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Wetlands in King County, Washington State

Environmental Resources for Teachers and Students

teacher with adult learners

Programs and Resources for Schools

EQ Quiz
Test your "environmental quotient" and see how you compare with others.

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.

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.

students recycling milk containersIntroduction 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.

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.

learning the importance of compostingResources for Teaching about Surface Water Issues
Curricula, resources, and local agencies related to water.

Take the interactive Salmon QuizTake 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! With advance notice, we can accommodate students at fall or spring salvage projects or arrange work at the plant holding facility in Sammamish. If you have questions about the program or would like to participate, please contact Greg Rabourn.

students with cleaning suppliesCreate 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.  

Publications
In addition to hands-on activities, the King County Water and Land Resources Division has an array of written materials about water resources. For copies, please call 206-296-6519.

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

students learn about bus scheduleIntroduction to our Natural Resources

Ways You can Help Our Resources

 

Related Information

Related Agencies

News and Features

Sept. 14, 2008
External opinion, Seattle P-I
Outdoor Education: Learning to hike

Sept. 3, 2008
External column, Seattle Times
The future is bright (and purple and gold)

Aug. 15, 2008
New program introduces young adults to high wage environmental jobs

Aug. 8, 2008
External article, Seattle P-I
District to chop nearly 70 trees at high school

July 21, 2008
External article, Seattle Times
Local schools shining light on solar panels

June 13, 2008
External article, Seattle Times
UW regents approve College of Environment

May 15, 2007
External article, Seattle Times
UW plan merges forestry school, 5 others

Nov. 4, 2007
King County seeks nominations of Earth Heroes in local schools

Dec. 20, 2007
External article, Seattle Times
Teacher's video on global warming a hit online

Nov. 2, 2007
King County Green Schools Program recognizes Issaquah School District for recycling, conservation

Nov. 13, 2007
External article, Seattle P-I
Returning urban salmon provide a thrill and a lesson

Nov. 2, 2007
King County Green Schools Program honors Lake Washington School District

Oct. 27, 2007
External opinion, Seattle Times
A building name fit for a King

Oct. 22, 2007
Education comes through volunteering at Brightwater habitat restoration event

Oct. 15, 2007
External article, Seattle P-I
Many barriers keep organic food out of school lunches
» Puget Sound Fresh

Oct. 4, 2007
King County teachers’ resource directory available

Sept. 30, 2007
External article, Seattle P-I
UW envisions a new Environmental College
Program would unite variety of fields, research.

Sept. 13, 2007
External Opinion, Seattle P-I
Green schools: Color them healthy places of teaching and learning

Aug. 30, 2007
National clean vehicles conference in Seattle
» Speakers

Jun. 20, 2007
Brightwater Environmental Education/Community Center receives state grant

Apr. 13, 2007
King County celebrates local schools’ ‘Earth Heroes’

Apr. 13, 2007
Sims honors Rep. Norm Dicks, 13 others with Green Globe Awards

Leader in Sustainable Schools:
The Evergreen School

 

» Archived news and announcements