The City of Santa Cruz works with local school districts and teachers to provide instructional assistance, educational materials, classroom presentation and field trips to help educate our students about water and related environmental topics. Materials are designed to meet state education framework requirements and are available to local schools free of charge.
To request a free copy mailed to you:
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Our Water Works in Santa Cruz County
A brand new 20-page colorful activity book for fifth and sixth grade students about freshwater resources, conservation techniques, and pollution prevention. Illustrations depict major watersheds in Santa Cruz County, how surface and groundwater are used in water supply, personal water use, and the value of protecting streams for wildlife. Includes math questions and home activities to reinforce lessons. |
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California Water Map
The poster shows natural and manmade water resources throughout the state, including the major river systems, reservoirs, and aqueducts. Water facilities are color-coded to indicate federal, state or locally funded projects and the wild and scenic river systems. The map text explains the state, federal and local water projects; Bay-Delta issues; the Colorado River; and groundwater issues. |
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Hydrologic Cycle Poster
An 18x24 inch full-color poster excellent for elementary classroom use. The poster shows that water is renewed again and again by the natural hydrologic cycle where water evaporates, transpires from plants, rises to form clouds, and returns to the earth as precipitation. |
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The California Water Story
A multi-disciplinary water curriculum created by the Water Education Foundation for 4th through 6th grade. Teaching about water as an important natural resource, the lessons integrate geography, science, history, math and art. The packet includes a 24-page lesson plan, with work sheets that can be duplicated, a California Water Map poster, a hydrologic cycle poster, and a video on California water history. |
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Household Conservation Kit
For students to take home to evaluate how much water their family is using and to identify water savings that can be achieved in their own homes. The packet includes a conservation booklet and plumbing fixture report card, a gauge for measuring leaks, two leak detector tablets, a shower flow measurement bag, and a tool for measuring toilet water consumption. |
Tours of the Water System for Schools
Take your classroom on a tour of the Loch Lomond Reservoir and the Graham Hill Water Treatment Plant. Meet with a Loch Lomond Ranger at 11:00 am for a guided tour of the reservoir. Bring a lunch and return to the picnic area. Then continue to the Graham Hill Water Treatment Plant to see how the water is treated before it is distributed to our homes and businesses. If you are a teacher and would like to arrange a tour for your classroom, contact the Water Conservation Office at 420-5230.
Classroom Presentations
We regret to say that, due to changes in personnel, the Water Department is temporarily unable to give classroom presentations. Please call the Water Conservation Office at 420-5230 to find out when we expect to resume this service.