We offer free, interactive environmental education programs for teachers, students, and community groups in Randolph County. Presentations cover a wide range of topics such as recycling, resource conservation, pollution and landfill education. Additionally, you may also request handouts, books, and reusables for classroom projects.
To schedule a program:
Vermicomposting is fascinating for all ages! Students learn all about worms and their special role as nature’s composting critters. Students get to have an up close examination of worms using magnifiers. For more curious classrooms, a worm bin can be set up to keep and monitor all year. (45 minutes)
Students will review renewable and non-renewable resources and the problems of non-renewable energy. All about alternative energy sources including wind, solar, hydro and geothermal. They will enjoy an interactive demonstrating how electricity is generated and will operate a solar-powered device. (45 minutes)
How much waste do we generate each day? Using a variety of edibles, students learn how landfills are designed, managed and the breakdown of that waste. Emphasis is placed on how long our waste last. They will learn about the importance of waste reduction by recycling and composting. And at the end, they have a yummy treat to enjoy! (40-50 minutes)
*Lesson can be modified to a nonedible version.
Students learn about our storm drain systems and local water sources to better understand how easily pollution can contaminate our freshwater system. They also will learn how relatively small our supply of fresh water is and why we need to protect it. (30-40 minutes)
Students will learn through an interactive bingo game about our natural resources and how recycling protects them. How to reduce, reuse, recycle and rethink. See products made from recycled materials and receive their very own pencil made from recycled materials! (40 minutes)
Students learn about how the paper they use every day is made, as well as the energy and resources that go into the production of paper and the details of its manufacturing. Students will use paper from the recycling bin to make their own paper to take home. Seeds can be added to make a special paper gift. (40-50 minutes)
Learning about the Earth’s natural method of waste disposal must start somewhere, and this is it! Using a rhyming story, students are introduced to the concept of waste reduction through composting. Students work together to create a compost system through an interactive model. (30 minutes)
Topics range from the effects of micro-plastics, fast fashion, how recycling really does work and much more. Students can bring their lunch and eat while participating in the discussion. (30-45 minutes)
Students travel with Freddy as he journeys downstream, who encounters pollutants along the way. During the interactive story students add “pollutants” to Freddy’s water so that they can see the impact on Freddy and his home. The activity is followed by students suggesting how they can reduce pollution to keep their water ways clean. (30 minutes)
This introduction to the Three R’s helps the students learn early the importance of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Students hear a story, participate in a sorting activity, and learn how to start recycling right with a new classroom recycling bin. (30 minutes)
Everything we eat, use, wear, buy, and throw out in our lifetime as an impact on the planet. Students will explore what their environmental footprint is and how they can make a big difference in small ways. (30-40 minutes)
A reuse project can be added to most programs to help reinforce the message. The reuse activity can be done immediately following the program or can be left for the class to do later.
