Environmental resources for teachers and students

Programs and resources for schools

Quizzes, games & fun facts about waste
How well do you know the Four Rs - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rethink? Find out what you know and what you need to know about garbage, recycling and hazardous waste by quizzing yourself.

Take the EQ* quiz
Assess your personal *Environmental Quotient and see how it compares to your neighbors.

Education and school assistance - Solid Waste Division
Waste reduction, recycling, and resource conservation are the focus of these programs. Storytelling sessions, an assembly show, classroom workshops, teaching materials, and assistance in forming Green Teams are among the offerings. Programs range from preschool through high school.

Programs for Educators Directory (Acrobat pdf)
A guide to King County programs and resources of interest to educators on topics ranging from cultural diversity to water quality and wildlife.

Introduction to stormwater in King County
Learn about the science of stormwater, common problems related to stormwater including causes and solutions, homeowner tips, regulations, and how to get help from King County.

• Stormwater runoff pollution
• What are stormwater facilities?
• Stormwater science

Green Schools Program
Helps schools improve or expand their conservation efforts while reducing related costs, and provides public recognition for becoming better stewards of the environment to serve as models for others.

Cool School Challenge (external link) New
Educational program provides information and motivation and outlines specific steps that students and teachers can apply to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gas emissions schoolwide. Provided courtesy of Redmond High School and the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency.

Household Hazardous Waste school and youth programs
What is household hazardous waste? How does it affect the environment, salmon, AND us? Visit this site to learn how you can schedule highly interactive classroom presentations, download lesson materials, borrow teaching kits/videos/ books, find related field trips, take a training, and more! All services are free.

Resources for teaching about surface water issues
Curricula, resources, and local agencies related to water.

Take the interactive salmon quiz

The Groundwater Story
Musical animation conveys the importance of groundwater to living things -- including people -- and how everyone can help protect this hidden resource.

Wastewater treatment information, education, and public involvement
Where does water go when you flush or brush? Find out how we treat wastewater in our region, locate information about current construction projects and the decision-making process for many of our prominent projects. Programs include a speakers bureau, treatment plant tours, "Wheels to Water" free bus transportation for students to water quality sites and Industrial Waste information. Learn how the choices we make everyday effect the water quality in our region.
As Bert the Salmon say's "Clean water...Its up to you and me!"

Wastewater Treatment Speaker's Bureau
Are you wondering how wastewater gets from your house to our treatment Plants? Where the new treatment plant is going to be located? What projects are planned in your neighborhood? King County Wastewater Treatment Division has set up a Free speakers bureau. A staff specialist will come to your organizations meeting, neighborhood group gathering or classroom to speak about water quality issues/concerns, sewer services, wastewater treatment processes and much more. Please contact John Phillips 206- 684-6799 or email john.phillips@kingcounty.gov for details.

Native plant salvage program
The plant salvage program is a wonderful opportunity for middle school and older students to learn about native plants, protect water resources and get their hands dirty! We can accommodate students on Saturday fall, winter and spring salvage events or arrange work at the plant holding facility in Issaquah (at Duthie Hill Park) during weekdays. If you have questions about the program or would like to participate, please contact Cindy Young.

Create and fund your own project
Thousands of dollars are available for a wide range of projects, from planting wetlands with native plants to writing musicals about water resources. To find out more about the King County grant programs, please contact Ken Pritchard.

School credit program
School districts in unincorporated King County may qualify for a waiver of their SWM fees based on their teaching of surface water-related curriculum. Applications are sent to each school district in the late summer and are due by November 1st. School District properties which are served by a stormwater flow control or water quality facility must correct any maintenance deficiencies identified by King County before that property is allowed the discount. Please call Ken Krank to find out more.

Environment Washington: Tools for Teachers (external link)
Washington State Department of Ecology site offering teacher workshops, grants, action project opportunities, research and references, and a database of environmental curricula, activities, and subject areas by grade range.

Homework help for students

Introduction to our natural resources

• Puget Sound marine life photographs
• Watersheds - we all live downstream
• Wetlands - bogs, ponds, marshes, and meadows
• Lakes - each with a life of its own
• The value of riparian vegetation
• Stormwater retention/detention facilities: what is an R/D Pond?

Ways you can help our resources

• Shoreline practices for a healthy lake
• Environmental volunteer opportunities