Below is a list of programs that have been repeatedly presented in classrooms; however, Scioto SWCD programs are not limited to those on this list. Additional programs are available and new programs can be developed by request. Educators interested in having a program presented to a group or those who have questions should email Jeff Montavon, jeff.montavon@oh.nacdnet.net, or call (740) 259-9231.
 

Chemical Water Quality Monitoring
Every month, students visit a stream that they have selected to monitor.  Results are recorded and changes in water quality throughout the year are observed by students.  Through the program, students learn about levels of oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorous, and pH and different factors that may influence the levels of each parameter.
Click here to see what some Scioto County Schools are doing.
 

Density
Why will some objects float, but others sink?  Students will become familiar with density and understand how objects of less density will float above those of a higher density.
 

Envirothon
A competitive, academic event for high school students, the Envirothon tests students’ knowledge of aquatics, environmental issues, forestry, soils, and wildlife.  Teams of five students compete against groups from other schools to earn a spot at the Ohio Envirothon.  The Envirothon is held at a different location every year. 
Click here to read more about the Envirothon competition.

Fifth Grade Poster Contest
In September and October, district staff visits fifth grade classrooms to educate students about a particular aspect of conservation, the environment, or agriculture production.  Students then create posters about the issue and submit them to the Soil and Water Conservation District where they will be judged with other posters from the Scioto County students.  More details about the contest are sent to Scioto County fifth grade teachers in early September.  Click here to see some of our past winners.
 

Enviroscape Models New!
A watershed model is used to demonstrate how different sources of pollution effect surface water and groundwater quality.  Through the presentation, students learn about watersheds, point source pollution, nonpoint source pollution, and management practices to help improve water quality.  Models include Nonpoint Source Pollution, Wetlands, Hazardous Waste, and Groundwater.
 

Food Web
Many people are not aware that having a variety of plant and animal species is important to humans.  Through this activity, students learn where the energy that we have originates as well as why even some of the most undesirable plants and animals are necessary for life.

Furs, Tracks, and Skulls
A rich diversity of wildlife inhabits Southern Ohio's forests and wild areas.  Beavers, raccoons, even minks make their homes in the woods and water that cover Scioto County.  Through the fur, track, and skull program, students can learn more about the wildlife that inhabit the woods and identify those species.  Contact marcheta.ferguson@oh.nacdnet.net to schedule a fur, tracks, or skulls program in your classroom.
 

Groundwater
Water found in cracks in rock and gravel beneath the Earth's surface is the most abundant source of freshwater available to humans.  Students will learn how water gets underground and how it moves under the surface of the Earth. In addition, students will learn about the water table, aquifers, aquitards, and other concepts.

Heatlthy Water, Healthy People
Healthy Water, Healthy People is for anyone interested in learning and teaching about contemporary water quality education topics.  Offering hands on activities, testing kits, and training, the program’s curriculum is designed for students in Grades 6-12.  Programs are available for both students and educators.
 

Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is a process essential for life.  From this presentation, students will learn how plants make food and the process in which they convert Carbon Dioxide into Oxygen.
 

Project Learning Tree
Project Learning Tree® (PLT) is an award winning, multi-disciplinary environmental education program for educators and students.  Activities from the Project Learning Tree curriculum cover a broad subject area.  Programs are available for both students and educators.

Riverlab (Stream Table) New!
Soil erosion and sedimentation are major causes of impairment in streams in Ohio and around the United States.  With this model, learn how to stabilize streambanks and install conservation practices that will help maintain stream quality.
 

Rock Cycle
Rock is classified into three different categories: sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous.  This presentation demonstrates how each type of rock is formed and how Earth materials are interrelated.
 

Septic Systems
Waste Disposal – What happens to your waste after it goes down the drain?  Most people in rural communities use septic tanks to dispose of wastewater in their homes.  With this model, students can see where wastewater goes and how it is cleaned.
 

Soil/Erosion
Most of the Earth is covered with water and much of the soil on the planet is not suitable for development or agriculture.  From this presentation, students will discover the different components of soil, learn how rock weathering is important to soil formation, and how soil is lost.
 

Stream Quality Monitoring
Macroinvertebrates – One of the best indicators of water quality is the diversity of organisms living in a waterbody.  In this program, students use nets and seines to collect bugs and other little critters from a stream.  After collecting these macroinvertebrates, they will determine the quality of the water based on the species they've found.
 

Water Cycle
Since Earth's beginning, the same water has constantly been recycled.  Water that we use today may have been used by pioneers and even prehistoric animals.  In this activity, students assume the role of water molecules traveling through the water cycle.  As water molecules, students will change states of matter and visit several different places where water will go.
 

Weathering
Rock at the surface of the Earth is broken apart by different aspects of the weather.  Through this program, several activities are used to demonstrate weathering and help students understand the difference between chemical and physical agents of weathering.

Several videos and resource books are available for teachers to use for up to two weeks.  Click on this link to see what is available.