The Jordan River Commission has developed a growing series of lesson plans that introduce elementary aged students to the Jordan River ecosystem and watershed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the toolkits and what lesson plans are available?
Toolkits include an in-class lesson plan and a field activity. Currently available toolkits include:
3rd Grade – We Rely on Each Other
4th Grade – Birds, Birds, Birds; Go with the Flow
5th Grade – Wear It Away
What grades and core curriculum requirements do they meet?
3rd Science Core: 2.1.A, 2.1.B, 2.1.C, 2.2.A, 2.2.B, and 2.2.E
4th Science Core: 4.1.3.A, 4.1.3.D, 4.1.3.E, 4.1.4.E, 4.1.3.F, 4.1.4.F, 4.1.5.F, 4.2.3.D, 4.2.4.D, 4.2.5.D, 4.3.4.A,
4.3.3.B, 4.3.4.B, 4.3.3.C, 4.3.4.C, 4.3.5.C, 4.4.3E, 4.4.4.E, 4.4.5.E, 4.5.3.A, 4.5.4.A, 4.5.3.C, 4.5.4, C, 4.5.5.C,
4.5.3.D, 4.4.D, 4.5.5.D, 4.5.4.E, 4.5.3.F, 4.5.4.F, 4.5.5.F, 5.1, 5.2, and 5.4
5th Science Core: 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3
How long does each lesson take to teach?
There are two lesson plans in each Toolkit: an in-class activity and a field-activity. Most lesson plans require 45 – 60 minutes. Some Toolkits will have additional extension activities.
Does the JRC provide all the materials needed?
Yes. All materials needed to teach the lesson are provided, with the exception of copies of the handouts. A hard copy master and a digital file of all handouts and worksheets is provided. Certain materials are limited in number (e.g. toolkit includes 30 pairs of binoculars/field guides), so they may need to be shared between students for larger groups or multiple classrooms. There may be a small fee to cover the cost of replacement for any materials that are returned damaged or missing.
Does the JRC teach the lesson plan, or do I?
All of our Toolkits are available for teacher check-out, and contain the materials necessary to teach the lesson. If desired, a trained Jordan River Commission staff member can be scheduled to guest teach the lesson in the classroom or to lead field trips to the Jordan River Parkway.
How long can I keep the Toolkit before returning it?
We ask that you return the Toolkit within 14 days from the date it was borrowed to ensure that the Toolkits are available for use by as many classes as possible.
How do I check out a Toolkit or schedule the JRC to guest teach the lesson in our class?
Contact Aimee at ahorman@utah.gov to discuss scheduling and availability.
Can my school help with a service project or “Adopt-A-Spot”?
Email Aimee at ahorman@utah.gov to set up a date, time, and site that you would like to participate in a clean-up and invasive species removal activity or plant a native habitat demonstration patch. Longer-term trail segment stewardship is available in Salt Lake City through their Adopt A Spot program or can be coordinated with other municipalities in your area. Reach out and we’ll help to connect you.