Water Authority Supports STEM Education

By teaching students about local water resources, the water cycle, and regional water supplies, the Water Authority’s education programs instill a knowledge and appreciation of our most important natural resource and foster sustainability. For decades, education programs offered by the Water Authority have been popular with schools countywide because they are engaging and help teachers meet instructional requirements for STEM education. Many of the programs are free.

New Digital Workbook

A digital, interactive water education workbook is now available for elementary students. Join Blue’s journey to learn about the water cycle, San Diego County’s water supplies, bodies of water, water-use efficiency, and more. The workbook is free for all teachers and students.

To learn more about educational resources, contact Kristiene Gong at kgong@sdcwa.org.

Educational Offerings

While the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the suspension of on-campus activities, the Water Authority continues to offer interactive and creative water education materials.

New Digital Workbook

for Elementary Schools

This new, virtual water education resource was made possible by generous support from the Hans and Margaret Doe Charitable Trust and funds from the Water Quality, Supply and Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2014, administered by the State of California, Department of Water Resources.

Virtual Assemblies

for Elementary Schools

The Water Authority’s long-running school assembly programs are paused as students stay home due to the coronavirus pandemic. To help students, parents and teachers continue learning about water and science, the Water Authority partnered with Shows That Teach to produce a series of free online educational videos. To schedule an assembly, go to showsthatteach.com/sdcwa-2.

Splash Science

Mobile Lab

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the San Diego County Office of Education has adapted their highly popular mobile Splash Lab experience to a virtual format.

Students in grades 4-8 investigate through hands-on science experiments how water pollution affects the environment and wildlife, while learning why it is important to use water wisely at the Splash Science Mobile Lab, presented in partnership with the San Diego County Office of Education and Water Authority member agencies.

The Splash Science Mobile Lab is aligned with the California Science Content Standards and Environmental Education Principles and Concepts. The program is partially funded by the California Department of Water Resources.

The Splash Lab is a completely self-contained mobile lab that provides students with hands-on science experience, and it includes:

  • A watershed/storm drain model
  • State-of-the-art GIS computer stations
  • A water conservation station
  • A San Diego estuary station
  • Microscopes with video projection
  • Chemistry experiments
  • Cooperative learning skills

Location: The Splash Lab is virtual in Fall 2020.

Cost: The San Diego County Office of Education website provides information about cost. Check with your local water agency about potential financial assistance.

Phone: (619) 590-3911

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center

Water Exhibit

The Water Authority’s exhibit at The Fleet Science Center engages students of all ages in activities about water supplies and water-use efficiency. It explores ways to save water at home, as well as the importance of stormwater and water recycling. Students also learn about how using water wisely conserves energy.

Cost: Call or consult website for operating hours and fees.

Phone: (619) 238-1233

Science & Engineering Fair Awards

Greater San Diego

Each year, the Water Authority offers awards of $100 to $300 for outstanding water-related entries at the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair. Prizes are awarded to winners in both junior and senior divisions, and they are presented to the students at a Water Authority Board meeting.

All water-related projects entered in the Greater San Diego Science & Engineering Fair are automatically considered for the Water Authority’s awards.

 

Patch Program

Youth Groups

The patch program is designed for groups such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Camp Fire. Program requirements are designed to teach children about their water supply and using water wisely. Upon completion, each group member receives a certificate and an embroidered patch.

Patch Program Requirements:

Cost: Free

Posters & Workbooks

Free Educational Materials

Grant funding by the Hans and Margaret Doe Charitable Trust allows the Water Authority to provide teachers with posters and workbooks about the water cycle, water supplies and water distribution in California.

Posters & Workbook Request Form