youth Education
Currently, we are unable to offer staff-led programming for schools and youth groups. However, please contact us if you would like more information about any of the activities listed below that we can be borrowed for education in the local area.
Angie Hong: angie.hong@mnwcd.org
Watershed Game
Duration: 60 min
Grade Level: 5-8
Designed by the Northland NEMO Program, an education effort led by the University of Minnesota Sea Grant and the University of Minnesota Extension Programs, the Watershed Game is a board game that simulates land use management and the decision making process used to meet clean water goals. This game requires a 1 hour time block and is designed to meet education standards across science, social studies, and English language arts.
For more information, visit https://watershedgame.umn.edu.
Groundwater Model & A Drop in a bucket
Duration: 45-60 min
Grade Level: 4-6
Beginning with an activity called "A Drop in a Bucket", students will see a visual representation of just how limited our available freshwater is and the importance of conserving this invaluable resource. This will be followed by a short lesson on groundwater education specific to Washington County and will end with the groundwater model. The Groundwater Flow Model was built by Iowa State University and is an interactive device that shows how water is pumped from aquifers, how aquifers are recharged, and what can happen to drinking water when contaminants are in the ground. This lesson is designed to take up one class period, approximately 45-50 min, but can be adjusted for shorter periods as well.
Splash: after School Toolkit
Duration: 15-40 min
Grade Level: 2-7
Developed by H20 for Life, a local non profit, the Splash Toolkit inspires kids to become water conservation heroes through teaching them about our vital water resources and their importance to all living things.
This toolkit features 12 short activities ranging from 15 - 40 min in duration. Our EMWREP staff will work with you to find the activity that is best suited for your group!
Using the roll of a die, students simulate the movement of water within the water cycle. This fun and interactive game helps students to identify the states of water as they move through 9 stations of the water cycle. Role playing as a water molecule helps students to conceptualize the water cycle as more than a predictable two dimensional path.
This game pairs well with the groundwater flow model and can be substituted for the Drop in the Bucket exercise.
Incredible Journey
Duration: 30 min
Grade Level: 3-5
Training and curriculum for teachers & other professionals
Project WET: Inquire with Angie Hong about scheduling a local training for area teachers or city/county/watershed staff and volunteers.
Hamline University River Institutes also offers free, 3-day workshops on the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers during the summer.