Conservation Education

Conservation Information for Kids

If you encounter any problems with the files provided on this page, please contact Webmaster at 406-587-6945.

These activity books require Acrobat Reader. For best results, copy the document to your computer before opening.

At Work on the Range (PDF; 829 KB)
"At Work on the Range" is a fun booklet that helps to educate children about the importance of Montana's rangelands and the products we all use that originate from rangelands. The activities in this coloring and activity booklet are appropriate for children grades K through 4.

Celebrate Agriculture. Celebrate Earth. (PDF; 633 KB)
"Celebrate Agriculture. Celebrate Earth." is a booklet that uses drawing, coloring, and word games to teach children about the role of agriculture in feeding as well as protecting the Earth.

Every Day is Earth Day on the Farm (PDF; 1.6 MB)
This coloring and activity book is suitable for children grades K through 8. The activities in this booklet will help kids learn about the relationship between agriculture and conservation, as well as some things they can do to conserve water in their homes.

Conservation Trees (PDF; 602 KB)
The puzzles, games, and activities in this booklet are suitable for children grades K-8. These activities are a fun way for kids to learn about the role trees play in conservation and the many other benefits of trees for our lives.

Hands on the Earth (PDF; 600 KB)
Intended for children grades 3 to 6. This conservation activity booklet features coloring pages and games relating to crops, grazing lands, and water quality. It tells the story of how Montana farmers and ranchers have a hand in protecting and conserving Montana's natural resources.

How to Become an Energy Superhero (PDF; 791 KB)
This booklet of coloring and games can help children learn about energy. It includes activities that explore energy vocabulary, how energy is produced in Montana, and how to save energy.

I Dig Dirt (PDF; 1.1 MB)
This activity book contains coloring pages, puzzles, and games that explain the roles soil and plants play in a healthy watershed. A poster is also available.

Soil Is Alive (PDF; 1.2 MB)
This booklet includes soil-related information, activities, and word games written for about the fifth grade level. Younger children might need help with the reading, but can enjoy coloring or painting the pictures on their own.

Soils Lesson Plans

• These Soils Lesson Plans loosely coordinate with the I Dig Dirt activity book and poster.
• Edible Soil is a popular lesson about soil profiles that can be used with students of any age and is also part of the soils lesson plans.

Soil Painting Kit

• Painting with Soil Directions
• Montana Soils: The Color Palette

Sample Painting Scene 1 (PDF; 193 KB)

Sample Painting Scene 2 (PDF; 167 KB)

Sample Painting Scene: Western Meadowlark (PDF; 60 KB)

Other Web Sites with Conservation Activities for Kids

• NRCS Tidbits for Teachers and Students
• On the Prairie A Web site by the Bell Museum and the University of Minnesota. Try the Build-A-Prairie activity.
• Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration - Clean Water. This Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Web site includes Flash cartoons developed for kids to learn about farming and ranching practices as well as water treatment options.
• USDA Education and Outreach Youth Resources
• The Dirt on Soil. This virtual tour and field guide of the soil under our feet is available on the Discovery School Web site.

Conservation Information for Children and Adults

• Hand-Planting Guidelines for Bareroot Trees and Shrubs
  For children and adults. Detailed diagram with step-by-step instructions for planting bareroot trees or shrubs.
• Tree Planting Guidelines for Containerized and Balled & Burlapped Stock
  For children and adults. Detailed diagram with step-by-step instructions for planting containerized and balled & burlapped trees or shrubs.

Last Modified: 09/18/2008