Oconee
Kids
Environmental
Education
Lesson Plans with SC Curriculum Standards:
Fourth Grade:
Field trips are scheduled for the months of October, November, March, and April. If you would like to schedule a field trip for your fourth grade class, send me an email with the dates and lessons for which you are interested.
Learning about erosion and water pollution with the enviroscape model.
What is OKEE?
OKEE is an natural resource educational resource offered by Oconee County Clemson Extension Service which offers a wide array of programs designed for both in, and out of the classroom.
Field Trips
Clemson Extension Service in cooperation with the SC Forestry Commission has put together a curriculum that is matched to the SC curriculum standards. The program consists of an environmental educational, one-day field trip to the Piedmont Forestry Center located off of Hwy 11 here in Oconee County. (for directions to the Piedmont Forestry Center, click here.)
Photo Galleries of Field Trips - click here (under construction)
Lessons offered for the field trip include:
What is the Weather? Students learn how to observe the weather and make predications based on those observations. They will observe temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, precipitation, cloud cover, and wind direction and speed. They will collect the data at two different times of the day , discuss trends, and record their predictions. Ask about an in class lesson program for weather.
The Forest for the Trees Students examine the characteristics, functions, and life cycle of trees through identification, observation, and sensory awareness activities. They will make the connection of the role of trees in the forest ecosystem.
Water, water everywhere Students explore aquatic communities and perform water quality monitoring techniques including a biotic index.
Animal Instincts Students participate in a survival simulation game by assuming the roles of animals. Food chains and adaptations are emphasized.
Lets Get Dirty! Students learn about soil and its importance by studying composition, where it comes from, and what lives in it.
Where the Wild Things Are - Students hike through the forest and learn how to identify different kinds of animal tracks and other animal signs. They also learn about predator-prey relationships and how species have adapted different strategies for survival.
Native American Pow Wow This program consists of several Native American activities which teach students cultural aspects of the Cherokee way of life. Activities include: cooking, face painting, games, and a tribal council where the students take the roles of a native tribe and lead a discussion about a problem facing their people.
The program will include the survival instincts lesson. Teachers may choose two or three other lessons, depending on time restrictions, to include for the field trip.
Classroom Programs offered:
Water Pollution - Students observe a demonstration of the water cycle by observing a landform model that allows them to visually understand how they contribute to water quality problems and how they can be a part of the solution.
Reptiles - Students will learn about how to identify poisonous from nonpoisonous snakes. They will examine and discuss the characteristics of reptiles. Practical safety knowledge and awareness will be discussed. This program must be booked at least 2 months in advance because of high demand for the DNR reptile collection. This is a great hands on experience for your class.
These are examples of programs that have already been developed and implemented. Please contact the agent if you have questions our would like additional resources.
This program is made possible through partnerships with SCDNR and the SC Forestry Commission.
A student from Westminster gets excited
about finding a dragonfly nymph!
Students learning how to read a barometer during a weather lesson.
A tribal council with Fair Oak
Elementary fourth graders.
How was OKEE created?
Oconee County received federal money to compensate for the loss of timber sales. Part of that money was used to create a natural resource education position with the county extension office. Jason Caudill was hired in June, 2002 to fill this position.
Jason is working hard to develop and implement the highest quality of natural resource educational programming for our county schools.
To schedule a program for your students, contact:
Extension Agent, D. Jason Caudill:
301C WS Broad Street
PO Box 400
Walhalla, SC 29691
(864) 638-5889 (office)
(864) 638-7321 (fax)
This page last updated on: 06/24/2008
