Location: Various field sites, Cosumnes River – Delta region

Sponsored By: CA Department of Water Resources; Cosumnes River Preserve; Galt Joint Unified Elementary School District; Water Education Foundation and Partners.

Register: Please click here to reserve your spot or contact John Durand at jdurand@galt.k12.ca.us for more information.

Description: The California Department of Water Resources, Cosumnes River Preserve, Galt Joint Union Elementary School District, and Water Education Foundation invite K-12 educators to join us this summer to learn about California water systems and human interactions – while enhancing your environmental literacy and gaining activities to engage students in exploring concepts and skills straight out of Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards.

The Cosumnes Water Institute explores the connections between our local water infrastructure and ecosystems and statewide California water systems and provide valuable services that sustain wildlife, agriculture and protect our communities. Participants will hear from  water resource and aquatic ecosystem professionals while exploring field locations in the area.

Participants will experience the use of Project WET activities to study water resources and issues interconnected with managing water in California. We will explore topics and field sites ranging from water storage and conveyance to the impact of extreme weather events, ground and storm water management and building climate resilient systems. We will also highlight opportunities for students and schools to take action to reduce impacts to water resources.

Highlights of the institute include:

• An introduction to local water resource issues and science concepts through presentations by practicing water and other natural resource professionals;
• Field experiences exploring local water resources, ecosystems and K-12 education programs – including canoe trip down the Cosumnes River to its confluence with the Mokelumne and touring a regional water treatment plant;
• Engagement in a variety of exemplary lessons and activities that promote conceptual learning, critical thinking and decision-making skills that are the bedrock of Next Generation Science and Common Core Standards;
• Learning about school programs offered by the Cosumnes River Preserve and other institute partners – including available field trip funds for Sacramento and San Joaquin County schools;
• A $300 stipend for full participation, including completion of a curriculum integration project;
• An opportunity to purchase 2 units of credit through CSU Chico.

The $50 registration fee includes all materials, breakfast and lunch and a copy of Project WET Guide 2.0. Registration is limited to 25 participants.