WaterWorks: Dig In Short Program

The WaterWorks: Dig In Short Program offers students a behind-the-scenes look at how the City’s water infrastructure is built and maintained from planning to completion while exploring careers in the field.

Program Overview

Using a local water project or another identified project as a focus, students explore the trajectory of a construction project led by the local agency. By following the project from start to completion, this program empowers students to learn about the process of providing safe, clean water to residents and businesses within their community. With this newfound understanding, the students will make a presentation to 5th grade students near the facility.

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Phases

Part 1: World of Water

The first of five meetings involves an overview of both global and local water systems. Students learn about the essential water services and infrastructure the agency provides to the community. Lastly, meeting one covers water usage at the school, including the school’s plumbing systems, water meters, potable water usage, and the cost of water to the school.

The second meeting begins with a brief overview of the project. Following that, a panel of individuals will deliver four 10-minute presentations, which will take place in the school’s classroom.​

Panel roles:

Equipment Operator – Overview of equipment, how equipment is used for this project, safety issues during operation. ​

City Council Member – Why this project? How is it funded? The role of an Elected  Board member.

City Project Manager – The tasks involved with getting the project “shovel ready”.  Site surveys, blueprints, permits, construction bid documents, contractor selection.

Construction Manager – Site preparation, project materials, sub-contractor coordination, project timeline.

The session begins with an overview of the project plans and instructions on how to read them. Students will then break into small groups to closely examine the actual plans and determine how each document fits into the overall project. Each group will create and deliver a presentation about their assigned document to the rest of the class.

Students will go to the project site and tour the project. The tour will be led by agency staff along with project staff. ​

Students will create a 10-minute presentation to share what they have learned about water and the project. They will use a Poseidon Education presentation outline designed for a 5th-grade audience, which includes prompts about water and the project. The students will then deliver their presentation at a local elementary school.​

Program Benefits

Integration

Hands-on project-based learning that easily integrates into curriculum and aligns with NGSS standards

Connection

Connects students with community through public outreach

Career Exposure

Exposes students to career pathways including municipal public works, water agencies, and environmental engineering firms

Technical Skills

Develops critical data analysis and engineering design skills

Passion and Confidence

Develops passion for environmental leadership as well as confidence in public speaking

Experience

Builds experiences and skills for resumes and applications

Program Features

Comprehensive educational materials customized for the local watershed, school site, teacher, and experience level of students

Digital files customized with information from local agencies, along with water systems and local environmental concerns

Continued 1:1 teacher consultation with certified water quality expert

Includes all necessary equipment for school site water testing, with personal protective equipment for class

Final report development materials and presentation planning