5th Grade Conservation Craze

Tuesday, September 19
9:30 AM to 2:00 PM (tentatively)
City Park in Curtis

Teachers, Register Below!

What to Bring?

All students will need to bring a sack lunch and drink. Since we will be in the great outdoors, tics, snakes or other critters could be joining us (but we hope not!) Long pants and shoes would also be wise — poison ivy and nettles are in the area. Drinking water and a first aid kit will be on site. Dress for the weather and be prepared to HAVE FUN!

Featured Activities

SOILS
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Presenter: Chuck Markley, Soil Scientist and Jay Rezek
By touching several types of soils and making mudballs, students will understand that soils are the foundation for ALL the other Natural Resources. Without soil there would be no trees, animals, plants or life.

LAND TREATMENT
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Presenters: Marty Gugelman & Kim Smith
In this hands-on activity that involves MUD, students will use a mound of soil to learn about different types of land treatment and learn about Surveying Equipment to accomplish different land treatments. Students will learn different strategies to control soil erosion.

DRIPIAL PURSUIT
Middle Republican NRD
Presenters: Christy & Dennis Peterson
In this water trivia game, students will pursue fascinating water facts while challenging each other to develop an understanding of the many roles water plays in our environment. Do you know what percent in the United States rely on groundwater for drinking water? Find out at the Dripial Pursuit Station!

WILDLIFE CSI
Middle Republican NRD
Presenters: Bob Merrigan & Mary Tidyman
True to the many Crime Scene Investigation shows students have seen on TV, this game allows students to investigate wildlife scenes to find out what animals were involved and just what exactly happened! A fun way for students to learn more about wildlife including their tracks, predator/prey relationships and habitats!

WELL DONE WELLS
Nebraska Well Drillers Association
Presenter: Wayne Madsen
Through hands-on contact with well construction materials including gravel, bentonite, well casing, and pumps and pumping equipments, students will learn about the occurrence of groundwater, see a different approach to the water cycle, learn about the interaction of groundwater and surface water, learn how wells are constructed and decommissioned, and learn the basics of how pumps operate.

OAK TREE: OUR NATIONAL TREE
Common Scents Greenhouse and Nursery
Presenter: Bruce Hoffman
We will be potting up acorns that were harvested from the oak trees in Bur Oak Canyon in Hitchcock County. Students will learn information about the trees and how they got there. They will understand how large a root system is on a mature tree and how significant the planting of these trees can be to wildlife.

More topics to be announced . . .