Clean water in the classroom

Educating our future generations about stormwater, streams and habitat is an excellent way to bring relatable science into the classroom; it's also imperative for the health of our streams.  Southwest Washington has some excellent resources to help you introduce these important topics in fun and effective ways.

Many of our partner agencies have developed watershed lessons and activities that align to the Next Generation Science Standards.  Click on the topics to find out more and if the programs are available in your jurisdiction.

Explore Your Watershed Story Map

Utilize this virtual, interactive resource to learn about local watersheds, clean water activities, pollution, stream health, recreation and fish and wildlife. Packed with maps, videos, photos and links, this user-friendly Story Map is an excellent place to direct students for research on a number of watershed topics. 

Download these student activity sheets and answer key for classroom ready activities. Each of the six activity sheets includes 10 questions that correspond to a chapter of the Story Map. 

Student Watershed Monitoring Network

Empower future scientists and let students take the lead in assessing the watersheds around them!  Program staff provide teacher training, classroom presentations, help with monitoring site selection, and assist students with on-site testing and sampling.

Students share their projects with each other and the community at the Student Watershed Congress, held annually in May at the Washington State University - Vancouver campus. The Watershed Monitoring Network is aligned with Washington’s Grade Level Expectations and helps prepare students for the annual assessment, known as the Washington Academic Learning Requirements. 

Water Resources Education Center

The Water Resources Education Center provides a myriad of hands-on activities focused around water. Whether it's school field trips for pre-kindergartners to grade 12, outreach opportunities, group visits or watershed monitoring, these programs are a great way to introduce or further knowledge of stewardship, natural resources and world around us.

Throughout the year, the Water Center also offers various workshops for educators, with clock hours provided. Learn about water for personal use, habitat restoration, energy, wildlife and other uses to take back to your classroom.

Clark County Green Schools

Clark County Green Schools works with all local public and private schools in their sustainability efforts. With the goal to encourage environmental leadership and give students tools to implement change in their schools, Clark County Green Schools provides resources and support to help you succeed.  Certifying in Water or School Grounds and Gardens will introduce topics that increase awareness about watershed issues to the broader school community.

• Student Activity Sheets
• Make a Lasting Change Ideas
• Teacher Resource Sheet

Columbia Springs

Columbia Springs offers unique educational programs, such as Salmon In the Classroom, in addition to field trips and volunteer opportunities to foster greater awareness of the natural world and inspire stewardship.  Located on 100 acres of natural area within Vancouver's city limits, Columbia Springs has over two miles of walking trails, wildlife viewings decks, and the fully operational, historic Vancouver trout hatchery.

Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership

The Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership (LCEP) offers no-cost education programs to schools in the lower Columbia region of Oregon and Washington. Classroom science lessons combined with field programs make a cohesive unit of study. Experienced Estuary Partnership educators deliver programs using established curriculum and field tested methods. LCEP provides support for teachers implementing their own units and can help customize programs. They build environmental curiosity and knowledge, empower citizens to make a difference in their communities, and foster a personal connection to the lower Columbia River.

Lower Columbia Nature Network

The Lower Columbia Nature Network (LCNN) connects our community to nature by fostering partnerships in Clark County and southwest Washington. For educators, teachers, school staff and community, LCNN partners offer a range of options to help take students outside for successful learning, play and wellness. Find places to visit, field trip opportunities, lesson kits, project ideas and other ways to engage students in the classroom in a well-curated list of resources here.