grades K through 8th grade
- Hands-on, interactive, and fun
- Free of charge!
Pond Exploration
Do you have a pond near your school? Let's "jump in" and take a closer look at ponds as important ecosystems. We'll explore some of the fascinating organisms and aquatic plants within a pond community.
Bats Incredible*
What can eat countless insects, plant trees, disperse seeds, and pollinate plants? BATS! Every night these fascinating flyers act as unseen gardeners doing jobs that are vital to healthy ecosystems and economies. Learn about bat behaviors and adaptations as well as what threatens their survival. Through games and activites, we'll dispel myths while gaining a better understanding of these magnificent nocturnal mammals.
Buggin' Out*
In this interactive program, we'll look closely at the amazing world of insects from their life cycles to their role in the food web. Students will learn some "bug basics" including their characteristics and incredible adaptations which enable them to live everywhere on earth! lf time allows, we'll go on a search for these critical critters!
Stream Team Detectives
This presentation utilizes the Streamulator, a table model which demonstrates stream systems, how they function, and the effects that humans can have on stream quality. Stream formation, bank erosion, deposition, and land use issues are concepts covered. Due to the extensive setup/teardown requirements of this model, certain stipulations exist for this program.
Discover the interdependency of plants, animals and humans through this hands-on program. Explore food chains, food webs, ecosystems and the energy cycle!
Students will discover the properties of soils through demonstrations, experiments, and activities. This program offers a hands-on learning experience for all!
Students will use the Enviroscape to learn how point source and nonpoint source pollution negatively impact streams, rivers, and lakes. Students will also discuss ways they can help prevent pollution and conserve our water resources.
Students will engage in hands on activities to learn concepts associated with the water cycle. Students learn about the water cycle by becoming a water molecule. They also learn ways to conserve and protect the freshwater resources that we depend on!
Participants will follow Freddie the Fish downstream to gain an understanding of the importance of clean water, ways in which we pollute the water, and the impacts pollution has on wildlife. This activity provides a very tangible demonstration of what happens when we don’t take care of our environment.
Participants will utilize the groundwater flow model to explore the hydrologic cycle, the water table, soil structure and how nonpoint source pollution can affect our undergroundwater resources.
Wildlife Detectives*
Ohio is home to many fascinating creatures! By investigating fur, skulls, tracks, and clues, students will use their detective skills to identify and classify some of Ohio's wildlife. We'll explore the unique adaptations that our native animals use to thrive and survive.
Wildlife in Winter*
Let it snow, let it snow, but where did all the animals go?! We will become wildlife detectives and find out how our native Ohio critters survive when Old Man winter arrives!
Trees are TREEmendous!*
There are so many amazing things that trees provide, but often overlooked are their contributions to clean water and healthy soil! Let's take a closer look at these plant "superheros" and learn to identify some of Ohio's common tree species.
Soil to Spoon*
Discover Geauga County and its rich agricultural history. Find out how far your food traveled and why local IS better. Students will unearth the importance of healthy soil equaling healthy food. A special visit with a local Geauga County farmer will help students understand an average day on a farm and the imporance of supporting and buying local.
"Pond"ering Signs Left Behind*
Who made this track in the mud? What's under this rock? Did you hear that splash? Well discover many fascinating aquatic creatures as we investigate the wonderful world of life in and around the pond.
Caterpillar Spring Butterfly Summer*
Not only are beautiful butterflies vitally linked to native plants, but their caterpillar larvae also play a critical role in the food web. Join us for a caterpillar's journey munching through spring to develop summertime wings. We'll discover the fascinating world of butterflies and their changes through metamorphosis.
Contact Gail Prunty, Education/Communications Specialist, at 440-834-1122 ext. 1764 or gprunty@geauga.oh.gov to schedule a youth program or school presentation.