Are you interested in an educational program for your students? Ocean County Soil Conservation District offers programs to children of all ages. Peruse our suite of programs and Contact Us, or call Becky Laboy, Education Outreach Specialist, 609-991-1534.
- Worms – Heroes of the Earth (6 and under)
- Soil Exploration and Discovery (6-8 yrs)
- Soil Scientists (9-12yrs)
- Investigating the Complexities of Soil (13 yrs and up)
Worms – Heroes of the Earth
(This program is a hit with younger children, up to age 7.)
Where would we be without worms and other soil-dwelling critters? We would be waist-deep in waste, and knee-high in leaves! Meet “S.K. Worm”, sock-puppet, who will teach about the importance of soil – the stuff of Earth. People need soil to grow the food we eat, to sustain trees that provide us with the air we breathe, and to clean the water we drink. Have fun with S.K. Worm and his soil friends, as we honor the Heroes of the Earth!
Soil Exploration and Discovery
(This program is ideal for children ages 6-9yrs.)
Soil is at the root of all life on earth! This hands-on, explore-and-discover experience will guide children to a basic understanding about the importance of soil. Embedded activities include a texture comparison of several soil samples, a look at the ingredients of soil, and making soil from scratch – with the help of some soil critters!
Soil Scientists
(This program is for learners ages 9 yrs. and up)
Soil is the foundation of all life on earth! Soil contains nutrients needed for healthy plant growth. We depend on soil to support our crops for food. Forests depend on soil for healthy tree growth. Some soils are better at holding onto nutrients than others. Students will examine and compare texture, structure and organic matter content of different soil samples from loamy farmlands to sandy Pine Barrens. Students will test for macronutrients including Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium, as well as pH, and learn why different soils support different plant communities.
Investigate the Complexities of Soil
(This program suits students ages 13yrs and up.)
This program offers students a hands-on opportunity to dig deeper into soil science by investigating the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil. An overview of soil can be presented, or choose the specific topic that best supports your curriculum: soil composition, soil horizons, soil texture, nutrients, organic matter, soil taxonomy, or soil mapping. This program can be conducted in the classroom, or outside on school grounds. Explore and discover the complexities of soil!