Integrating water into your daily lesson plan is easy to do if you're an educator teaching in western Riverside County. Local water purveyors provide a full service program that meets the requirements listed in the Science Framework for California Public Schools. And, as an added bonus, all programs are free-of-charge to teachers and students in both public and private schools in grades K-12.

This level of support is offered by a group of nine water agencies that are committed to encouraging children to develop an early appreciation of water. Funding is provided by Western Municipal Water District. The Water Education Advisory Council of Western Riverside County, formed in 1995, recognizes that water education is an important fact of life. It needs to be in Southern California where we have an average annual rainfall of 10 to 15 inches and face limited water resources and increasing population growth.

So, take a moment to peruse a sampling of some of the many services provided. We're here to help you make it easier to teach your students about one of our most precious resources.

Materials

Whether you're looking for one brochure or an entire classroom unit on water, it's available. Ten-unit lesson plans, videos, posters, stickers, and brochures are only a few items that can be delivered to your school at no cost. Videos and slide shows can be loaned to you for a one-to-two week period. Curriculum is available on a wide variety of subjects including the water cycle, conservation, landscaping, and wastewater treatment, among others.

Lois B. Krieger Water Project Grants for Educators

Lois B. Krieger Water Project Grants for Educators
Educators in grades K-12 can receive up to $700 to use in developing innovative water-related projects. By participating in the grant program, students and teachers have the opportunity to explore hydroponics in space, examine the water quality of the Santa Ana River, and plant a water-wise garden. All you need to do is submit a proposal on a simple two-page application form explaining the purpose of the project proposed, attaching a detailed budget. Contact your local water purveyor for more information and an application or download the grant application PDF. For the brochure, click the art above.

Science Fair

Future scientists are encouraged to learn more about water thanks to an extensive science fair program. Teachers and students who need ideas for science fair projects can contact their local water district for more information and support materials. In addition, the top water-related science fair project from grades 4-8 and grades 9-12 at the school district level is eligible to receive a $50 bookstore gift card. At the regional science fair level, one student's project from grades 4th through 8th and one project from grades 9th through 12th may be selected to receive a $100 bookstore gift card. Further recognition for any water-related science fair project is given by distributing a blue "H2O Science Explorer Award" ribbon embossed with the water cycle to students.

H20 Explorer Badge Program

The H2O Explorer Badge program allows children to select and participate in five water activities of their own choosing, in order to earn a colorful, embroidered badge. The program specifically targets children enrolled in home schools, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and who are involved in community-oriented, non-profit groups. Details for ages 7-10 and 11 and up.

Presentations

Supplement a unit on water by having a water district representative come into your classroom to speak to your students. Teachers can choose from a wide variety of topics including water conservation, the water cycle, and a reading of the "Magic School Bus at the Waterworks." Presentations vary in length from 30 minutes to one hour and should be scheduled weeks in advance. It should be noted that while most water districts have personnel available to make presentations, a few do not. If you are interested in these services, contact the agency representative that covers your school district.

Theater Program

An entertaining way to teach children more about water conservation is through live theater performances targeting students in grades 1-3. Offered at no charge, approximately 30 performances are given to schools within western Riverside County on a yearly basis. Each program runs about 35 minutes. Schools that receive this program are selected by the water agency that services their area. Past performances include "Waterella", "Beauty and the Leak", and "The Adventures of the California Hydroforce." Supplemental materials are distributed to teachers to reinforce the topics discussed during the theater performance.

Solar Cup 2009

Western Municipal Water District and your local water purveyor invite your high school to apply to be selected to build and race a solar powered boat. In this event, participating students and teacher are provided with an outstanding educational experience at no cost to them or the school. Funding is provided by Western Municipal Water District and the Metropolitan Water District. Metropolitan hosts and pays for the boat shell, all training and the event itself. Western’s funding pays for equipping the boat. For more information contact us at 951.789.5038. For an application to be considered for the 2009 event, click here.