Teaching Resources
Below is a collection of activities, presentations, lesson plans, and other teaching resources to use inside and out of the classroom. Many of the resources have been created by the Kankakee County Soil & Water Conservation District, while others are linked from external sources. Use the menu above to jump to a section that interests you, or simply scroll down to explore all content areas!
SOIL
Soil is the "skin of the earth" and serves many vital roles in the environment. Soil provides a growing medium for plants, and is a major source of nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium needed to support healthy plant growth and function. Soil is at the foundation of our nation's agricultural industry. Without soil, we wouldn't have feed for animals, fiber for construction and textiles, food, fuel, or many of the antibiotics used to fight diseases.
During the Pleistocene Epoch (the last Ice Age) glaciers formed over most of Illinois. As the glaciers moved across Illinois, they smoothed the landscape. As they receded, glaciers filled deeply eroded valleys with glacial deposits, which created the flat topography of the Midwest. The geological history of Illinois has shaped our soils. Loess (pronounced "luss") is a silty glacial deposit that became the parent material for soils that occupy ~63% of our state. Loessial soils are fertile, giving the Midwest some of the best soils for growing crops. There are over 700 different soil series found in Illinois, with Drummer as the state soil.
Soil also provides a habitat for billions of organisms such as bacteria, protists, fungi, and critters like insects, worms, spiders, and other invertebrates. Often overlooked, soil houses a diverse and complex ecosystem with many components that contribute to overall soil health. Explore the tiny world beneath your feet with the soil resources below!
FEATURED RESOURCES
SOIL EDUCATION HUBS
Nutrients for Life: K-12 teaching tools focused on the importance of soil nutrients in feeding our world.
Soils 4 Teachers: Soil Science Society of America K-12 teacher resources.
The Scoop on Soil: University of Illinois Extension
Dig It! The Secrets of Soil: Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
Science of Agriculture: Short animations, interactives, and videos.
National Geographic Resource Library: K-12 activities, articles, lessons, and more.
National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science: Explore case studies for science teaching.
Natural Resources Conservation Services: Tools and resources about conservation and agriculture.
MISCELLANEOUS RESOURCES
Forest Soil Time Lapse: A video showing what happens on and under the forest floor
National Association of Conservation Districts: Free Educational Materials to Download
Discover Soils: Learn more about soils through the Soil Science Society of Americ
Drummer: Illinois State Soil Booklet
Living Soil Documentary by the Soil Health Institute
WATER
Have you used water today? We all use water for drinking, washing, cleaning, and cooking. We also rely on water for things often overlooked, like farming and producing food, generating electricity, fighting fires, and recreational activities. A healthy watershed is vital to each and every one of us!
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Rivers, streams, and ponds not only provide many of us with the water we use everyday, but house incredible biodiversity that often goes unnoticed. Fish, insects, insect larvae, mollusks, snails, and other invertebrates are a part of these aquatic ecosystems.
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The Kankakee River is the major waterway that flows through Kankakee County. Less than a century ago, there was an area in our own backyards that resembled the swamplands of the Florida Everglades called the Grand Kankakee Marsh. This immense wetland was home to some of the highest concentrations of wildlife on the planet. After the channelization of the Kankakee River and subsequent draining of the marsh, less than 5% of the "Everglades of the North" remain.
FEATURED RESOURCES
WATER EDUCATION HUBS
Kankakee: The River that Connects Us 2017 watershed conference presentations
The Water Project: K-12 teaching tools focused on water conservation and concerns.
National Geographic Resource Library: K-12 activities, articles, lessons, and more.
NOAA Education: National Ocean Service educator resources.
National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science: Explore case studies for science teaching.
Natural Resources Conservation Services: Tools and resources about conservation and agriculture.
The Water Cycle - Glossary & Resources (Thank you for sharing this link with us, Amelia!)
TOOLS
Water Resource Maps: USGS
National Flood Hazard Layer: FEMA
Wetlands Mapper: National Wetlands Inventory
Illinois State Water Survey Maps: Illinois Natural History Survey
MISCELLANEOUS RESOURCES
Everglades of the North: The Story of the Grand Kankakee Marsh
National Association of Conservation Districts: Free Educational Materials to Download
Water Pollution Activity: Demonstrate how water pollution spreads.
What is a Watershed? PBS video and classroom materials.
Interactive Water Cycle: USGS
CITIZEN SCIENCE: WATER
Illinois RiverWatch: Monitor water quality with The National Great Rivers Research & Education Center's RiverWatch program!
A Message from Anabel
Anabel says - "In school we were talking about how we can do a few small things to help the environment. A big topic was saving water because some places in California are still affected by the drought! I thought it was really interesting that anybody could make a change and it could help people!"
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Thank you Anabel! We are inspired to conserve our water in Kankakee County!
Anabel has some advice for Kankakee County... all the way from California! Anabel is about to go into 5th grade, and is very passionate about helping the environment. She and her mom are volunteers at their local library, where they teach people in the community how to be good stewards of our natural resources! Anabel has been helping her mom do research, and found an article she wanted to share about water conservation at home. You can read it here! We can all do a few, simple things each day to conserve water - like turning off the faucet when you brush your teeth, or taking showers instead of baths.
PLANTS & PRAIRIE
Native plants are those that occur naturally and have existed in an area for many years without human introduction. Because they have established natural populations over a long period of time, native plants have adapted to a specific region's climate. Native plants are an integral part of an ecosystem, and have formed close, beneficial relationships with insects, birds, and other wildlife. Natives provide food, shelter, and nesting material for wildlife in our county.
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Important pollinator species such as bumble bees, honey bees, and butterflies have coevolved with native plants, forming symbiotic relationships that benefit both the insect and the plant. Plants provide food and shelter for insects, while insects return the favor by pollinating the plant.
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In the early 1800s, most of the northern 2/3 of Illinois was covered by approximately 22 million acres of prairie land. A prairie is a large open area of grassland and forbs (plants like wildflowers). Northeast Illinois was dominated by the tallgrass prairie. Plants such as big bluestem grew upwards of 8 feet tall, covering the land in a sea of grass. By 1900, most of Illinois' prairie was converted to agriculture. Today, less than 4% of the tallgrass prairie remains in the United States.
FEATURED RESOURCES
A Walk Through the Prairie
by K3SWCD
This video gives a quick glimpse into the biodiversity that can be found in Kankakee County's pollinator habitat. Watch the video and explore our native plant, insect, and bird species! Turn the video into a classroom activity with our worksheet.
01/19 - 01/23
PDF Plant Field Guides
by the Field Museum
Download free PDF field guides for plant families, woodland wildflowers, shrubs, oaks, and more! Students can take field guides with them to identify plants on-the-go.
01/19 - 01/23
PLANTS AND PRAIRIE EDUCATION HUBS
California Native Plant Society: Native plant activities for kids.
Openlands Teacher Resources: K-12 activities and workshops.
Kids Gardening: Lesson plans, activities, designing a school garden, and more!
IDNR Education A to Z: A list of educational materials.
National Geographic Resource Library: K-12 activities, articles, lessons, and more.
National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science: Explore case studies for science teaching.
TOOLS
Apps for Botanical Brains:
Leafsnap: A free electronic field guide that uses visual recognition to help ID tree species based on their leaves.
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XERCES Society: Pollinator Conservation Resources (some favorites listed below!)
Collecting and Using Your Own Wildflower Seed
Establishing Pollinator Habitat from Seed
Pollinator Plants of the Midwest Region
Monarch Nectar Plants of the Midwest
USDA Pollinator Gardens Design Guide
Selecting Plants for Pollinators: A Regional Guide
U of I Pollinator Plot Designs
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Possibility Place Nursery: Native Plant Nursery in Monee, IL
Pheasants Forever: Seed Mixes
Conservation Seed Program: Rights-of-Way
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Converting Lawn to Wildflowers: video showing steps to convert lawn to wildflowers
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Pollinator Partnership Midwest Planting Card: Easy to follow guidelines for creating pollinator gardens with diverse colors and species across growing seasons.
MISCELLANEOUS RESOURCES
The Prairie Ecologist: Square Meter Photography Project
Kankakee County SWCD Native Prairie Plant Fact Cards
Root Systems of Prairie Plants: Visual
Pollination Activity: Use Cheetos to demonstrate pollination with your students - yummy and fun!
Darwin Guide to Recording Wildlife: Explains how to record for enjoyment, for interest, and for best value for science and conservation.
The Biology of Plants: Anatomy, pollination, adaptations, etc.
Plant Adaptations Video and Test: Scholastic Study Jams
Crash Course Biology Videos: Witty and fun videos about plant cells, photosynthesis, and more!
Prairie in Illinois: Background information on all things prairie related
Common Illinois Tree Species: 10 common trees found in Illinois and pictures to identify them from the Nature Conservancy Illinois.
Illinois Trees: An identification and activity book from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR)
Monarch Habitat Garden Guide: A guide on how to create monarch butterfly habitat in your garden
Schoolyard Butterfly Gardens: How to plan, install, and maintain your school butterfly garden
Tuesdays in the Tallgrass: Exploring exterior and interior landscapes through the tallgrass prairie
Flower Fragrances: Learn about flower fragrances that attract bees and butterflies to your garden
Mowing Guidelines for Pollinators: A guideline for mowing maintenance to protect/conserve pollinators by the Illinois Monarch Project.
Cover Cropping for Pollinators: Describes how cover crop mixes can offer multiple benefits, not just for your field!
Planting for Chicago-area Migratory Birds: Information on how to attract birds to your landscape!
How to Build a Butterfly Garden: Information to consider when creating a butterfly garden.
Tips on Starting a Pollinator Garden: Information and tips to consider when starting a pollinator garden.
IL Audubon Society Bird and Butterfly Sanctuary Certification: Information on how your property can become a Certified Illinois Audubon Society Bird and Butterfly Sanctuary
PLANTS & FUNGI CITIZEN SCIENCE
Chicago Botanic Garden's Citizen Science Academy: Engage students in citizen science while earning CPDUs.
Plants of Concern: Become a rare plant monitor with the Chicago Botanic Garden.
Budburst: Uncover the stories of plants and animals affected by human impacts on the environment.
USA National Phrenology Network: Monitor the impacts of climate change on plants and animals.
Illinois Mycological Association: The mushroom club you've been looking for your whole life!
Insects & Wildlife
There are many unique ecological areas in and around Kankakee County. Within our county we have forest, prairie, and savanna to explore, as well as many protected areas where life can thrive. Not far from Kankakee County there are beaches where you can study ecological succession, vast prairie restorations with bison populations, bogs with native carnivorous plants, birding hot spots, and so much more!
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Such a great diversity of habitat ushers in an equally impressive array of wildlife. Mammals, birds, fish, reptile, amphibians, and insects play vital roles within our local ecosystems. There are so many things to discover right in your own backyard! Discover local ecological treasures, tools to observe and identify wildlife, activities and lessons to engage students, and much more below.
FEATURED RESOURCES
Insect Collections
by K3SWCD
Insect collection and pinning is a valuable way to document our local biodiversity and create a biological "snapshot in time". Insects play vital roles in our ecosystem, and learning more about insects will give you insight into many other aspects of biology, ecology, and agriculture! Click here to read the article "Ten Reasons for Collecting and Preserving Insect Specimens" from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.
01/19 - 01/23
Insect Detective
by K3SWCD
Explore the biodiversity of the most abundant creatures on earth: insects! Our major insect groups guide will walk students through the main orders of insects, discussing their similarities and defining characteristics. Wrap up your lesson with our Insect Detective activity, where students use their guides to identify different insect groups and species.
01/19 - 01/23
Animal Field Guides
by the Field Museum
Download free Chicago Region PDF field guides for birds, amphibians, insects, reptiles, and more! Students can take field guides with them to identify animals on-the-go.
01/19 - 01/23
INSECT & WILDLIFE EDUCATION HUBS
Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Join the lifelong journey to enjoy, understand, and protect birds and the natural world.
National Audubon Society: Birding news, articles, guides, programs, chapters, and more!
Animals Past and Present: University of Illinois Extension
The Science Spot: Full collection of great resources for middle school science educators!
The Science Spot Arthropods & Insects: Lessons & Activities
IDNR Education A to Z: A list of educational materials.
National Geographic Resource Library: K-12 activities, articles, lessons, and more.
National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science: Explore case studies for science teaching.
Scholastic: Animals activities, videos, and more!
The Farmer, the Pollinator, and You: a K3SWCD presentation on the relationship between pollinators and agriculture
Pollinator Partnership: Resources to learn about pollinators and other practices
Monarch Joint Venture: Free resources about monarch butterflies
National Pollinator Week: June 22-28, 2020
TOOLS
Apps for Nature Enthusiasts:
iNaturalist: Our favorite website and app! Explore, share observations, and get help with identification.
eBird: Cornell Lab of Ornithology's website & app to find birds, birding hotspots, and share and track your sightings!
Merlin Bird ID: Free, instant bird ID help for 3,000+ birds for North and South America, Europe, India, and Australia. This app syncs with eBird to help you track your life list!
Dragonfly and Damselfly Field Guide: A free app for dragonfly and damselfly identification
Project Noah: A website designed to help people connect with the natural world and learn about wildlife. Project Noah enables amateurs and professionals alike to create and share multimedia nature journals. Join Project Noah and become a Citizen Scientist!
MISCELLANEOUS RESOURCES
Square Meter Photography Project: Photography project focusing on everything in one square meter of prairie
Pollinator Ag Mag: Illinois Ag in the Classroom educational magazine
Darwin Guide to Recording Wildlife: Explains how to record for enjoyment, for interest, and for best value for science and conservation.
Careers in Entomology: Discover different careers involving insects
Rusty Patched Bumble Bee Pocket Guide: A guide about rusty patched bumble bee identification
Wildlife in Nature: Photography of Midwest wildlife by Gary R. Soper
A Year with Wildlife: An activity book by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources' (IDNR) Division of Education. Walks students through what animals do to adapt as the seasons change
Birds of Illinois: An activity book where students will become familiar with the traits and appearance of birds commonly seen in Illinois
Illinois Mammals: Use this activity book to become familiar with the traits and appearance of 16 mammal species found in Illinois
Creatures of the Night: An activity book on the nocturnal wildlife of Illinois
Slime, Scales, and Mudpuppy Tails: An activity book to learn about the amphibians and reptiles in Illinois
Natural Resources Training: Hands-on workshops hosted by the IL Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) to earn Professional Development Hours and gain easy-to-use natural resources educational materials for your classroom.
Monarch Habitat Guide: A guide on how to create monarch butterfly habitat in your garden
Mowing Guidelines for Pollinators: A guideline for mowing maintenance to protect/conserve pollinators by the Illinois Monarch Project.
Cover Cropping for Pollinators: Describes how cover crop mixes can offer multiple benefits, not just for your field!
BeeSmart School Garden Kit: Kit offered by Pollinator Partnership to help your students explore food, wildlife, and plants.
Bee and Pollinator Books: Posters and books about native plants and insects
Planting for Chicago-area Migratory Birds: Information on attracting birds to your landscape!
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CITIZEN SCIENCE: INSECTS
Monarch Joint Venture: Collect data during all phases of the annual life cycle of monarch breeding, migrating, and overwintering.
Lost Ladybug Project: Help figure out why native ladybugs are become extremely rare.
Butterflies and Moths of North America: Identify the moths and butterflies around your home.
FeederWatch: From November to April, embrace the winter and count feeder birds for science!
