Other Educational Tools
Many conservation districts have lesson plans and ready to use kits available for educational programs.
Lesson plans/kits vary from county to county but may include:
- the water cycle
- edible soil
- freddie the fish (water pollution)
- I breathe what (air quality)
- recycle relay
Contact your local conservation district to learn more about conservation themed lessons they may offer.
KACD also provides conservation districts with access to specialty tools for conservation education programs, including:
Slake test
The slake test demonstrates the stability of soil aggregates in water. When a chunk of topsoil is placed into water, the water is drawn into the soil and displaces air. If the large pores within the soil are stable, water can move into the soil without causing the aggregate to break apart (“slake”). Testing for Soil Health with a Slake Test
- Douglas Co (Lawrence)
- Ellsworth Co (Ellsworth)
- Marshall Co (Marysville)
- Osage Co (Lyndon)
- Pottawatomie Co (Westmoreland)
- Sedgwick Co (Wichita)
- Wilson Co (Fredonia)
C02 Respiration Kit
Soil respiration is the net release of CO2 from all living organisms in the soil, including bacteria, fungi, protists, earthworms, plant roots, etc. The rate of soil respiration can be used assess soil health, with higher respiration rates indicating a more active, and thus healthy microbial community. The test kit is available on loan from the NRCS area offices in Hays, Emporia, and Hutchinson.
Bulk Density Sampler
Soil compaction is measured with the bulk density sampler. Soils bulk density is another indicator of soil quality. The kit provides tools for the collection of core samples and is available on loan to conservation districts through the Hays area office. (Table Top Soil Health Kit)
Infiltration Ring
How long does it take an inch of water to infiltrate into the soil? Knowing the answer to this provides us with key information about soil quality. Generally one inch of water is added to a six inch diameter ring to measure infiltration rate. Rings are available on loan through the ______ Office and several County Conservation Districts also own sets for local use.
- Dickinson Co (Abilene)
- Douglas Co (Lawrence)
- Jackson Co (Holton)
- Jewell Co (Mankato)
- Lyon/Chase Co (Emporia)
- Ottawa Co (Minneapolis)
- Sedgwick Co (Wichita)
- Wilson Co (Fredonia)
Portable Speaker and Microphone Systems
Available on loan from the NRCS area office in Hays, Hutchinson, and Emporia. Conservation district or NRCS staff should contact their area administrative assistant for scheduling.
Buzzers for Jeopardy and Quiz Bowl style lessons
Want to set up a water quality jeopardy or soil health quiz bowl for your next school conservation lesson? The Hays area office, and several counties have buzzer systems available on loan for your next game.
- Finney Co (Garden City)
- Graham Co (Hills City)
- Kiowa Co (Greensburg)
- Lincoln Co (Lincoln)
- Lyon/Chase Co (Emporia)
- Mitchel Co (Beloit)
Looking for professional backdrop style displays with conservation program themes?
Check out NRCS sharepoint for displays to borrow, available in state and from national office.
