Environmental Encounters is an educational program involving free field trips to the Conservation Garden Park and optional online lesson plans for all grades. Field trips last about an hour and involve moving through various garden exhibits on waterwise plant adaptations, soil properties, the water cycle, irrigation methods, water in Utah, etc. Garden staff is limited and time slots fill up in the spring, so schedule early!
Field Trips
To schedule a field trip, go to the contact page and select "Field Trips" as the subject. School bus reimbursement is available to schools within Jordan Valley Water’s service area (west side of Salt Lake County, also Draper and Midvale) by sending a Transportation Report or invoice to:
ATTN: Garden Manager
8275 South 1300 West
West Jordan, UT 84088
Fax: 801-565-4399
Lessons
A series of easy-to-plan lessons for kindergarten through 12th grade that can be downloaded for use by teachers or anyone interested in the science of water. Each lesson includes specific Utah curriculum ties to a wide range of subjects including science, social studies and language arts. The lessons are designed to minimize the need for extensive preparation and materials, while supporting information is provided as appropriate in each lesson. Each lesson plan provides clear instructions including teacher notes and procedures, followed by a classroom activity, a field trip to the Conservation Garden Park (transportation funding is available), and a follow up exercise.
Grade 1 - Growing Plants from Seeds
Grade 3 - Elements of the Environment
Grade 4 - Water Holding Capacity of Soils