{"id":1314,"date":"2025-10-29T10:47:11","date_gmt":"2025-10-29T10:47:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loudounsoilandwater.com\/?page_id=1314"},"modified":"2026-03-05T16:52:47","modified_gmt":"2026-03-05T16:52:47","slug":"conservation-lessons","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/loudounsoilandwater.com\/index.php\/education\/conservation-lessons\/","title":{"rendered":"Conservation Lessons"},"content":{"rendered":"

Loudoun SWCD Conservation Lessons<\/h2>\n<\/div>
\n
\n
\n

LSWCD provides in-person presentations as well as conservation lesson checkouts. See below for a listing of current lessons. We also <\/span>offer a<\/span><\/span>n online version of our most popular lesson \u2013 the Enviroscape Watershed model (geared toward third\u2013seventh graders). This digital version is comprised of two videos which are available on our YouTube Channel<\/a>.\u00a0 The first video<\/a> covers what is a watershed, watershed addresses of Loudoun County, stormwater runoff, where our water comes from and the importance of clean water.\u00a0 The second video<\/a> is the actual Enviroscape Demonstration showing how pollution from our land use in Loudoun County ends up in our waterways and what we can do to improve the problem.\u00a0 We hope this is supportive and welcome feedback\u2014please reach out to let me know how else we can help! Jessie.Freeland@lswcd.org<\/a>\u00a0 \/ (571) 918-4530<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/lite-youtube><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/lite-youtube><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div>

The following are Presentations or Conservation Checkouts that can be scheduled through our Education Specialist. Grades suggested are based on Virginia Science Standards of Learning correlations. We can present the lessons to other grades or groups. There is no charge for LSWCD Lessons. Lessons listed as Presentations are facilitated by the LSWCD Education Specialist. All of the lessons are interactive and participatory with the students.<\/p>\n

Conservation Checkouts have all materials needed (unless noted) for another instructor to present. Lesson plans are included in the Checkout. Lesson plans are available via email upon request.<\/p>\n

Loudoun SWCD can provide training for conservation education materials that schools and instructors may already have, such as the Enviroscape Watershed Model. We can also provide help or suggestions with MWEE (Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience), One to the World and conservation Project Based Learning.<\/p>\n

Please contact our Education Specialist for more information.
\njessie.freeland@lswcd.org<\/a>
\n(571) 918-4530 ext. 109<\/p>\n<\/div>

<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Freddy the Fish Grades K, 1<\/strong>\u2014Presentation or Checkout, One Class, Students at desks; 30 min (+15 prep) This is a fun and highly participatory activity to discuss how humans affect life processes and water quality. Each student is able to participate with their own \u2018stream\u2019 and \u2018fish.\u2019
\nSOL SCI.K.1, K.6, K.7, K.11<\/strong> Observation, Prediction, Water, Living, Animal Needs, Water Quality, Resource impact
\nSOL SCI.1.1, 1.8<\/strong> Observation, Prediction, Water Quality, Natural Resource, Pollution<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

The 3 R\u2019s \u2013 Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Grades K, 1, 2<\/strong>\u2014Presentation or Checkout, One Class, 25 min (+5 prep) The 3 R\u2019s is a fun program to teach about Reducing, Reusing and Recycling. The lesson is integrated into Recycling Relay, an interactive game that involves each student in the deciding how items should be disposed.
\nSOL SCI.K.11<\/strong> Recycling, Reuse, Natural Resources, Conservation
\nSOL SCI.1.8<\/strong> Recycling, Reuse, Natural Resources, Conservation
\nSOL SCI.2.5<\/strong> Living Things, Habitat impact<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>

The World Beneath Your Feet Grades K, 1, 2<\/strong>\u2014Checkout, One Class, Grassy area outside, 20 min (+ 10 prep) Students begin thinking like scientists as they make observations about what is in a patch of their schoolyard. This Checkout includes a Lesson Plan, Observation Sheets, Clipboards, Investigation Tools (rope, magnifier, bug box, tweezers, trowel, ruler, misters) for teams of 2-3, and thermometer.
\nSOL SCI.K.1, K.2, K.6, K.7, K.10<\/strong> Observation, Senses, Living, Nonliving, Plants, Light, Shade, Soil
\nSOL SCI.1.1, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6<\/strong> Observation, Senses, Simple Tools, Plants, Habitat, Sun
\nSOL SCI.2.1, 2.5, 2.8<\/strong> Observation, Prediction, Data, Living, Nonliving, Habitat, Plants<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Dirt Buddies Grades K, 1, 2, 3<\/strong>\u2014Checkout, One Class, Tabletop, 20 min (+10 prep) Grow\"\"<\/a> your own grassy-haired dirt buddy! This is a fun classroom activity that explores observing change over time as grass grows on the dirt buddy heads. All supplies and instructions are included for this Conservation Checkout. No lesson but a good accompanying activity.
\nSOL SCI.K.1, K.7, K.9, K.10<\/strong> Observation, Plants, Life Cycle, Plant Growth; Change
\nSOL SCI.1.1, 1.4, 1.6<\/strong> Observation, Plants, Plant Growth; Sunlight
\nSOL SCI.2.1, 2.4<\/strong> Observation, Life Processes, Life Cycle SOL SCI.3.1, 3.6 Observation, Soil, Life Cycle<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>

The Incredible Journey Water Cycle Grades 2, 3<\/strong>\u2014Presentation or Checkout, One Class, Tabletop, 20 min (+10 prep) Students will take a journey as a raindrop and move through the water cycle. As they move, they will collect beads to create a bracelet representing their movements throughout the water cycle. Adapted from Project Wet\u2019s The Incredible Journey.
\nSOL SCI.2.1, 2.3<\/strong> Observation, Water Cycle, Changes in Matter, Liquid, Gas, Evaporation, Condensation, Pollution
\nSOL SCI.3.1, 3.7, 3.8<\/strong> Observation, Water Cycle, Conservation, Human Influence, Pollution<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Worms on the Go <\/b>Grades K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5\u2014Presentation, One Class, Students at desks; 35 min (+15 prep)<\/b>
\n999 of my best friends and I come teach your class about worms, soil and composting.\u00a0 The First half is a lesson on the worms: anatomy, their role in the food web and their importance to our soil. Then students get up close and personal with red wriggler worms. Depending on the time, each student can meet a worm to explore or come visit at a station with me.<\/p>\n

SOL SCI.K.1, K.6, K.7, K.10, K.11 <\/b>Observation, Living Organism, Habitat, Life Cycle, Natural Change, Conservation, Natural Resource
\nSOL SCI.1.1, 1.5, 1.8\u00a0 <\/b>Observation, Habitat, Basic Needs, Physical Characteristics, Natural Resource
\nSOL SCI.2.1, 2.4, 2.5, 2.8 <\/b>Life Processes, Life Cycles, Living Systems, Habitat, Natural Resource, Plants as Food
\nSOL SCI.3.1, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.8 <\/b>Behavioral Adaptations, Decomposer, Food Chain, Natural Resources, Conservation, Soil, Life Cycles, Interdependency, Renewal
\nSOL SCI.4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.8 <\/b>Living Systems, Food Webs, Natural Resources
\nSOL SCI.5.1 <\/b>Scientific Practices, Living Systems<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Soil Studies\u00a0 <\/b>Grade 3\u2014Presentation or Checkout, One Class, Tabletop,<\/b> 25 minutes (+5 prep) <\/b>
\nExplore what comes from soil, what is soil and describing soil with your students.\u00a0 Each Student creates their own soil tube to keep. This is a great lesson to pair with the Soil Tunnel. This can be a Presentation or a Conservation Checkout. For the Checkout, the lesson plan, visual aids and supplies are provided.
\nSOL SCI.3.1, 3.5, 3.6, 3.8\u00a0 <\/b>Soil, Components of Soil, Natural Resource<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Runoff Simulator\u00a0 <\/b>\u2014Presentation,<\/b> 30<\/strong>\u00a0minutes (+5 prep) <\/b>
\nHow do plants aid in runoff control? How does bare soil affect rain water? Explore a variety of conservation topics by learning in real time from our Runoff simulator. This is a great conservation lesson to be held outdoors or maybe even in your schools courtyard! The Runoff Simulator requires critical thinking skills and hands on learning. This lesson can be taught along side “Soil Studies<\/em>” and\/or “Worms on the Go<\/em>” for well-rounded soil health education workshop.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

\"Image<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Enviroscape Watershed Model\u00a0 <\/b>Grades 3,4,5,6,7\u2014Presentation*, One Class, Tabletop, 45 min (+15 prep)<\/b><\/p>\n

The Enviroscape Watershed is an interactive table-top model used to demonstrate watersheds and the human impact on water quality. Students participate in contaminating the watershed through non-toxic \u2018pollutants\u2019 and create a rainstorm to illustrate the movement of water and pollutants through the watershed.\u00a0 Training is available for schools with their own Enviroscape Model. *Checkout available for grades 6 & up<\/b>
\nSOL SCI.3.1, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8 <\/b>Models, Natural Resource, Watershed, Water Cycle, Water Quality, Human Impact
\nSOL SCI.4.1, 4.3, 4.4, 4.8 <\/b>Models, Human Impact, Watershed, Water Resource, Pollution
\nSOL SCI.5.1, 5.8, 5.9 <\/b>Models, Human Impact, Weather, Erosion
\nSOL SCI.6.1, 6.6, 6.8, 6.9 <\/b>Models, Human Impact, Watershed, Water Resource, Pollution, Best Management Practices<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div><\/div>
<\/span><\/div>
\n
\n
\n

Jeopardy \u2013 Conservation, Waste Management or Water\u00a0 <\/b>Grades 4, 5, 6\u2014Presentation, Checkout or PowerPoint File<\/strong>, One class, Open area in front of classroom, place to hang question board, 45 min (+15 prep)<\/b>
\n**Now available as a PowerPoint as well** <\/i><\/b>Bring the popular game show into your classroom with an educational twist. This exciting, fast-paced game has three options, general Conservation, Waste Management (trash & recycling) or Water. Contact Education Specialist for SOLs.<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
Check out our new soil tent!<\/strong><\/center>This can be displayed in a central area of your school, or at events such as Earth Day celebrations, pollinator festivals, and other environmental education events. 3 staff members\/volunteers must be available to assist with set up\/break down of the tent.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":924,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1314","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudounsoilandwater.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1314","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudounsoilandwater.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudounsoilandwater.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudounsoilandwater.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudounsoilandwater.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1314"}],"version-history":[{"count":24,"href":"https:\/\/loudounsoilandwater.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1314\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1876,"href":"https:\/\/loudounsoilandwater.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1314\/revisions\/1876"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudounsoilandwater.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/924"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudounsoilandwater.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1314"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}