By 1812Blockhouse
Richland Soil and Water Conservation District (RSWCD) and the Richland County Farm Bureau have teamed up to cultivate a deeper understanding of natural resources, food, and agriculture among local students. Through the donation of three environmental and agricultural literacy kits, these organizations are bringing hands-on, engaging lessons to elementary schools and the Mansfield/Richland County Public Library (MRCPL).
A Turnkey Solution for Educators
The literacy kits provide a comprehensive lesson plan designed for kindergarten through sixth-grade educators. Each kit contains children’s books, detailed lesson plans, and materials needed for interactive activities. Covering topics like pollution, farming, and environmental sustainability, the kits make it easy for teachers to incorporate these lessons into their classrooms.
In December and January, a total of 75 kits were distributed throughout Richland County, thanks to the collaborative efforts of volunteers from both RSWCD and the Farm Bureau. The kits were delivered to schools and made available for checkout at the MRCPL.
Engaging the Community Beyond the Classroom
The program doesn’t stop with schools. Individuals, homeschoolers, scout troops, 4-H clubs, and church groups are encouraged to explore the kits through the library. Financial support for the Cultivating Minds Project came from various sources, including the Richland County Foundation Gift of Grain Fund, Richland County Youth and Family Council, private donations, and the MRCPL. A private donor also contributed a specialized kit that simulates indoor stream monitoring, offering an innovative approach to teaching water quality.
Interactive and Age-Appropriate Activities
Each kit is designed to make learning fun and relevant for different age groups:
- Freddy the Fish (Grades K–6): Students follow Freddy on a journey downstream as he encounters pollution, helping them understand its cumulative impact on the environment.
- Let’s Raise a Barn (Grades 3–5): Inspired by the book Barn at Night, students learn about barn designs and create one tailored to the needs of a specific farm animal.
- Search for the Source (Grades K–5): Using the book Right This Very Minute, participants explore the farm-to-table connection and engage in a relay activity to identify the sources of everyday items.
For middle and high school students, the “Water Quality? Ask the Bugs” kit introduces stream monitoring concepts using the Project Wet curriculum.
How to Get Involved
The literacy kits are free to borrow from the MRCPL, making them accessible to a wide range of community groups. For more information or to check out a kit, contact RSWCD at [email protected] or call 419-747-8685.
Image by Rosy / Bad Homburg / Germany from Pixabay
