SCHOOLYARD PROGRAMS
Take science learning outside with free stormwater and wastewater lessons right in your school’s “backyard”, in partnership with King County and Seattle Public Utilities.
Schoolyard Programs
Extend your 3rd – 5th grade students’ science and engineering learning with free 90-minute lessons in your schoolyard, sponsored by King County and Seattle Public Utilities. Offered free to King and Snohomish County schools*, these in-person lessons help students connect to the world around them more deeply by exploring stormwater and wastewater science right in your school’s “backyard.”
Aligned with Next Generation Science Standards, these engaging, hands-on lessons include demonstrations and modeling, outdoor observations, and extension activities designed to connect to students’ own neighborhoods and local communities.
*Some geographic exceptions apply. Please contact KayLani Siplin at kaylanis@islandwood.org for more information.
This program is open to 3rd – 5th grade classes.
While we are currently only able to offer lessons to schools in King and Snohomish Counties, we are considering expanding this program to additional geographic areas as the school year goes on. If you’d be interested in participating, sign up here to be notified if and when we are able expand.
The health and safety of you and your students, as well as our educators, is of our utmost priority. Our educators are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and will wear masks and maintain social distance during each lesson. We will also follow any additional safety protocols specific to your school or classroom.
Not ready to have our teams visit your schoolyard or classroom in-person? Explore virtual stormwater and wastewater lessons here.
Stormwater in Your Schoolyard (3rd - 5th Grade Classes)
Designed for 3rd – 5th grade students, this 90-minute lesson is led by IslandWood and King County educators outside in your schoolyard. NGSS-aligned and site-specific, the lesson builds on your students’ prior experiences and understanding of their local environment. Students will be engaged in investigating how stormwater moves through their schoolyard, identifying stormwater problems, and collaborating with their peers to design solutions. Throughout the lesson, students will be introduced to stormwater science concepts, learn about the stormwater engineering solutions that were put in place at their school, and explore the engineering design process. Best of all, they’ll learn how to use scientific practices and skills to address stormwater issues in their communities at home!
Want to learn more? Please reach out to KayLani Siplin at kaylanis@islandwood.org with any questions.
Clean Water Challenge (4th - 5th Grade Classes)
Designed for 4th – 5th grade students, King County and IslandWood educators are also offering 90-minute Clean Water Challenge lessons in your schoolyard. NGSS-aligned and focused on our exploring your local wastewater system, this lesson allows students to investigate how humans impact the water supply in our communities, explore the process of cleaning wastewater, and explore actions they can take to help keep our water clean.
Want to learn more? Please reach out to Katelyn Leeuw at leeuw@kingcounty.gov with any questions.
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