Workshop Descriptions

NATURAL RESOURCES
Look at our environment and the various resources we have available. Several concepts are introduced, including Environmental Awareness, Waste Management/Reduction, and current environmental issues.

LAKE/STREAM ECOLOGY
Participants are given "hands on" opportunity to collect specimens from a nearby stream and use that data to explore basic scientific research. Students perform a Stream Hike and have fun while learning!

SOIL STUDIES
Explore the world of soil, how it is made, its qualities and importance. Participants will have the opportunity to make soil horizons and perform simple yet qualitative experiments.

WEATHER
Explains easy to learn modern weather forecasting concepts and techniques. Participants will learn basic principals and make their own forecast.

FOREST INVESTIGATION
Provides accurate information and interaction in one of Virginia's largest natural resources. This is not "Tree Identification Time", but a learning experience about our trees and forests, and their importance to our environment.

WATER QUALITY
This subject will explain the Hydrologic Cycle, ground water pollution, and conservation methods through chemical testing and fun experiments. Participants will learn the importance of the Hydrologic Cycle in their everyday lives.

VA WILDLIFE STUDIES
Students will look at small animal habitat, behavior and conservation. Group games and small group exercises will educate participants in proper wildlife management practices.

WILDFLOWER IDENTIFICATION
This activity will develop a student's knowledge of wildflowers and their specific parts. The students can learn several species of the native flora at Holiday Lake 4-H Center, and develop their knowledge of dichotomous keys.

HERPETOLOGY
This activity will give students a first hand experience with reptiles and amphibians. It also gives the students a chance to work on basic classification skills. The program gives students the information about both classes of animals and shows the importance of these animals to the environment.

ENTOMOLOGY
Students will trap several insects and try to group them according to order. The students will also learn why insects are so important to our ecosystem. It's a fun filled day of collecting, preserving, and keying insects.

ORNITHOLOGY
Students will learn characteristics, habitats, and instinctive behaviors. Students will also take to the trails for first hand experience in identifying the local species.

GEOLOGY
Student will learn how to use field-testing equipment and identify minerals, rocks and fossils. They will observe land formation and mountain building forces in action.

ASTRONOMY
Imagine learning about the stars while you gaze at them on a cool clear night. Students will learn: how to use a telescope and locate several constellations, moon phases and about our neighbors in the sky. We also look at how the constellations got their names and the history of astronomy.