Environmental Education
Programs
Check out this episode of Outdoor Elements where Ally talks with Evie Kirkwood about watersheds with our Augmented Reality Sandbox!
The St. Joseph County Soil & Water Conservation District provides many educational opportunities throughout the county for schools and other groups serving students, and for adults committed to life-long learning.
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We believe in extending conservation education to all ages. Students can develop an understanding of conservation at an early age and can carry those lessons with them throughout their lives.
Click here to see our list of 2023-24 School Programs.
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Other programs we offer include:
Outreach Programs
Teacher Workshops
Outdoor Environmental Lab Development and
Enhancement Field Trips
One-on-One Site Visits
Conservation Field Days and Workshops
Special events (Science Alive, Ag Days, Growing Summit)
K-12 Annual Conservation Poster Contest
Curriculum Development (including remote curriculum)
Educational Resources and Supplies (ex. Augmented Reality Sandbox and Wildlife Kit)
Remote learning videos, presentations, and lesson plans
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In many cases, the SWCD has grants available in order to provide programs at no cost.
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Helpful Educational Links
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NRCS - Mighty Mini Microbe - Coloring Book
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Purdue University's Nature of Teaching- Available lesson plans on environmental topics, aligned to NGSS and CCSS
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Indiana Department of Education - Course Titles and Descriptions
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Soil Science Society of America - K-12 Soil Science Teacher Resources
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Hoosier Riverwatch Training: Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring "Basic" Training introduces citizens and educators to water quality monitoring utilizing hands-on habitat, chemical, and biological assessment methods. The sessions are held both inside and outdoors. Any interested adult is welcome to attend, and once certified, may teach students how to monitor.
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INdnr Fish & Wildlife Education Programs - professional training and support for educators and volunteers to promote responsible stewardship of our natural resources.
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Natural Resources Conservation Service's "Teachers and Students"
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National Association of Conservation Districts' Education Resources
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National Association of Conservation Districts' Conservation Hub
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Beginner Farmer Education - an in depth Beginner Farmer curriculum for the small sustainable farm model.
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Landscape for Life - "Landscape For Life shows you how to work with nature in your garden, no matter where you live, whether you garden on a city or suburban lot, a 20–acre farm, or the common area of your condominium."
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50 Ways Forest and Outdoor Learning Experiences Benefit Child Development (Note: This article was based in the United Kingdom)