Air Quality Lesson

Everyone knows that the air quality in Utah (County) is one of the worst. Teaching children about this problem and potential solutions is one of the best ways that we can make sure our air improves in the future.

This website gives information about the air quality in Utah. It shows past and present air conditions, discusses particulate matter in the air, ozone, temperature, and wind It also has an air quality index with a table that shows what actions should be taken when our air dips below a certain quality. This website includes several children's activities to help them become more aware of our air.

Ozone and Air Quality Index on June 22, 2016 at 8:00pm.

Pop Bottle Ecosystem

One of the most important things that anyone can understand about nature is how everything is connected. Once this fundamental concept is established, it creates a perfect environment for children to act in a mindful way in the environment, and in contact with other people.

Although there are many methods for teaching about natural connectivity, small ecosystems tend to be a favorite. This particular project hails from a homeschooling website.  The site outlines the entire process necessary for building a pop bottle ecosystem, including step-by-step instructions (with photographs), and excerpts on how to teach about the ecosystem. There is also an "additional layers" section that discusses methods of tying this project in with other subjects such as writing, reading, and responsibility.

Also, the example ecosystem includes goldfish! Who doesn't love goldfish?

Botany Bins

The University of Utah's Red Butte Garden offers the Botany Bin Program to all Utah public school teachers free of charge. 

Each kit comes with 16 bins, core-aligned lesson plans, related literature, real plant specimens, and reproducible materials. They also contain visual aides and background information, which makes the kits easy for both teachers and students to explore plants and study the fascinating science of botany.

Kits change throughout the year, but current offerings include Ethnobotany: People and Plants, and Conserving Water in the Desert. The bins can be picked up at the University of Utah or at one of 8 convenient locations throughout Utah. 

        Ethnobotany Bin