North Tama sixth grader Lane Svoboda participates in Iowa State University’s Water Rocks! program this past school year. Tama County 4-H visited classes at Dysart-Geneseo Elementary, South Tama Elementary, North Tama Elementary, and South Tama Middle School as part of the water conservation and natural resources program. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

TOLEDO – Tama County 4-H in collaboration with Iowa State University’s Water Rocks! program is doing fantastic work by educating kids about water conservation and environmental stewardship. Water Rocks! combines STEM and the arts to inspire young minds to appreciate and care for water resources. During this school year, Tama County 4-H visited classes at Dysart-Geneseo Elementary, South Tama Elementary, North Tama Elementary and South Tama Middle School with these fantastic programs.

The Water Rocks! program, part of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, offers engaging, science-based lessons on water conservation and natural resources. The program has reached thousands of students across Iowa, fostering environmental awareness and stewardship.

The Water Rocks! program covers a variety of engaging and educational topics, including:

Water Quality: Understanding the importance of clean water and how to protect it.

Wetlands: Exploring the role of wetlands in ecosystems and their benefits.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Pollinators: Learning about the vital role pollinators play in agriculture and biodiversity.

Watersheds: Discovering how watersheds work and their impact on water resources.

Biodiversity: Highlighting the importance of diverse ecosystems for a healthy environment.

These topics are tailored to different grade levels and align with the Next Generation Science Standards, making them both fun and educational for students

Tama County 4-H would love to visit your school with the Water Rocks! program. Check out information on our website at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/tama/school-enrichment. We would love to set up dates for the 2025-2026 school year!

For more information about Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and their programs, contact the Tama County Extension and Outreach Office at jhulme@iastate.edu or 641-484-2703.