Environmental/ Ag Engineering (EASE)

EASE introduces youth to how natural and agricultural systems work and how we can design solutions that protect them. You will explore what lives in your backyard, study soils and biodiversity, and follow the water cycle from rain to river. You will compare renewable and nonrenewable resources and learn how choices impact farms, wildlife, and communities. Through hands-on activities, you will collect data, solve real-world problems, and try simple designs, such as pollinator habitats, rain capture systems, or erosion control measures. EASE builds practical skills in stewardship, sustainability, and engineering thinking.


EASE Project Toolkit

  • Coming soon!
  • Bottle drip irrigation: Build a simple drip system from recycled bottles and test water savings.
  • Container Rain Garden: Plant a mini rain garden in a tub to see how it slows down runoff.
  • Erosion tray test: Compare bare soil to mulched soil on a tilted tray with equal water.
  • Soil Health Toolkit: Conduct quick tests for texture, pH, worms, and infiltration at two sites.
  • Compost heat tracker: Start a small bin and record temperature changes over a week.
  • Pollinator habitat: Plant natives or add a bee hotel and track weekly pollinator visits.
  • Water quality check: Test a stream or pond for pH, nitrates, phosphates, and turbidity.
  • Pizza Box Solar Oven: Build a solar cooker and log the temperature while heating a snack.
  • Windbreak model: Use a fan and mini trees or fences to see how windbreaks reduce erosion.
  • Weather-to-irrigation log: Measure rainfall and wind, then plan when and how much to water.