Education Resources
Coming soon - a downloadable guide.
The Education Resource Guide is designed to provide a list of curricula, activities, and student projects related to developing content knowledge in the science related to the Rathdrum-Spokane Aquifer, and tied to ID/WA Common Core Math and the Next Gen Science Standards.. The authors see this guide as the “cookbook” to use to develop standard-based lessons that relate to the magnificent aquifer below our feet; it is the only source of drinking, farming, and industrial-use water for almost all of us who live, work, and play from Farragut State Park near Athol, ID to the upper end of Lake Spokane and Nine-Mile Falls area. The science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) lessons, not to mention art, literacy, writing, and social science skills, that can be taught through the use of the Atlas in the classroom are vast. These are only a starting point, and this Guide will continually be updated, expanded, and improved. Please contact the University of Idaho Extension, Northern District, IDAH2O program with ideas, questions, corrections, and other information.
Resources related to the Aquifer Atlas
Project WET provides teachers and resource professionals with accredited workshops designed to provide non-advocacy, hands-on, interdisciplinary water education materials and instruction. This program trains teachers in use and application of the "Project WET Curriculum and Activity Guide", ground water flow models, Enviroscapes and water history trunks.
Idaho Project WET:
322 E. Front Street, Suite 242
Boise, ID 83702
208- 332-4414
Idaho Project WET is housed within the Idaho Water Resources Research Institute at
iwrri@uidaho.edu
Washington Project WET:
Contact: Stacey Selcho
509-535-7274 ext. 217
Stacey-selcho@sccd.org
The University of Idaho and Washington State University have a wide variety of natural resources and environmental education related 4-H curriculum and activities available, far beyond just aquifers and groundwater.
For University of Idaho projects:
extension.uidaho.edu/canyon/files/2013/02/Project-Requirements-Handbook-2013-2014.pdf
For Washington State University Projects:
University of Idaho Extension’s Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program, IDAH2O Master Water Stewards, is a citizen-science project that provides training for volunteers who would like to do regular water quality monitoring on surface waters across Idaho.
http://www.uidaho.edu/cda/idah2o
Community Water Resources Center, University of Idaho-Coeur d’Alene
The Community Water Resource Center (CWRC) at the University of Idaho Harbor Center provides educational activities for all ages to raise awareness of local water resource issues. Through hands-on experiments, exciting games, and interactive demonstrations, students learn all about watershed science topics such as aquatic ecosystems, water quality, aquifer protection, stormwater pollution, and more. The CWRC has classroom, laboratory, and outdoor space available and K-12 programs are adaptable to suit the needs of varying student group sizes and timeframes. The CWRC also offers several professional development opportunities for teachers.
Contact us at:
Marie Pengilly, Outreach Coordinator
(208) 292-2540
Spokane Conservation District
Educational programs include hands-on, interactive demonstrations and activities about natural resources and local issues concerning these resources. Most lessons connect with the science education that students are receiving in their schools. Lessons are provided free of charge to K-12 classrooms; as well as, home-school groups and other organizations that serve the youth (i.e. YMCA and the Boys and Girls Club).
Contact:
Stacey Selcho
509-535-7274 ext. 217
Stacey-selcho@sccd.org
Spokane County Water Resource Education Center (WREC)
This regional interpretive education facility invites all ages to come and learn! We host activities to improve the understanding of:
water in Natural Systems including the water cycle, aquifers, rivers and hydrogeology
water in Engineered Systems including drinking water, wastewater and stormwater.
We focus on the Spokane River watershed and Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer to bring to life concepts which can be applied locally. When classes visit the Water Resource Education Center, we strive to complement specific lesson plans as requested. We’ll help teachers meet a Common Core and/or Next Gen Science Standard…or simply provide a fun but educational outing for the class.
Walking tours of the Spokane County Water Reclamation Facility are also available depending on class size and age. Students learn how wastewater is treated and how the reclaimed water is returned to the Spokane River.
Ultimately, through better understanding of natural and engineered water systems, visitors will leave with personal motivation toward environmental, and in particular water, stewardship.
The Water Resource Education Center and water reclamation facility are located just southeast of Freya Street and Trent Avenue.
Contact:
Toni Taylor
1004 N Freya Street
Spokane WA 99202
(509) 477-7577
http://www.spokanecounty.org/wrc
Upriver Hydroelectric and Water Works Facility
Where does our water come from and how does it travel to your home? How do you turn water into electricity? Find out by visiting the City of Spokane’s historic facility where you can see Spokane’s very first well and the aquifer, a pump house, and visit the hydroelectric building.
Contact:
Kristen Zimmer
2701 N Waterworks St
Spokane, WA 99212
kzimmer@spokanecity.org
509-742-8144
West Valley Outdoor Learning Center
The purpose of the West Valley Outdoor Learning Center is to give teachers and students an opportunity to have experiences in an outdoor setting while instilling an appreciation for fish, wildlife, and our natural resources. All activities are tied to the Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements.
West Valley Outdoor Learning Center
8706 E. Upriver Drive
Spokane, WA 99212
Phone: 509-340-1028
Jami Ostby-Marsh, Environmental Educator
Jami.Ostby-Marsh@wvsd.com
Additional Resources
Regional and National Aquifer-Education-Based online resources
Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, Kids:
Water Does a Lot for Us... What Can We Do For Water?
www.deq.idaho.gov/media/570573-water_kids_tips_fs_2006.pdf
Ground Water in Idaho: Aquifers: www.deq.idaho.gov/water-quality/ground-water/aquifers.aspx
Rathdrum-Spokane Aquifer Specific Educational Tools:
Ground Water in Idaho: Overview: www.deq.idaho.gov/water-quality/ground-water.aspx
Water Quality: Educational Tools:
www.deq.idaho.gov/assistance-resources/educational-tools/teacher-resources.aspx
Washington Department of Ecology, for Educators and Students
Ecology provides environmental education materials for classroom teachers and students’ research, community educators’ programs and for individuals choosing to make a difference. Learn what you can do...and have fun!
http://www.ecy.wa.gov/services/ee/index.html
U.S. Geological Survey:
Groundwater Information Pages: http://water.usgs.gov/ogw/
Water Cycle for kids: http://water.usgs.gov/edu/watercycle-kids.html
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency:
Find an array of environmental and science based lesson plans, activities and ideas about teaching water science. http://www.epa.gov/students/teachers.html#epawater
A Citizen’s Guide to Ground Water Protection:
www.epa.gov/ebtpages/wategroundwaterprotection.html
Drinking Water and Ground Water Kids’ Stuff: www.epa.gov/safewater/kids/index.html
The Groundwater Foundation:
Get Informed: http://www.groundwater.org/get-informed/
Kids Corner: http://www.groundwater.org/kids/welcome.html
Spokane Aquifer Joint Board, Education and Awareness:
Provides some virtual field trips relating to water conservation and aquifer protection; printable coloring/comic books, fun facts about water and household water use, tips for water conservation, and more.