UNDER CONSTRUCTION
This toolkit, developed with Virginia Cooperative Extension Field Agents, with much help from the EMGs who contributed to successful projects in their localities over the years, includes items for your use in in-school programming.
How to use the content in this toolkit
Contact your local VCE EMG Coordinator to discuss in-school programming in your locality. Not every local VCE Unit has the capacity to add these projects. As you work with your local VCE leadership, here are some materials to help you get started:
Activity Planning
- You’ll need to fill out this Project Proposal and Authorization and send it to your local VCE Agent for approval.
- You’ll also need to complete EMG Working with Youth Training. Contact your local VCE Agent to receive this training.
- Example Project Lead Responsibilities (Nelson)
- Template Annual Project Plan of Work (Nelson)
- Admin checklist for coordinator (trainings EMGs need to attend, finding/dealing with community partners or schools, structure for programming)
Getting Started
The State EMG Office recommends downloading all files so you can edit as needed. After you’ve gotten approval from your local VCE Office, reach out to a local school with this Super Soil Science Letter to Teacher or (need to create/update Forestry version).
Working In Schools- Lesson Plans and Resources for EMGs
Super Soil Science
This lesson plan teaches Soils to 3rd grade students. See resources from the State EMG Office below:
- Super Soil Science Lesson Plan
- Super Soil Science Letter to Teacher
- Super Soil Science Word Search
- Student Worksheet (Super Soil Science)
See resources from trusted sources below:
- USDA Web Soil Survey
- NRCS Soil Health Education and Outreach (including even more lesson plans! note these haven’t been reviewed by our team, but USDA NRCS is a trusted source. Check with your VCE Agent and local school to discuss learning objectives if you’d like to branch out and try these!)
Goods from the Woods
This lesson plan teaches all ages about trees and forestry resources.
View the folder here: VCE Goods From the Woods
- Goods from the Woods Programming Instructions,
- Goods from the Woods Instructor Guide
- To order tree seedlings, contact your VCE Forestry Agent
See resources from trusted sources below:
Reporting the Impact of Your Work:
Template statement for the VCE Office and local EMG Unit to use in reporting.
If you’re looking to improve how your unit communicates their impact, browse these examples:
- State EMG Office annual report
- VCE ROI Sheets
- Hanover VCE EMG Unit’s Annual Report
Questions? Comments? Spot an error? Have materials to share? Contact Grace Stern (State EMG Program Coordinator) at emgoffice@vt.edu.