Classroom Demonstrations

Winnebago County SWCD staff will either visit classrooms or meet groups at different sites to discuss various natural resource issues. We do presentations about the following topics: groundwater, soils, erosion, wetlands, native prairies, and trees. This region has high potential for groundwater contamination because of that one or our most popular presentations is about groundwater. With this presentation we bring a groundwater model to the classroom to demonstrate the flow of groundwater and what happens when groundwater gets contaminated. We also have various seasonal program about soil called "Where did your Thanksgiving dinner come from?" We also offer a game (best played with 5th and 6th graders) called Water Jeopardy - played just like television's "Jeopardy" to learn some fun facts about water. For information contact Jessica Vandeboom.

Northeastern Illinois Envirothon

What is the Envirothon?

The Envirothon is an exciting, fun way for high school students to learn about the environment. It combines in-class curriculum with hands-on field experiences, while demonstrating the role people have in important environmental issues, such as forestry and wildlife management, water quality, and soil erosion.

At the completion of the year-long learning process, the Envirothon conducts a series of competitions where students are tested on five subjects: soil, aquatics, wildlife, forestry and a specific environmental issue, which changes from year to year.

Each county will have a top scoring winner, with the highest scoring team from event going to the Illinois Envirothon in May. The winning team from the Illinois Envirothon will compete in July at the National Competition. For more information go to www.envirothon.org..

The Northeastern Illinois Envirothon has also entered into a partnership with the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois. Donations are tax-deductible. For information on how to donate contact Melisa at the District office. The Community Foundation can be found at www.cfnil.org or by calling (815) 962-2110.

The Envirothon Experience

Enhances a student's critical thinking and problem solving skills
Allows students to share lifestyles and stories with other youth
Gives students the ability to be role models in their community
Prepares the students for future careers in natural resources areas

For More Information on the Envirothon Contact: Melisa Long - (815) 965-2392, Ext. 3

The Northeastern Illinois Envirothon provides hands-on environmental education to high school age students and advisors to foster and understanding of the human interaction with natural resources.